Advanced research and knowledge center to strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness in trade and logistics
In a strategic step that reflects Dubai’s ambitious vision to reinforce its position as a leading global hub for trade and supply chains, Dubai Customs has announced the launch of the Center of Excellence for Customs and Trade Logistics in collaboration with University of Dubai.
The Center will serve as an advanced knowledge and research hub dedicated to developing a more efficient and innovative customs and logistics ecosystem, while supporting the objectives of Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and further establish the emirate among the world’s leading economic and commercial cities.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Dubai Customs’ ongoing efforts to harness knowledge, research, and innovation to create practical solutions that accelerate trade, strengthen supply chain resilience, and enhance Dubai’s competitiveness on the global economic stage, according to a joint press statement released.
Elevate logistics standards
The Center is designed to elevate customs and trade logistics standards through the development of policies and procedures, evidence-based assessments, and applied research and international benchmarking studies that contribute to improving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer journey.
Through its partnership with the University of Dubai, Dubai Customs will build a network of collaborations with distinguished universities and academic institutions around the world to develop policies and solutions addressing emerging challenges in cross-border e-commerce, supply chain security, and sustainable logistics.
Advanced model
“The Center will serve as an advanced model for knowledge exchange and collaboration through strategic partnerships with academic and educational institutions, helping to build sustainable research and development capabilities and elevate operational standards in line with international best practices and the frameworks of the World Customs Organization,” explained HE Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs.
“The Center of Excellence serves as a strategic bridge between academic knowledge and policy-making and operational practice. By combining Dubai Customs’ global leadership in trade facilitation with the University of Dubai’s international academic expertise, we aim to produce impactful research, strategic insights, and innovative solutions that will help shape the future of global trade, customs governance, and integrated logistics systems,” stated HE Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai.
Innovation Hackathon
As part of the launch of the center, an innovation hackathon is being held in partnership with the University of Dubai, with the participation of 33 teams and 110 students. Each team consists of three to four members. The initiative aims to develop innovative solutions to challenges related to trade, customs services, and logistics.
The hackathon will be conducted in two main stages. The first stage includes brainstorming sessions, solution development, and preliminary presentations before judging panels. The top-performing teams will then advance to the final stage to present their refined solutions to a panel of experts and specialists from Dubai Customs, the press note concluded.
