Dubai Customs launches Innovation Oasis

DUBAI- Dubai Customs inaugurated a number of new innovation projects at its main building on Thursday, coinciding with the UAE Innovation Month 2018.

Sultan bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, launched the projects in the presence of Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, executive directors, a number of local and federal innovators and the media. The projects included the "Innovation Oasis" and the opening of the Dubai Customs childcare centre in a new design under the theme, "Buds of the Future." The Innovation Oasis is a platform that enables employees to communicate and exchange ideas within an interactive work environment.

This enriches the employees’ experiences and raises their awareness around the latest government innovative practices. The project has two concepts, the outdoor section where employees can enjoy the green spaces and fresh air, and an indoor section equipped with distinctive furniture items and devices to help them come up with new ideas and projects.

The DP World Group Chairman viewed the new innovations and invited all the departments to benefit from them in detection and inspection operations. He applauded Dubai Customs’ effective digital connectivity between employees and their managers at different centres and the effective use of smart applications to raise awareness of intellectual property rights. Speaking to the new batch of customs inspectors, he highlighted the importance of their role in protecting the UAE borders from illegal materials including narcotics and explosives. He encouraged inspectors to continually develop their potential and hone their skills while adopting the latest tools and technologies in their work. "The wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has always been conducive to further success and prosperity in the emirate.

Whatever we have done in Dubai, whatever we have invested in Dubai, whenever we took calculated risks, it is all about one thing necessity is the mother of invention. "In Dubai, we had no means of surviving, we are not blessed with a lot of oil, we do not have minerals, and we have inhabitants who survive based on what is available. For us to move into a knowledge-based economy and to realise ambitious and leading initiatives such as the UAE Centennial 2071 and Dubai 10X, we have to encourage and nurture innovation to become a daily practice, and this is what we have been working on with our employees during the last years now. "Engaging employees in the innovation journey is essential. They are the backbone of this innovation journey.

It is also important for us to share our experience with our stakeholders. This is why we invite them to attend these events. The UAE Innovation Month is a golden opportunity for us to spread a culture of innovation to facilitate transition into a knowledge-based economy as a prerequisite of leading initiatives such as the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 and Dubai 10X," bin Sulayem added.