Dubai Customs Launches Blockchain Platform to Boost Trade Transparency

As an analyst with a background in supply chain management and digital transformation, I’m excited about Dubai Customs’ new blockchain-powered platform. This initiative is a game-changer for the region’s trade and logistics sector, and it aligns perfectly with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global e-commerce hub and a world-class business center.


According to reports, Dubai Customs has introduced a fresh blockchain system aimed at boosting commercial openness and simplifying international electronic commerce transactions. The unveiling of this platform on July 8 signifies a major milestone in Dubai’s aspiration to become a prominent global e-commerce center.

The recently debuted platform aligns with Dubai’s comprehensive plan for electronic financial dealings, spearheaded by none other than Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Dubai’s Blockchain Platform Is Now Complete

In the role of an analyst, I’d express it this way: Back in January 2020, during the “3rd UAE Customs Week 2020”, the Dubai administration formally introduced a cross-border blockchain platform. This initiative, which had been piloted since September 2019, encompasses two distinct phases. The initial phase, now finalized, aims to streamline e-commerce export transactions via couriers.

As an analyst, I would describe the recently completed second phase in this way: In the role of a facilitator for Emirates’ e-commerce transactions, this phase is now active. It streamlines the process by consolidating import declarations, automating refunds, and minimizing fees.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, announced that implementing a new blockchain system will bring about numerous advancements in the trade and logistics industry of our region. This initiative guarantees that all exports and imports adhere to the prescribed government regulations.

Global Hub for Trade and Logistics

The recently introduced platform is a significant component of larger initiatives to enhance Dubai’s non-petroleum commerce and transform it into a leading global e-commerce hub. Leveraging blockchain technology, this platform intends to simplify custom formalities, decrease transaction durations, and lower expenses.

The system will additionally manage efficient return processing by connecting traders and customs, thereby streamlining the procedure.

“Sulayem announced with great pride the unveiling of our latest blockchain platform, marking a significant advancement in streamlining business processes within Dubai. This groundbreaking development aligns with our ambition to establish Dubai as a leading international center for trade and logistics,”.

Furthermore, the novel blockchain system will streamline customs declarations through automation and grant real-time access to validated data for all involved parties.

Supporting Dubai’s Digital Strategy

According to Dr. Abdullah Busnad, a prominent customs official, the upcoming launch of this new platform is poised to bring about significant advantages for customs procedures as well as foster greater cooperation among various government entities. He underlined several key features of the platform, including real-time tracking of goods for businesses, which in turn boosts transparency in supply chains and aids in combating fraudulent and counterfeit merchandise.

The new project adheres to Dubai’s overarching objectives outlined in the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, which aspires to process half of all government transactions using blockchain technology.

At present, the Dubai administration is teaming up with prominent logistics firms for trials of the system, with intentions to broaden its reach to encompass additional partners in the near future.

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2024-07-08 19:04