DUBAI - Dubai Customs completed 25.7 million customs transactions in 2022, while maintaining the highest levels of security at the emirate’s borders. Dubai Customs also made 2,147 seizures.

Being the oldest government department in the emirate, Dubai Customs has been an active player in the UAE's progress throughout 2022, recording a remarkable performance in customs transactions, seizures and creative services. It won several global awards and accolades, and launched a number of creative products that aimed to reduce cost for clients and increase their revenues, which helps lure more foreign investments into the trade sector and affiliated sectors.

"Boosting Dubai external trade and facilitating business for traders and investors is a priority in our strategic planning following the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai," said Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. "This will consolidate the emirate’s position on the global competitiveness indexes and indicators and grow mutual trade."

Musabih added, "The Government of Dubai’s general budget for the fiscal cycle of 2023-2025, with total expenditures of AED205 billion, will entice more investments into the emirate. From our side we are working in full swing through our Strategic Plan 2021-2026, which stands on five principles: Agile, Innovative, Digital, Disruptive, Visionary, following four main objectives to enhance revenues, reduce costs, and maintain the organization’s leading role worldwide. This is done through the outstanding proactive services Dubai Customs provides to its clients, providing exceptional job experience to enrich the work environment, optimal investment in human capital and nurturing knowledge and professionalism."

He highlighted that the UAE is reaching out to more major markets thanks to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) signed with major partners. The agreements signed with India, Israel and Indonesia usher in a new chapter in trade. Dubai Customs supports these partnership agreements through facilitating trade with the partners and introducing the best customs services.

Dubai Customs dealt with 388 intellectual property disputes in 2022, which included 14.5 million counterfeit items with a street value of AED 109.5 million. The Government Department has also been active in recycling counterfeit goods with more than 93 recycling operations taking place throughout the year that targeted 173,000 counterfeit items.