Dubai Customs takes great interest in social development issue
Dubai Customs has reviewed its effort in the area of social work while taking part in the First Arab Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility being held by the Arab Administrative Development Organization in Sharjah from 13 – 15 April 2009.
On the first day of the forum, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Senior Manager of Strategy and Corporate Excellence department at Dubai Customs highlighted Dubai Customs experience by delivering a working paper titled “ Society development … an ethical responsibility for Dubai Customs”.
Mr. Kazim in his working paper affirmed that Dubai Customs takes a great interest in social development being one of its strategic objectives abreast with the economic responsibilities.
“The contributions by Dubai Customs in this respect had positive social and economic implications”, he said.
The Senior Manager of Strategy and Corporate Excellence pointed out to the assertion by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai that: ‘Charitable work needs supporting organizations and higher level administrative experiences as well as planned efforts to identify charitable work associations and deliverables with the necessity of consolidating efforts to strengthen Arab cooperation in this area whether at corporate or individual level”.
Mr. Kazim went on to highlight key social responsibility perspectives at Dubai Customs, which include but not limited to; human resources development, providing conductive work conditions, preserving the environment, organizing awareness workshops and lectures about IPR and risks of counterfeited products to the economy and public health, providing accurate clients information and clearing their transactions through systems that greatly satisfied them, organizing recreational trips for special needs and elderly people, sponsoring sports activities, transparency in disclosing information and adopting corporate governance system including advanced health and safety rules.
“Aspects of social responsibility are positively reflected upon Dubai Customs image, ability to attract employees and clients, increasing productivity and nature of its relationship with the relevant public and private organizations,” he said.
“The activities being carried out by Dubai Customs in connection with social responsibility come in line with Dubai government strategy where “social development” constitutes a prominent section. Different aspects of social responsibility are considered as well to be significant criteria within DGEP,” he pointed out.
Mr. Kazim affirmed that, “Dubai Customs is keen to implement such criteria carefully whether in the area of developing corporate vision and values in a way reflecting the organizational stance towards social responsibility or forms of interacting with all respective social groups having its policy and strategy built on their needs and requirements, plans and develops human resources as to ensure ethics and fairness in selecting competencies and manages property in a manner that preserves environment.”
Dubai Customs observes measuring social work results in order to attain best standards. Many aspects of the studies being conducted relate to the society, clients, suppliers, stakeholders and employees` needs, expectations and satisfaction.
Dubai Customs conducted a study on society satisfaction with social activities and initiatives launched in 2008. 85% of almost 1000 respondents including citizens and expatriates found to be satisfied.
Mr. Kazim stressed that Dubai Customs is keen to continue in its social initiatives and improve customers and society satisfaction level.
“The organizational strategic vision is based on two key perspectives i.e. to contribute by playing a major role in Dubai’s economic and social development and ensure clients satisfaction and loyalty. The enhancement of UAE nationals’ role in labor market and social life is observed as well,” he explained.
The Senior Manager of Strategy and Corporate Excellence at Dubai Customs highlighted some of the organizational initiatives launched over the past period.
The fishing harbors development initiative was launched with the aim of reviving Dubai` heritage, supporting fishing profession and providing a new tourism resort.
The establishment of a high profile child care center at Dubai Customs was another initiative aiming at providing social welfare for working mothers and enabling them to strike the balance between their business and family life leading to increase in female employees’ productivity.
The 3rd initiative, which had a positive social and economic impact, was the establishment of a dedicated IPR department before 4 years ago. It contributed to control counterfeited products by enhancing customs inspectors’ awareness about such products and improving their proficiency in distinguishing them from genuine products. It played as well a major role in developing the local economy and supporting worldwide manufacturers and brand owners confidence in the organizational appropriate measures.
The IPR department organized a number of educational workshops for different social groups dealing with risks of counterfeited products to the public health. It launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Education the IPR Award allowing government and private schools to take part.
Dubai Customs launched this year a nationwide campaign for protecting wildlife including endangered fauna and flora. The campaign covered schools, shopping malls, Dubai international airport, global village and other complex areas.
Mr. Kazim affirmed that such initiatives come as part of Dubai Customs social responsibility and in line with Dubai government overall strategy, which stipulates the necessity of enhancing social work.
