Dubai Customs steps ahead in implementing strategic plan

Dubai Customs continue to lead steps after being the first among public and private sectors in unveiling its strategic plan 2007-2011 last February, after laborious preparations and in line with Dubai strategic plan 2007-2015 announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice- President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The move confirms Dubai Customs' methodological planning aimed at securing a prime position among Customs Administrations.

Mr. Ahmed Butti Ahmed, Director General of Dubai Customs said today after meeting an Afghani delegation which included the Minister for Customs affairs, Sherif Allah Ibrahim, the Director General, Abdul Jaleel Jumeirati, and the senior consultant, Martin Van Welken that in the coming two weeks Dubai Customs will unveil 2 initiatives that will contribute in solidifying the reputation of Dubai and contributes in its economic and social development.

The continuous efforts of Dubai Customs were behind this advanced step which is considered an added value on all levels, its compliance to the requirements of the World Customs Organization and implementing all the international standards, and its thrive towards excellence.

"In the coming phases Dubai Customs will launch the first edition of the Reform and Modernization Program specialized in creating a paperless environment and enhancing electronic Customs Declarations, and this program is unique among regional and local Customs Administrations , in addition to that ,we will present the findings of the Value Added Tax Study in GCC countries which also will be followed by 3 strategic projects reflecting our aim to become the first Customs Administrations," he added.

Dubai Customs are considered among the first Administrations to conduct a diagnostic review to measure the needs and requirements based on international standards, and also performed a gap analysis study across its systems and procedures to compare it with other world customs systems in addition to the development of a Risk Management Plan that will be made public soon.

Dubai Customs and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have special relations since 1995 because the administration was aware on the importance of these ties in contributing to the growing unique role of Dubai.

The World Customs Organization is considered the international body responsible for establishing the standards and mechanisms needed for the capacity building of World Customs Administrations.

Within the framework of the World Customs Organization standards and rules, Dubai Customs has made great strides in completing its set of rules.

The Director General of Dubai Customs added, "We are proud by the distinguished evaluation given by the International Organizations and which came as an outcome of our efforts which propelled Dubai Customs to the forefront."

Being a fiscal and monitoring organization does not deter Dubai Customs from facilitating the flow of goods on the different ports of entries of Dubai and balancing between the security and the economic role.

These measures are complemented by the social responsibilities of Dubai Customs towards its community and preserving it, and in this regards the deeds talk.

It is worth noting that Dubai Customs process daily 15,000 Customs Declarations which is the highest number recorded in 5 years and this reflects clearly its contribution in the economic development of the UAE in general and Dubai in specific.