Dubai Customs Wins Four Top Awards At Ideasuk

Dubai Customs has scooped four top awards at the ideasUK 29th Annual International Conference held recently in London, further establishing its firm foothold in the international and regional scenes as a catalyst of innovation and creativity.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, welcomed the decorated employees and commended their exceptional performance.

Idea of the Year Trophy, the highlight of the event, was given to Dubai Customs’ Inspection Manager at DXB Terminal 2 Ahmed Shadad for his Smart Baggage Inspection System. The idea was considered the best of all short-listed entries. Dubai Customs is the first government department in the world to receive this coveted trophy for two years in a row.

Moreover, Dubai Customs was also the winner of the Innovation Award, which is awarded to the idea that demonstrates the best in original thinking, for the second consecutive year. The winning idea of the Innovation Award was the solar-powered and environment-friendly amphibious vehicle, created by Sami Essa, Manager of Intelligence Operations, is fitted with 10 sophisticated inspection gadgets and can work on land and water.

On the other hand, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award recognised the idea of installing a gate for people with special needs at the airport. The idea is the brainchild of Mohammed Al Makrani, Senior Inspector at DXB terminal 3, and Salah Naji, Inspector at Al Maktoum International Airport.

For the sixth consecutive year, Dubai Customs has been awarded the ideasUK Platinum Category for its efficient suggestions system, scoring 100% for the third year in a row.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Chairman of DP world, lauded the great strides achieved by Dubai Customs employees, saying, "Clinching 4 ideasUK awards reflects the high innovative spirits and allegiance our customs staff enjoy at their workplaces. The awarded innovations have become an integral part of our work processes and systems, and they contribute to meeting Dubai Customs’ vision and strategic goals as derived from Dubai Plan 2021 and UAE Vision 2021."

Bin Sulayem added: "These breakthroughs actually translate our longstanding commitment to innovation and creativity, in line with the Year of Innovation initiative announced by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the national innovation strategy launched by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his perspective for innovation to be a way of life in government work and a foundation for community wellbeing and engagement in the entire development process."

The PCFC Chairman emphasised that Dubai Customs has set a role model globally and regionally in terms of developing viable innovations and technology solutions to take Customs work to the next level. "This model has earned us another international recognition by ideasUK, which also acknowledges Dubai’s global distinction and leadership in the world of innovation thanks to an environment that is supportive to creativity and new ideas."

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, congratulated the winners and applauded their willingness to go the extra mile.