Dubai Customs highlighted its outstanding experience and advanced systems in enhancing security and protecting society and the economy from the dangers of smuggling prohibited and counterfeit materials to a delegation from Ras Al-Khaimah Customs Department.
Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Acting Director of Intelligence Department and Saleh Al-Hammadi, Manager of Control Room received the delegation, which included Saeed Abdullah bin Dhawi, Customs Intelligence Expert, and the Control and Communication Exports: Saif Mohammed Al-shihi, Muntasir Ahmed Al-Amiri, and Ghanim Salem Al-Hassouni.
The visiting delegation was briefed on the Rafid program; the leading service in reporting risks and customs violations, or any wrong commercial practices that may harm the economy and trade or prejudice the security and stability of the country. The service enjoys a high degree of confidentiality and security. Rafid won wide praise at the local and international levels, as the Customs Compliance Committee of the World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of the service and its role in detecting erroneous practices.
The Control Room at Dubai Customs receives information and reports from employees, clients and different segments of society through dedicated channels. This information is sent to Intelligence Operations Team who analyze it and share it with the relevant authorities.
Dubai Customs is currently working on developing the service so that the information is immediately sorted, and the levels of importance and priority are determined.
The delegation also visited the control room and listened to an explanation from Saleh Al Hammadi about the room's features and the programs it includes. The Dubai Customs’ control room is the first customs operations room in the region and the Arab world. It monitors the security customs work around the clock, and it performs many tasks, including monitoring the 500 surveillance cameras distributed at the land, sea and air freight customs ports. The control room also uses 23 customs security programs around the clock to follow up on inspections and shipments, inquire about containers, receive phone calls and inquiries from customs centers, and publish security circulars at various ports.
" In line with its strategic plan 2021-2026, which aims to lead safe customs globally, Dubai Customs adopts an integrated series of advanced procedures and programs to address all smuggling attempts, starting from the early warning technology represented by the intelligent risk engine system to complicated inspection operations, “said Mohammed Abdullah Al-Suwaidi. “The Customs Intelligence Department receives and analyzes information, and monitor all suspicious shipments. The department’s procedures and efforts to enhance security and protect society are a major supporter in maintaining the position of Dubai as a pivotal and leading hub in global trade, consolidating its position as the safest city in the world.”