Dubai Customs won an award at the UAE Innovates 2022 under the category “Best Disruptive Innovation” for their “Customs Dolphins”; underwater drones that can be sent to control and monitor vessels before entering the wharfage.
Her Excellency Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi is the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future handed the trophy to H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation during the UAE Innovates 2022 and conclusion of the UAE Innovation Month 2022, which was held at the Museum of the Future.
The “Customs Dolphin” is a marine robot that resembles the dolphin in shape, which is equipped with advanced technologies including a waterproof 12 megapixel 4k camera, attached to a robotic arm that can move around to cover a 220-degree angle. The submarine can swim at a speed of 8 knots or 16km/hour, and record live videos and take high-resolution stills. It also can scan certain spots underwater with the help of the GPS. Range of control and streaming is around 1,000 metres.
Inspectors can control these underwater drones remotely and they can dispatch them to monitor different vessels before entering the wharf to intercept attempts of throwing illegal goods in the water before entering the official inspection area.
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih expressed his happiness for this honouring as it reflects the dedicated and creative performance of Dubai Customs’ people.
“Innovation is at the forefront in Dubai Customs’ workplace. It is essential to maintain our mission in securing the borders and providing best services to our clients and partners as part of our 2021-2026 strategic plan. Dubai Customs received more than 46,000 creative ideas between 2000 and 2021 and won 145 local and international awards in innovation sector,” said Musabih.
On his part, Dr. Abdullah Busnad, Executive Director of Customs Inspection Division said;
“We are implementing a series of procedures and advanced technologies to ensure security and prosperity and to maintain Dubai Customs’ leading role worldwide. These include early warning technologies such as the Smart Risk Engine, which detects and intercepts illegitimate shipments ahead of their arrival to the port, Syaj program, which monitors the sea ports in the emirate, the electric vehicles that watch over the creek, Customs Dolphins and Customs Submarine.”
News Source: Dubai Media Office
