DUBAI:  Dubai Customs has equipped the Jebel Ali and Tecom Customs Centre with a first-of-its-kind advanced system in the world for inspecting heavy and light vehicles, equipment, and yachts through X-ray scanning. This system allows the centre to double its inspection operations and accelerate procedures, supporting the smooth flow of business and trade and enhancing the position of Jebel Ali Port as the largest port in the Middle East and one of the most critical ports globally.The system has been customised to meet Dubai Customs’ requirements, allowing it to scan vehicles and heavy equipment with maximum dimensions of 5.9 metres by 5.5 metres.

The system operates in two modes: stationary (gantry) mode, where the vehicle is stationary and mobile mode, where the vehicle is scanned while passing through the device.

The system can detect and identify radioactive materials, determine their location, identify customs declarations through container numbers, and remotely control image analysis. This development aligns with Dubai’s economic agenda D33 to keep pace with Dubai’s rapid economic growth.Ahmed Mahboub Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs and CEO of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed that Dubai Customs is actively participating in Dubai’s journey to become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and one of the top three economic cities, in line with its economic agenda launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He highlighted the fact that the advanced system explicitly designed for Dubai Customs would support business operations by increasing capacity and expediting the inspection of heavy and light vehicles and the large equipment used in various construction and industrial sectors.Eng. Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of the Technical Support Department at Dubai Customs, stated, “The advanced system enhances the security operations in Dubai and the UAE, contributing to the protection of society by adopting the best technical specifications, increasing border control, and developing supporting devices and equipment.

This ensures that Dubai remains one of the safest cities globally. Acquiring this unique system is a significant step towards affirming Dubai Customs’ strategy in leading secure customs operations worldwide, given its exceptional capability to detect the contents of vehicles, containers, and heavy equipment, as well as identifying prohibited and restricted materials.”He emphasised that the department spares no effort in providing the latest and best inspection technologies and systems, placing utmost importance on protecting society and preserving security, which is at the core of customs operations. Rashed Saif Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of the Sea Customs Centres Management, confirmed that the Sea Customs Centres and all affiliated centres are working within the Dubai Customs’ 2021-2026 strategy to solidify our position at the forefront of global customs innovation.

He noted that the Management at Jebel Ali Port is intensifying efforts and working closely with strategic partners to enhance Dubai’s status as a global hub for international trade and a key link between the East and the West. It also aims to maximise the role of Jebel Ali Port in supply chains, logistics, and services.In the past year, Jebel Ali Customs Centre and DP World accomplished 208,900 inspection operations for commercial shipments and executed 326 customs seizures.

The centre’s teams continue to sustainably enhance performance to achieve the leadership’s vision of making Dubai a leading city in trade and investment.

UAE delegation visit:  Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, headed the UAE delegation to the Development Road Conference, which launched in Iraq under the patronage of Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohamed Shiaa Al-Sudani.The one-day conference brought together transport ministers and officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan and representatives of the European Union and the World Bank to discuss the establishment of the Development Road initiative.

The huge infrastructure project will link southern Iraq to the border with Turkiye, from where it will connect to rail and road networks in Europe.Addressing the conference, the Iraqi Prime Minister said the project would provide an “economic artery and a promising opportunity to bring interests, history and cultures together to make our region a destination for anyone seeking successful investment.”

”The Development Road is an ambitious and well-studied plan towards a strong and successful economy. We see it as a cornerstone for a sustainable non-oil economy, serving Iraq’s neighbours and the region and contributing to efforts for economic integration,” he said.”

WAM