Dubai Customs affirmed its standing as a global leader in public sector innovation, securing three significant accolades at the ideasUK 2025 Conference, an event recognizing excellence in institutional innovation management. The achievements, announced on November 23, 2025, highlight the organization’s persistent commitment to integrating advanced technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), into customs operations, reinforcing Dubai’s position on the global innovation map.
The central achievement was winning the prestigious “Idea of the Year 2025” award in the customer service category for its platform, “Al Munasiq.” This advanced, AI-powered system is engineered to revolutionize the classification of goods according to the Harmonized System (HS Code), dramatically improving the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of core customs procedures. This win underscores Dubai Customs’ success in leveraging intelligent platforms to enhance both service delivery and international trade facilitation.
Simultaneously, Dubai Customs achieved full score (100%) Platinum Accreditation for its innovation management system for the sixteenth consecutive year. This remarkable consistency validates the robustness of its internal institutional framework and the deeply embedded culture of sustainable innovation within the organization. The accreditation process reviewed over 36 innovation opportunities and projects, confirming the agency’s leadership in adopting forward-thinking strategies within the customs ecosystem.
Adding an individual distinction to the organizational successes, Khalid Al Zarouni, an employee of Dubai Customs, was selected as one of the conference’s top speakers. His presentation, titled “Foresight for Innovation,” provided a detailed analysis of how strategic foresight tools can generate inventive solutions, bolster the readiness of the customs sector, and enhance service efficiency. His recognition highlights the expertise and competency of the organization’s national workforce.
H.E. Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, emphasized that these international recognitions validate the organization’s dedication to embodied Dubai’s vision for government excellence and its endeavor to shape an innovation model that delivers tangible economic and service improvements. Dr. Busenad noted that the sustained platinum accreditation reflects the organizational strength and the proficiency of the national talent, which actively contributes impactful solutions on global platforms.
“We continue to strategically invest in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to develop applications that support performance enhancement, productivity, and the quality of services delivered to our clients,” Dr. Busenad stated. This approach aligns directly with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at positioning Dubai as a future-ready city that strategically integrates AI for economic growth and improved quality of life, supporting the comprehensive D33 economic agenda.
Engineer Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of the Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department, further connected the wins to the organization’s strategic framework, noting that the consistent success at ideasUK confirms the strength of a work model based on foresight, data analysis, and strong leadership support. By linking innovative projects to strategic goals, Dubai Customs strengthens trade competitiveness and logistical abilities, ensuring the sustainability of improvement and preparedness for future challenges in a dynamic global economy. The organization asserts its commitment to maintaining innovation and future foresight as crucial drivers for leadership in the global customs domain.