Dubai Customs has launched a blockchain platform that will expedite customs clearance and commercial transactions. The Blockchain platform will save time and effort for all parties involved. It facilitates secure and tamper-proof data sharing to enhance trust and visibility across the supply chain, thereby contributing to building more transparent and reliable business relationships. It will also reduce paperwork and streamline processes leading to substantial cost savings.
According to the press release, the launch of its blockchain platform in a pioneering step aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency in commercial operations within Dubai and across borders.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, stated that the launch of the platform is part of Dubai’s blockchain strategy for digital transactions initiated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The aim is to explore and evaluate the latest technological innovations that help provide secure, efficient, and effective services, thereby enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading global city in advancing technology and smart economy initiatives. The platform also helps consolidate Dubai’s entrepreneurship and global competitiveness capabilities.
Bin Sulayem said, “We are proud to launch the new blockchain platform, which represents a quantum leap in enhancing the efficiency of business operations in Dubai. This innovation reflects our vision to make Dubai a global hub for trade and logistics. We believe that adopting modern technologies like blockchain will significantly contribute to improving the business environment and enhancing Dubai’s position as a major center for global trade. We are committed to supporting all efforts aimed at improving and simplifying business operations in Dubai and supporting its digital strategy.”
Dr. Abdullah Busnad, Director General of Dubai Customs, highlighted that the blockchain platform launch is a crucial step in facilitating trade movement and enhancing Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub. He underscored that the platform will not only benefit Dubai Customs but also serve as a valuable tool for collaboration with other government entities, The goal is to make the business environment in Dubai smoother, more streamlined, and transparent.
Dr. Busnad said, “We always strive to contribute to achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in enhancing Dubai’s sustainable business environment through digital initiatives. This initiative represents a vital step towards a bright and spectacular future for trade and government services, ensuring the emirate’s innovation and global leadership journey continues.”
Atiq Almehairi, Executive Director of Customs Development Division at Dubai Customs, emphasized the importance of the blockchain platform in improving service efficiency through simplified data exchange and automated processes, speeding up customs clearance procedures, and reducing overall transaction times.
This is not the first time that Dubai Customs uses blockchain, In May 2023 Dubai Customs secured a second intellectual property certificate from the UAE’s Ministry of Economy for their groundbreaking “Blockchain System for Managing Intellectual Property and Knowledge Assets”. Engineer Saeed bin Faris, Manager of the Awareness and Education Section in Dubai Customs developed a smart system based on blockchain technology for managing intellectual property and knowledge assets. The system provides strong and transparent protection for intellectual property rights, ensuring the protection of the creations of inventors, authors, and rights holders. The system will also enhance cooperation between government agencies and international organizations, contributing to the unification of efforts to protect intellectual property worldwide.
In September 2023, Dubai South, property developer and free zone, completed a blockchain integration with Dubai Customs, making it the first free zone in Dubai to achieve this milestone. As part of Dubai’s ecommerce strategy, Dubai South will utilize blockchain integration to enhance its ecommerce operations reducing time and costs by auto generating declarations and streamlining the tracking and processing of orders.
