The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC)’s stand at GITEX Technology Week has hosted multiple diplomatic and business delegations as well as numerous public figures, officials and heads of government entities. Dubai Customs introduced a Canadian business delegation headed by Jean-Philippe Linteau, Consul-General of Canada in Dubai, to its smart initiatives that harness technology and innovation to streamline the flow of trade and passengers. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, CEO of PCFC, Director General of Dubai Customs, discussed with the delegation ways to foster bilateral relations and boost trade growth between Dubai and Canada.
H.E. Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police stopped by the PCFC’s stand and was walked through Dubai Customs’ innovative projects by H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih. They explored consolidating joint ties between Dubai Customs and Dubai Police to enhance security cooperation and community protection.
H.E. Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Director General, Federal Customs Authority, during his visit to the PCFC’s booth, hailed the newly developed innovations on display by Dubai Customs. He was particularly briefed on the I-Box smart lockers for safekeeping commercial or valuable goods carried on by inbound transit passengers. The initiative allows travelers to keep their valuable cargo in the airport customs center on arrival without paying duty and collect them through self-clearance service on departure from the country.
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih said, “GITEX is a global platform for innovation, cooperation and shaping the future in modern technology and artificial intelligence. Leveraging these technologies is the way forward to ensure delivery of high-standard services to customers and business sectors. This year’s edition has attracted greater attention as it coincides with Expo 2020.”
Dubai Customs unveiled a number of cutting-edge initiatives that take customs inspections to a higher level, in line with its 2021-2026 strategic plan objectives towards leading safe and sustainable customs globally through optimizing effective targeting and inspection.
Among the creative initiatives displayed are the Smart electric vehicles which help with inspection operations along the Diera Wharfage, Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port (14km). These are environmentally friendly vehicles that run entirely on electricity. There are two types of the vehicle: one type being used to carry inspectors to different sites (up to 4 inspectors), and the other type is modified to be used by the K9 Unit. Providing supporting to inspections, the new vehicles conduct security patrols around the clock, enabling the inspectors to detect and seize any prohibited items or contraband. For they can easily move between cargos on the quays and are able to impose a security perimeter around the coastal zone without any disturbance to the visitors of these mostly tourist areas.
Another major highlight of Dubai Customs’ participation at Gitex is the Customs Submarine which fascinated the exhibition’s visitors. The new creative underwater drone can explore vessels’ hulls and dive down up to 98 feet. It features a 4K camera which can provide high resolution 3D pictures and videos. Live streaming can be aired in the operations room using virtual reality goggles to detect any smuggled goods.
