Dubai Customs launched its events for the UAE Innovation Month 2021 under the theme “Al Furdah Innovates”. There will be 39 new initiatives running from 21 to 27 February, which aim to promote Dubai Customs role in spreading the culture of innovation. The virtual opening ceremony took place in the presence of H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, Abeer Tahlak, Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, Habib Al Fardan, the UAE football national team player, Darren Allum Fiscal Crime Liaison Officer –Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, British Embassy Dubai, and Dubai Customs executive directors and heads of customs departments and centers.
In a statement delivered at the opening ceremony, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih said; “The UAE Innovation Month is a reflection of the national efforts to excel and achieve sustainable development. The recent launch of the Probe Hope to the red planet is a historical achievement and a great feat in space exploration. Thanks to the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we are moving steadily into the next 50 years of prosperity and success.
“Innovation has turned into an essential component in Dubai Customs’ work environment. Our services and operations are continuously developing and improving in accordance with our vision of adopting the best world practices to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global trade hub, secure the borders, and protect the society.”
Dubai Customs received Agile Organization certification from the American Business Agility Institute (BAI), as the first agile government organization worldwide. The Government Department consolidated its position in agility by obtaining four-star rating, the highest agility rating given by BAI, topping other competitors. The next four competitors in the list were private sector companies from different countries.
Musabih added; “This year, our initiatives at the Innovation Month will be diverse to ensure they target as many people and stakeholders as possible with the aim of spreading the culture of innovation in our society. This year’s initiatives will have a distinctive flavor as they coincide with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.”
“Innovation is gaining more importance due to the spread of the pandemic and the need to overcome the challenges posed by the crisis that swept across the world. Against all odds, we had 5404 ideas in the last year, which raises the total number of innovative ideas Dubai Customs has received since the formation of its digital systems until the end of 2020 to more than 42,000 ideas. In addition, our people came up with 91 disruptive innovations to take the total number of innovations up to 237. For this, we have gained 127 local and international awards so far.”
At the launch ceremony, Director General of Dubai Customs launched the 1st Innovation Tournament to motivate employees and encourage them to compete and come up with creative ideas that can improve customs procedures and services.
The football national team player Habib Al Fardan said the idea of having an innovation Tournament similar to a football Tournament is novel and out of the box. “We compete with honor and determination on the football pitch, and Dubai Customs employees will do the same in their work.”
Hussain Al Fardan, Dubai Customs’ Innovation Center senior manager delivered a presentation on the Innovation Tournament. The initiative aims to involve and encourage more employees to take part in developing smart tools and techniques that would facilitate customs services.