Dubai: Dubai Customs is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence into its customs ecosystem to enhance decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and support the business community, reinforcing Dubai's competitiveness as a global trade and logistics hub.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative reflects Dubai Customs' continued investment in advanced technologies to redesign customs operations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and improve service efficiency, while supporting the UAE's drive to accelerate the adoption of agentic AI applications. It also aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai and the UAE among the world's leaders in harnessing advanced technologies and AI to serve the economy and society.
As part of these efforts, Dubai Customs is continuing the pilot development of OCTA, an enterprise intelligence platform designed to support decision-making, strengthen knowledge management, and convert data into actionable insights to improve policies, procedures, and organisational performance. The authority is also advancing the pilot phase of its Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system, which uses AI to analyse shipment data before arrival, enhancing risk management, customs readiness, and the balance between trade facilitation and border security.
Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, stated that artificial intelligence has become a key driver of Dubai's economic ambitions. He emphasized that for Dubai Customs, investment in artificial intelligence is an investment in the future of trade and Dubai's economy, not simply in technology. Every smart initiative is designed to facilitate trade, strengthen investor confidence, support the business community, and prepare the customs ecosystem for the future.
Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of the Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department at Dubai Customs, noted that the authority is building an integrated enterprise intelligence ecosystem in which AI drives performance improvement, service development, innovation, and decision-making in line with global best practices. He highlighted that the pilot phase of OCTA and ACI will help refine the solutions before full deployment, ensuring maximum value for employees, customers, and the business community while supporting Dubai's long-term economic competitiveness.
Dubai Customs stated that these initiatives demonstrate that artificial intelligence has become a strategic foundation for redesigning government operations, enabling trade, strengthening economic competitiveness, and supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, while reinforcing Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business, investment, and the future economy.