Dubai Customs released information detailing impressive growth seen during the first part of 2020, confirming a solid 36 percent increase in customs transactions compared to last year’s transactions. A total of 5.9 million transactions were processed between January and May with 1.1 million occurring in May alone.

This upward growth trend further positions Dubai’s economy as resilient and prepared for crisis-related disruptions. Advances in technology, infrastructure, stimulus packages, and smart services supported the region’s successful operations in trade-related services. Among solutions utilized to support operations was the Smart Workplace system. This system supported the completion of declarations in as little as four minutes.

“Stimulus package announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic,” said Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs.

In addition to transaction growth, Dubai Customs reported a 95 percent increase in business registration requests compared to the first five months in 2019. Additional requests included 358,700 refund requests, 220,700 certificate/report requests, and 146,900 inspection date booking requests during the same time period. Dubai Customs reported a whopping 3.51 million transactions have been processed via smart and online channels further supporting global trade and the supply chain amid the pandemic.

“Our wise leadership supports the business and trade sector in these challenging circumstances. A number of initiatives launched by the government have helped the business sector keep going, enhanced liquidity, and reduced the impact of the current global economic situation. This is clearly manifested in the growing number of customs transactions handled by Dubai Customs in the first five months of this year.”