37% Growth in digital customs transactions through Abu Dhabi ports during the first half of 2023

The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs recorded a growth of 37% in digital customs transactions through the border crossings of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, achieving a growth rate of 35.8% in clearance of goods transactions, and 20% growth in customs clearance request in free zones areas.

Abu Dhabi Customs also recorded a growth of 6% in customs declaration during the first 6 months of the current year, while pre-arrival clearance transactions accounted for 38% of total customs clearance transactions at all customs centers across the emirate.

Pre-arrival customs clearance, which accounted for 57% of exit declarations and 22% of entry declarations during the first half of the current year, represented a qualitative addition, especially with the launch of digital clearance feature for non-residents and unregistered companies from outside the UAE within the framework of the “Abu Dhabi Program for Effortless Customer Experience” which aims to facilitate the customer’s experience by reducing customs clearance time, lowering costs by reducing storage fees before clearance, and expanding customs facilitation for companies.

The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs emphasized that the growth rates during the first half of 2023 reflect the overall economic growth of the country, especially Abu Dhabi, across all sectors. This is a result of the policies, decisions and strategic initiatives adopted by the United Arab Emirates under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These efforts aim to solidify the UAE's position in the global economic system in line with achieving the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 and ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which seeks to enhance the country's status as a global hub and an attractive and influential economic center.

Abu Dhabi Customs further explained that as part of its continuous efforts to establish global leadership in the customs sector, it continually works on providing smart solutions and digital technologies based on advanced technology and artificial intelligence, applying the best international practices to enhance customs work. During its strategic transformation journey, it has succeeded in developing its work system and transforming all its services into 100% digital processes, contributing to enhancing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading hub for investment, especially proactive services that save time and effort for customers and facilitate customs inspections, thereby supporting the completion of transactions quickly and accurately.