Dubai’s Deira and Hamriyah ports processed 62,454 customs declarations worth AED12.133 billion ($3.3 billion) in the first nine months (9M) of 2023, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. 

 

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, who recently visited Creek Customs Centre, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Centre to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts observed that Hamriyah Port Customs Centre showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

 

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Centre and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the ‘Wheelhouse’, which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilogrammes of narcotics into the country.

 

Pivotal role

Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasised the pivotal role of maritime customs centres in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the department's support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

 

Musabih clarified that the department's advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE's rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai's economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets.

 

Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements.

 

Rasheed Al-Dabah, Acting Director of Sea Customs Centres Management, said shortly new initiatives and mechanisms will be introduced in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilised in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade. 

 

He remarked: "Our endeavours are harmonised to enhance performance in sea customs centres, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialised teams within the department. 

 

“The Customs centres in Deira, Al Khor, and Hamriyah Port Customs Centre shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy."--TradeArabia News Service