Dubai: The foreign trade sector in Dubai is actively pursuing the goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This initiative was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the objective of doubling Dubai’s economy over the next decade and solidifying its position as one of the world’s top three economic cities.

In the first quarter of this year, there has been a notable increase in customs transactions, with a record of 7 million transactions, according to Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. Dubai Customs’ smart services and projects support Dubai’s journey to becoming one of the fastest growing cities in the world, with its ability to automate customs procedures, enhance business operations and increase returns on commercial activities, attracting more investments and companies in the commercial sector. Dubai Customs values continuous communication and interaction with its clients, as evidenced by the Consultative Council’s first meeting this year, which included business groups and trade representatives discussing the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda. Additionally, a Ramadan gathering for clients was held to exchange opinions and ideas towards maximizing the role of the commercial sector as one of Dubai’s most important economic resources.

Dubai Customs has intensified its efforts to combat counterfeit goods and protect intellectual property rights. In the first quarter of 2023, the government department handled 112 cases of intellectual property disputes, involving 9.6 million counterfeit goods with a total value of Dhs28.85 million. The government department also continued to organize recycling operations for counterfeit goods, completing 24 recycling processes involving 43.78 thousand counterfeit goods.