Dubai Customs Measures Unlock AED79 Million for Businesses, Safeguard AED33.9 Billion in Trade
Dubai Customs has provided over AED79 million in liquidity support to the private sector, facilitating AED33.9 billion in trade flows through a series of customs measures. These initiatives were part of economic support packages approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The measures were implemented between March 1 and June 30, 2026, aimed at bolstering businesses amid regional developments, enhancing economic resilience, and ensuring the seamless movement of goods through Dubai’s trade and logistics network.
The initiatives have been pivotal in maintaining business continuity for thousands of companies, reinforcing supply-chain resilience, and boosting investor confidence, all while aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Supporting Businesses Through Uncertainty
Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized that Dubai’s agility in responding to changing circumstances is a cornerstone of its economic strength. He noted that the corporation mobilized its resources to provide practical solutions that enabled businesses to sustain operations and bolstered confidence in Dubai’s business environment. Bin Damithan remarked that supporting the business community during exceptional circumstances is crucial for safeguarding economic gains and fostering growth. He affirmed that the corporation will continue to enhance services, facilitate trade, and improve the ease of doing business.
More Than 4,000 New Customers
Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, highlighted that the facilitation measures reflect Dubai’s proactive stance in addressing regional and international developments through policies that bolster trade continuity and business resilience. He reported that over 4,000 new customers registered with Dubai Customs between March and June 2026, underscoring ongoing confidence in Dubai’s economic and trade ecosystem.
Direct Financial Support
A significant aspect of the support package focused on alleviating financial and operational pressures on companies through various measures:
- Extension of deadlines for suspended customs duty cases.
- Customs duty instalment plans.
- An 80% reduction in financial penalties.
According to Dubai Customs, these measures generated over AED79 million in liquidity for 428 companies, aiding them in maintaining operations and improving cash flow. Under Customs Notice No. (12/2026), 6,613 companies benefited from a 120-day extension for customs declarations covering import-for-re-export transactions, temporary admission, and transit activities. This extension provided businesses with additional flexibility in managing customs obligations while supporting trade continuity and supply-chain efficiency.
Additional measures under Customs Notices Nos. (14/2026) and (15/2026) included instalment options for customs duties, reduced penalties, an extension of transit periods from 30 to 90 days, and streamlined entry procedures for consignments arriving through Khorfakkan Port, Fujairah Port, and the Hatta Border Crossing. Priority customs processing was also granted for food and pharmaceutical shipments.
Green Corridor Keeps Trade Moving
To ensure uninterrupted trade flows, Dubai Customs launched the Green Corridor, facilitating the movement of goods through alternative routes and assisting businesses in overcoming supply-chain challenges. Between March 1 and June 30, 2026, the initiative enabled:
- More than 203,242 containers.
- Over 3.16 million tonnes of goods.
- Trade valued at over AED33.9 billion.
- Commercial activity involving 188 countries.
Food products were the most significant commodities moved through the corridor, valued at over AED5.3 billion, followed by machinery and electrical equipment worth AED4.24 billion, vehicles valued at AED2.21 billion, plastics at AED1.5 billion, and iron and steel products exceeding AED1 billion. The remaining goods were valued at over AED19.6 billion, highlighting the diversity of Dubai’s trade base.
Faster Clearance and Stronger Engagement
During this period, Dubai Customs processed medicines and pharmaceutical products valued at AED446.6 million and continued to enhance its digital capabilities through the Shahin platform. This platform employs smart electronic seals and advanced tracking technologies to expedite cargo movement and improve operational efficiency. The authority maintained an instant customs clearance rate of 93%, facilitating faster transactions and reducing processing times.
Dubai Customs also strengthened its engagement with the private sector, reviewing over 83 challenges and proposals related to customs clearance, logistics services, and shipping costs. Several recommendations were translated into actionable measures aimed at enhancing service delivery and improving trade flexibility.
These developments underscore Dubai’s capacity to swiftly adapt to changing economic conditions while ensuring trade continuity, supporting businesses, and reinforcing its position as a leading global hub for trade and logistics.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-19 17:19:00 • By the Editorial Desk
