Dubai Customs carries out 2.33m transactions in 1st Q 2017

Press release

Published May 14th, 2017 - 06:11 GMT

Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director of Clients Management Division

Dubai Customs carried out 2.329 customs transactions during the first quarter of 2017 compared to 2.241 customs transactions in the same period in 2016. This reflects a healthy continuity of growth and a better performance of external non-oil trade sectors. The growth supports the diverse national economy and helps the UAE better advance towards a post-oil stage.

Dubai Customs carried out 9.1 million customs transactions in 2016 compared to 9 million transactions in 2015, and 8.6 million transactions in 2014.

Customs transactions include 19 major services delivered by Dubai Customs to its clients through 23 land, sea and air customs centres and entry points in the UAE.

Commenting on this, Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director of Clients Management Division said:” Dubai Customs is enhancing its efficiency in handling transactions through the adoption of the latest smart technologies and tools. We aim at making clients happier following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in support of the national economy”.

Al Khaja added:” We prepare ourselves to host Expo 2020 in the best possible way in coordination with the federal and local government departments following the guidelines of Dubai 10X which puts the city 10 years ahead of other cities in the world. This all serves the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 which the wise leadership launched to draw the lines and specify the future plans of the country”.

Eman Badr Al Suwaidi, Director of Customs Declaration Department pointed out that the rise in customs transactions means a better performance and happier clients.

“This couldn’t have happened without good training and adoption of smart applications and services. We at Dubai Customs have an integrated strategy that serves the client in the best possible way. In 2016 we launched the Authorized Economic Program (AEO) to give certain advantages to trusted clients, thus saving time and effort” Al Suwaidi concluded.

Background Information

Dubai Customs

Dubai Customs is one of the leading government departments taking part in enhancing sustainable development and promoting Dubai’s image worldwide, turning it into a principal capital, business and tourism destination, as it facilitates smooth movement of legitimate trade and leverages economic and social development, the matter which is consistent with its slogan stating "gateway to Dubai’s prosperity", because prosperity is usually based on free trade through a safe, fast and practical environment to meet the needs of people and adapt to their requirements. This in addition to DC’s main role to protect society and borders against those who try to smuggle prohibited substances to or through Dubai threatening the community safety and security.