Dubai Customs received a delegation from the Global Excellence Council as part of the agenda of the Dubai Forum for Government Best Practices. The Forum is a leading knowledge-sharing platform for government officials and lies at the center of the Dubai Government Excellence (DGE) program, which was established 25 years ago to elevate the performance of the government of Dubai by drawing on international best practices.
For many years, the Dubai Forum for Government Best Practices has driven continuous improvement, helping thousands of Dubai government employees to sustain effective, organizational and personal excellence every day.
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation along with executive directors and heads of customs departments received the delegation. The visitors were briefed on the distinguished experience of Dubai Customs and its role in enhancing the system of government excellence.
The delegation praised Dubai Customs’ modern approach and world-class services, which resulted in obtaining 91.8% on the Dubai Government Customer Happiness Index 2021, announced by the DGE. The Council commended Dubai Customs strategic plan 2021-2026, which is founded on five pillars (Agile, Innovative, Digital, Disruptive, and Visionary.
The visiting delegation included a group of international experts and specialists, heads of excellence programs at the global level, and a group of experts in the Dubai Government Excellence program.
The Global Excellence Council aims to define and promote a culture of excellence to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of organizations across the globe. The first initiative of its kind, the Council works to conduct joint events and activities in the field of quality and performance excellence in cooperation with international partners. It also highlights international best practices in the management of quality and excellence accreditation, evaluate the most effective management practices, consolidate the foundations and principles of excellence, and stimulate the adoption of excellence models.
His Excellency Director General welcomed the members of the delegation, stressing that the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has established Dubai as one of the best cities in the world to live in, and a global capital of excellence and leadership in government work.
Musabih noted that what Dubai Customs’ advanced systems and innovating smart customs services has become a model for professional customs work. The World Customs Organization and various customs authorities commended the role played by Dubai Customs in enhancing the resilience of supply chains by providing services based on advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.
He pointed out that the Government Department's investment in technology directly contributed to the completion of nearly 97% of customs transactions online through smart systems, and that was culminated in winning the DGE’s Elite Award. Dubai Customs’ mark at the Program increased from 433 to 650 in 2021.
Musabih added; “We are happy we are an important part in Dubai’s pivotal role in global trade and tourism. We regularly meet with our clients to learn more about their needs, aspirations and suggestions. We have developed the Cross Border e-Commerce Platform, the first of its kind in the region, which aims to boost regional e-commerce activities and encourage online firms establish their headquarters in the emirate.
“We have also made improvements to the smart iDeclare app, which allows travelers to disclose their belongings before coming to the country, and in a few minutes. Dubai Customs is working to enhance the Authorized Economic Operator program, which grants benefits to members that support trade facilitation.”
In the meeting, Dubai Customs presented the digital transformation strategy and proactive work model, the service performance monitoring system and the government integration system. The Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department reviewed Dubai Customs’ plan for the coming years in accordance with its mission to protect society and promote sustainable economic development through commitment, facilitation and innovation.
The Client Happiness Department presented the comprehensive improvement methodology that the department followed to improve the happiness of its clients, which included many initiatives.
At the end of the meeting, the delegation, in the presence of His Excellency the Director General of Dubai Customs, and Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Director of Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department, planted the native Sidr tree. Native trees, including Sidr, have made a welcome reappearance across the UAE in recent years. Government legislation encourages the use of native and drought-tolerant species.
In its long tradition, the Dubai Forum has advanced the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to encourage the relentless pursuit of creativity and innovation in government work, and to move with confidence and strength toward the future with best practices and working methods.