Dubai Customs unveils ‘Shahin’ digital platform as it marks World Customs Day

Dubai, UAE: Dubai Customs celebrated World Customs Day on 26 January reaffirming its commitment to fostering a more efficient, secure and prosperous future for global trade and unveiling its latest innovative solution, the “Shahin” digital platform which is designed to track trucks and shipments.

The Shahin initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Border Security, and the Security Industries Regulatory Authority, aims to enhance the security framework and facilitate trade within the UAE.

Under the theme, “Committed to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” Customs agencies worldwide celebrated the World Customs Day, echoing the call of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) to prioritize innovation and collaboration.

“On January 26th every year, World Customs Organization and its member customs authorities celebrate World Customs Day. This day is an opportunity to honor the dedication and commitment of customs teams, support informed decisions to ensure sufficient resources to address challenges effectively, and to highlight the importance of elevating customs standards in line with the ambitions of our member administrations. This year’s theme emphasizes the need for practical steps to facilitate trade while ensuring security and sustainable growth, embodying the commitment of customs authorities to efficiency, security, and prosperity,” said WCO Secretary General, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya, in a recorded message.

On this occasion, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, expressed that the UAE has excelled in foreseeing the future of the economic sector, thanks to the visionary leadership that has implemented proactive strategies. These strategies have helped elevate the UAE’s position as a global trade and economic hub.

He emphasized that this foresight has fostered comprehensive trade and economic partnerships, enabling the UAE to meet global challenges, ensuring sustainable growth, and continuous innovation across various sectors.

Since the launch of the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in September 2021, the country has signed 24 CEPA agreements with strategically important nations and regional blocs, collectively representing approximately 2.5 billion people. This has had a positive impact on the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade, which reached an unprecedented AED 2.8 trillion in 2024.

Furthermore, foreign direct investments are projected to reach AED 130 billion and industrial exports are expected to hit AED 190 billion for the first time.

“In line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Customs continues its unwavering commitment to developing digital services and programs that enhance efficiency, security, and prosperity in customs operations and Dubai’s external trade,” said Bin Sulayem.

Dubai Customs recently unveiled its unique “Seamless Inspections” project, which moves the customs inspection process directly to company warehouses. This shift has directly reduced customs processing times by more than 50%, while also enhancing operational efficiency and boosting Dubai’s commercial and logistical competitiveness by increasing supply chain flexibility and fluidity.

In the area of collaborative efforts to combat the smuggling of prohibited goods and ensure community safety, Dubai Customs has strengthened its cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other relevant international organizations. This partnership facilitates the exchange of information and expertise to support global customs work.