In a step reflecting pride in Dubai's rich history and its contribution to sustainable development, Dubai Customs updated its unified toll-free phone number to become 8001886 instead of the previous numbers. This update aims to unify Dubai Custom’s engagement channels, providing prompt and enhanced services that connect all customs centres and services under a single platform. It underscores Dubai Custom’s ambitious strategy to eliminate bureaucracy, enhance engagement with the public, and improve customer journey and experiences. Noting that Dubai Customs Contact Centre received 95,630 inbound calls during 2023 and 93,977 inbound calls up to Q3 in 2024
A continuous improvement journey
H.E. Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, highlighted the significance of introducing 1886 as the new phone number, symbolizing a pivotal year in Dubai’s trade prosperity. This step reflects Dubai Customs’ commitment to strengthening its corporate identity and emphasizing the role of trade in the emirate’s economic growth over the years. The selection also underscores Dubai’s status as a strategic hub connecting East and West and a key global trade center. This initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aiming to position Dubai among the top three global economic cities by 2033.
“The new unified contact number, 8001886, represents a unique link between Dubai’s rich history and its ambitious future,” Dr. Busenad said. “It combines the emirate’s legacy with the evolution of digital services, symbolising the continuity of a journey that began more than a century ago and continues to drive progress toward global prominence.”
Inspired by Visionary Leadership
Dubai Customs draws inspiration from the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who emphasized in his book “My Story” that Dubai’s progress is the result of continuous hard work over generations. H.H. highlighted that Dubai’s commercial vision took shape in 1886, under Sheikh Rashid bin Maktoum’s focus on strengthening economic security and stability. This highlights the inspiring role and profound impact of the esteemed Al Maktoum family in driving Dubai's growth and progress. Their leadership has transformed the city into one of the world’s leading hubs for commerce, tourism, and the economy, a global centre for innovation and creativity, a gathering place for talent, and one of the finest cities to live and work.
Facilitating trade
Dubai has established itself as the primary regional hub for global trade, as reflected in its external trade value of AED 2 trillion in 2023. This demonstrates the emirate’s capacity to overcome global supply chain challenges, enhance competitiveness, and lead future transformations in global trade. Dubai Customs continues to align with Dubai’s strategic plans by enhancing its digital platforms and programmes to facilitate business and attract foreign investments. In 2023, Dubai Customs processed over 30.4 million customs transactions. Additionally, Dubai Customs is recognised among the elite in the Dubai Government Excellence Program for 2023 and plays a critical role in protecting society and the economy by combating the smuggling of prohibited, restricted, and counterfeit goods.
A unified platform for integrated services
The unified contact number serves as a centralised platform linking Dubai Customs’ partners to a wide range of services, from general inquiries to tailored solutions that streamline trade operations for better agility. In addition, the unified contact number enhances process efficiency and ensures immediate support, and offers direct access to Dubai Customs’ concerned parties, enabling prompt and accurate responses to customer needs.
Customer Experience
Dubai Customs places the customer at the forefront of its priorities to enhance their satisfaction with their experience and create added value for them, through a charter aimed at strengthening communication, adopting best practices, and implementing smart solutions. The government department also provides its services through dedicated centers such as Port Rashid, Jebel Ali, Cargo Village, and the Airport Free Zone, in addition to its digital platforms available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To promote a culture of happiness, the contact center serves as a main point of contact to respond to customer inquiries and ensure their needs are met.