The platform is a leading model in using technology to facilitate trade and stimulate investment
In a new achievement reflecting Dubai’s strong global standing and leadership in customs innovation, the ‘Cross-Border E-Commerce Platform’—an innovative project by Dubai Customs—has received widespread praise from the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The WCO published a special report on the platform in three languages (French, English, and Spanish), emphasizing that Dubai Customs’ experience serves as a global model for digital customs transformation.
The report highlighted it as a success story proving that innovation in customs services and border control is achievable through effective policies, solid partnerships, and advanced technology.
International recognition
This international recognition comes at a time when the UAE’s e-commerce and logistics sector is experiencing a significant investment boom. This growth has created tens of thousands of new jobs in shipping, warehousing, fulfillment, and last-mile delivery, aligning with the leadership’s vision to enhance economic growth opportunities.
Commenting on this global milestone, Juma Al Ghaith, Adviser to the Director General and Executive Director, Customs Development, Dubai Customs, stated that the WCO’s praise reflects the profound transformation Dubai Customs is leading in the world of trade and e-commerce. He noted that this embodies the leadership’s vision to establish Dubai as a city of the future and a global center for the new economy.
Qualitative leap
“Dubai Customs’ e-commerce platform is a qualitative leap and a new benchmark in facilitating cross-border trade by strengthening the link between government entities and shipping companies, enabling companies to comply with customs requirements quickly and easily, aligning the logistics system with e-commerce traffic, and providing continuous support for digital trade through big data analysis tools based on artificial intelligence technologies,” explained Atiq Al Muhairi, Executive Director, Customs Development, Dubai Customs.
The data showed strong results, with the total size of the e-commerce market in the UAE reaching AED 32.3bn (US$ 8.8bn) in 2024, with expectations that it will reach more than AED 50.6bn (US$13.8bn) by 2029. Dubai Customs aims to convert 20%- 30% of all low-value mail shipments carrying e-commerce goods to the platform, a press communication concluded.
