Dubai Customs has launched a Center of Excellence for Customs and Trade Logistics in partnership with University of Dubai, aiming to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, supply chains, and digital logistics innovation under the D33 Economic Agenda.
Dubai Customs will function as a research and development hub focused on improving customs efficiency, advancing logistics systems, and supporting evidence based policy making. It is designed to enhance operational performance and improve the customer journey across trade services.
The Center will also support the development of digitally enabled customs systems aligned with World Customs Organization frameworks, with an emphasis on supply chain resilience, sustainability, and international best practices.
As part of its academic mandate, the initiative will build global partnerships with institutions including Kühne Logistics University, University of Adelaide, Michigan State University, Henley Business School, and Infinite Sum Modelling to address emerging challenges in cross border trade and e commerce.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, said the initiative reflects a strategic investment in future readiness and reinforces Dubai’s competitiveness as a global trade gateway. He added that it will support innovation, policy development, and talent empowerment across the sector.
His Excellency Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, said the partnership bridges academic knowledge and operational practice, enabling research driven solutions that support smarter and more sustainable trade systems.
To mark the launch, an innovation hackathon has been organized with 33 teams and 110 students competing to develop solutions for customs, logistics, and trade challenges. Projects will focus on artificial intelligence, SME services, transparency, sustainability, and future skills development.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
