Sea trade is an important source of income in Dubai
Three customs centres (Hamriya, Creek and Deira Wharfage) at Dubai Customs have dealt with 5,700 traditional dhows and vessels in the last 5 months of 2020.
The positive figures, reflects a resilient economy that maintains diversity, even during crises. The customs centers, operated by the Coastal Customs Centre Management, have been active and busy as ever during the pandemic in dealing with large volume of goods.
Creek and Deira Wharfage centres dealt with 3,300 dhows, carrying 124,000 tons of cargo worth AED 3.3bn (US$ 900mn). Hamriya Port dealt with 2,402 vessels (1,165 wooden dhows and 1,237 vessels). Cargo included vehicles, electronics, spare parts and foodstuff.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Dubai Customs maintained its swift response to ensure streamlined trade traffic whilst safeguarding the society and the borders from the hazards of prohibited goods.
“Sea trade is a very important source of income in Dubai and the wise leadership focuses on this sector to help diversify the economy,” said Abdullah Busnad, Executive Director of Customs Inspection Division at Dubai Customs.
For centuries dhows have been the trading lifeline that has linked countries around the Gulf to east Africa, India and Pakistan, carrying cargoes of dates, fish and mangrove timber.
