Dubai Customs’ smart mobile-enabled services, launched early October, as part of its transformation into the first 100 % smart government department, have attracted the interest of both federal and local government departments seeking to exchange expertise in this regard in view of implementing the Smart Government Initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
A Dubai Police delegation, headed by Colonel Ahmad Thani bin Ghulaita, Director of Crime Prevention at the Criminal Investigation Department, visited Dubai Customs where they were received by Juma Al Ghaith, Executive Director of Customs Development Division. During the meeting, Al Ghaith showcased Dubai Customs’ experience in developing smart mobile-enabled services in a record time, after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the m-Government Initiative. He briefed the delegation on the process of delivering all Dubai Customs’ services through mobile phones to customers, wherever they are 24/7.
Al Ghaith explained that the Department developed an integrated system for services that allows customers to submit their requests through their phones and ensures them that their requests are being processed the moment they are received by the respective employee. The system notifies customers directly on the progress of their requests and the time needed to deliver the services they requested. This is an added value for customers, as it cuts down their business costs, saves their time and reduces the need for personnel to carry out customs transactions.
The delegation showed great interest in Dubai Customs’ smart government experience. The importance of coordination and sharing experiences between government departments to achieve the objectives of a local smart government, was highlighted at the meeting.
The new breakthrough is meant to boost Dubai’s competitiveness after being announced as the host city of EXPO 2020, and reinforce the Emirate's position on the world trade map. Dubai plays a vibrant role in linking world markets, being at the hub of the international economic platform and owing to the city’s cutting-edge infrastructure and the facilitations and business opportunities it offers.