Dubai Customs Soars with 41.6 Million Passengers at Dubai Int’l Airport in 2023's First Half
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, emphasized that Dubai Customs is keeping up with the outstanding performance of the tourism sector in Dubai by providing smart systems and skilled officers to facilitate travelers. He noted that Dubai International Airport has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic during the first half of 2023 (41.6 million passengers), with expectations to reach 85 million passengers by the end of the year. This calls for increased cooperation among relevant entities and strategic partners to support Dubai as a global tourism hub.
During a nighttime visit to Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, he stated the importance of early preparation to receive tourists and travelers during peak travel seasons and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Khaled Ahmed, the Acting Director of Passenger Operations Department at Dubai Customs, mentioned their commitment to providing efficient and quality customs services to tourists and travelers during the winter tourism season. This is achieved through advanced inspection systems for luggage examination, developed by Dubai Customs, allowing inspectors to perform their tasks quickly and without causing delays or complications for travelers.
Khalifa bin Shahin, the Director of Terminal 3, reported that Dubai Customs handled over 16 million bags on more than 65,000 arriving flights at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 in the first nine months of the current year. Inspectors have the expertise to expedite passenger movement while ensuring border security. They dealt with 504 cases during the same period, including both customs and criminal cases. The efforts of Dubai Customs align with those of other government entities at Dubai airports to leave a positive impression on visitors from the moment they arrive.
Background Information
Dubai Customs
Dubai Customs is one of the leading government departments taking part in enhancing sustainable development and promoting Dubai’s image worldwide, turning it into a principal capital, business and tourism destination, as it facilitates smooth movement of legitimate trade and leverages economic and social development, the matter which is consistent with its slogan stating "gateway to Dubai’s prosperity", because prosperity is usually based on free trade through a safe, fast and practical environment to meet the needs of people and adapt to their requirements. This in addition to DC’s main role to protect society and borders against those who try to smuggle prohibited substances to or through Dubai threatening the community safety and security.