Dubai Customs has announced its full readiness to receive GCC nationals arriving through Hatta border crossing, following the directives of the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to resume passenger movement through UAE’s land ports of entry. Omani citizens will be permitted to enter the country via land ports without prior approval of UAE authorities.
Humaid Al Rasheed, Director of Land Customs Centers Management at Dubai Customs, said “We announce the readiness of Hatta Customs Center to resume movement and receive Omani citizens and GCC nationals arriving from the Sultanate. Precautionary and preventive measures have been taken to ensure the safety of visitors and inspectors and protect against the spread of COVID-19.”
Al Rasheed noted that the center was set to ensure utmost levels of fluidity of passenger process and facilitate arrivals clearance procedures by increasing the number of inspectors to 87 staff who will be available in shifts around the clock, supported by advanced inspection and screening equipment.
Hatta Customs Center plays a pivotal role in facilitating commercial and passenger traffic between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman, with nearly 2 million passengers using the border crossing annually, said Al Rasheed.
The Director of Land Customs Centers Management said, “Dubai Customs is implementing an ambitious development strategy to enhance the Hatta Border Crossing’s significance as a leading tourist and trade hub. New premises are being built for the Customs Center to accommodate the increased influx of people and conveyances using the crossing point. The new integrated Customs building will boast advanced inspection yards and scanning equipment for cargo and baggage.”