One of the world’s most dynamic governmental bodies is cementing its reputation as a global leader in employee satisfaction and institutional development. Dubai Customs officially announced on December 26, 2025, that it has earned the coveted “Best Workplace” certification from the esteemed Great Place to Work® institution for the sixth straight year. This sustained achievement underscores the department’s successful long-term strategy of prioritizing human capital development, empowering employees, and elevating the overall quality of professional life within the organization.
This renewed certification, based on rigorous assessments and employee satisfaction surveys, makes Dubai Customs the first customs authority globally to continuously maintain this advanced international rating. It signifies a profound commitment to integrating employee welfare directly into core strategic goals, positioning people at the forefront of the organization’s developmental agenda, in alignment with broader Dubai economic and social initiatives, such as the D33 agenda.
Sustaining an Environment of Trust and Innovation
The foundation of this continuous success lies in an advanced human capital management framework built on fostering institutional trust, actively stimulating innovation, and cultivating a supportive work environment. This approach has demonstrably boosted operational efficiency and fortified a powerful spirit of belonging and collaboration among staff.
Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Human Resources Division at Dubai Customs, emphasized that the department views human capital as the paramount driver of sustainable institutional success. “Our continued achievement of this global accreditation reflects an unwavering commitment to cultivating a motivating work environment,” Al Ghaffari stated. He highlighted the critical focus on work-life balance and the prioritization of a culture where creativity is unleashed and active participation is encouraged.
Al Ghaffari noted that independent assessments conducted by Great Place to Work® confirmed exceptionally high levels of employee satisfaction, demonstrating deep organizational loyalty and a strong sense of professional value among personnel.
The Strategy Behind Employee Well-being
Achieving “Best Workplace” status is not an incidental outcome; it is the result of deliberate policy implementation aimed at enriching the employee experience. Key pillars of this strategy include:
- Integrated Human Capital Management: Utilizing a holistic system that elevates employee voices and incorporates feedback into policy changes.
- Encouraging Innovation: Creating structured programs and environments that allow staff to contribute creative solutions to organizational challenges.
- Focusing on Work-Life Balance: Recognizing that employee well-being is vital for long-term productivity and professional dedication.
This dedication confirms the success of Dubai Customs’ policies in enhancing the quality of working life, creating what many employees describe as an “exceptional work environment.”
Global Benchmarking and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Dubai Customs is committed to refining its operational systems, adopting cutting-edge global best practices for measuring institutional culture, and designing performance indicators that specifically track employee well-being alongside traditional performance metrics.
This forward-thinking vision aligns with the Dubai Government’s objective of achieving global leadership in sustainability and fostering a workplace culture defined by appreciation, inclusive participation, and groundbreaking innovation. By placing consistent emphasis on a supportive, high-trust environment, Dubai Customs not only serves as a model for global customs authorities but also provides a powerful case study in how public sector organizations can attract and retain top talent by prioritizing the human element. The continued development of these policies is expected to further strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a competitive global hub.