Over 60 students attend Dubai Customs’ camp

A group of 60 students from various age groups have concluded a 2-week long summer camp organized by Dubai Customs to develop young people’s skills and raise awareness among the next generation within a safe and interactive customs learning environment.

The camp was organized in line with the goals of the Year of Community and in support of national efforts to reinforce family and social ties. The camp targeted employees’ children and Emirati youth from the community, aged 12 to 15.

The final event reflected a celebratory spirit and highlighted the camp’s positive impact. Dubai Customs, represented by Matar Al Muhairi, Acting Director of Client Happiness Department, honoured the participating students and presented them with the official Dubai Customs uniform — a symbolic gesture of belonging, institutional pride, and instilling loyalty and responsibility. The initiative carried a clear message: investing in young generations is investing in the nation’s future, and Dubai Customs remains a key partner in community development.

The camp agenda combined awareness, education, and practical learning. Students attended sessions on intellectual property and counterfeit goods, toured the Control and Command Room, and joined IT-led activities to boost digital thinking and creativity. They also experienced hands-on demonstrations of airport customs baggage inspections, observed K9 sniffer dog units detecting explosives and drugs, and visited the Dubai Customs Museum, which showcases seizures ranging from narcotics to endangered-species items under CITES.

The programme also featured a lecture by Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of the Hamdan Heritage Center, on national identity and preserving Emirati heritage. Students participated in community field visits across Dubai neighbourhoods, promoting engagement and cultural awareness. Additional workshops included financial literacy with Emirates Islamic Bank on saving, as well as arts, crafts, and sports activities such as football and chess.

The camp provided lectures in collaboration with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, focusing on religious and moral values such as honouring parents, the Prophet’s (PBUH) biography, and the importance of good companionship. An Al Ameen Service workshop instilled a sense of security awareness, responsibility, and the culture of reporting, while Dubai Police delivered an interactive session on bullying and prevention strategies.

Students enjoyed field visits to the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, learning about port entry and exit processes, and exploring the radar station.

They also toured the QE2 Hospitality Academy, where they attended a workshop on table etiquette and hospitality standards.

Rashid Obaid Al Sharid, Executive Director of the Finance and Administration Division at Dubai Customs, stressed that the summer camp aligns with Dubai Customs’ vision to enhance employee wellbeing, support families, and invest in a conscious, capable generation. “The camp is not just recreational,” he said. “It is a national investment in youth energy. The enthusiasm and commitment we saw from the students confirm we are on the right path in instilling national values and reinforcing belonging, ensuring the department remains an active partner in community development.”

Nouf Balabd, Senior Officer of Social Responsibility at Dubai Customs, added: “We designed the camp to blend theory and practice, giving students a real opportunity to learn and interact with different institutions. This programme proved that Dubai Customs’ mission extends beyond protecting borders — it plays an active role in building people and raising social awareness. The camp left a positive mark on the students, who expressed genuine happiness with the knowledge and skills they gained.”

Participant Maha Al Hammadi expressed her delight at the experience, praising the skills she learned about customs work and the cultural and educational workshops. She highlighted her joy at being given the opportunity to present the closing ceremony on stage — a dream come true for her. Maha thanked Dubai Customs and the organizers for this enriching and memorable experience.