Abu Dhabi Customs, Maersk sign deal to enhance trade facilitation

Abu Dhabi Customs and Maersk Global Trade & Customs Consulting signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening border management, enhancing supply chain resilience, and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s trade and logistics ecosystem.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), witnessed the signing of the agreement by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, and Dr Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting at Maersk, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi-London Business Connect Forum in London.

This strategic cooperation builds on Abu Dhabi Customs’ vision to deliver integrated smart solutions supporting its “Invisible Customs” ecosystem and Maersk’s global expertise in trade and border innovation.

It aims to design and implement next-generation customs modernisation solutions, including the enhancement of coordinated border management’, the development of an innovative model for a ‘Trusted Digital Trade Corridor’, and the establishment of a comprehensive customs compliance framework for customs brokers.

Al Mansoori said, “This agreement reflects Abu Dhabi Customs’ commitment to shaping the future of customs administration through innovation and strategic partnerships. By collaborating with Maersk, we aim to set a new benchmark in border management efficiency, facilitate trade, and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global trade gateway.”

Dr. Karlsson stated, “We are honoured to collaborate with Abu Dhabi Customs on this forward-looking initiative. Together, we will design and implement innovative solutions that enhance operational performance and compliance while building resilient and sustainable supply chains.”

This partnership marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi’s transformation toward a next-generation customs ecosystem driven by innovation. It strengthens the emirate’s position as a global leader in trade and logistics, advancing governance, enabling data-driven operations, and ensuring seamless and trusted cross-border trade.

Meanwhile last week Abu Dhabi Customs has signed a “Letter of Intent for Cooperation” with Altana Technologies, a global leader in AI-driven supply chain visibility solutions, to enhance resilience, security, and sustainability in international trade operations by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. Witnessed by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and Amna Binzaal Al Mheiri, UAE Consul-General in New York, the signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in New York.

The agreement was signed by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, and Evan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Altana Technologies.

Both parties affirmed their commitment to explore joint initiatives that advance Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading global trade hub while supporting Altana’s mission to build trusted and inclusive digital trade networks worldwide.

Altana Technologies’ solutions enable trusted data-sharing and leverages advanced analytics to help businesses and governments manage risks, promote compliance, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Al Mansoori said, “This cooperation aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading logistics and trade hub. By embracing innovation and digital transformation, we aim to strengthen competitiveness, reduce risks, and enable smoother and more trusted trade flows.

Smith commented, “We are honoured to partner with Abu Dhabi Customs in building AI-enabled trusted trade networks. Together, we can create resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains that benefit economies and societies worldwide.”

Meanwhile in July the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive institutional framework for data and information exchange and to activate digital integration between the two entities.

The agreement aims to deliver exceptional services, reinforce principles of partnership and coordination, and expand cooperation in alignment with the strategic vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.

The MoU was signed by Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, at MoFA’s Abu Dhabi Headquarters.

The MoU seeks to develop an integrated digital system for secure electronic data exchange between the two parties.

It ensures effective information sharing, robust data governance, enhanced protection, and the provision of smart, interconnected services that meet the needs of stakeholders with flexibility and high quality.

WAM