Dubai Customs measures unlock AED79 million for businesses and safeguard AED33.9 billion in trade

Dubai: Dubai Customs has delivered more than AED79 million in liquidity support to the private sector and helped sustain AED33.9 billion in trade flows through a series of customs facilitation measures introduced under the economic support packages approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The measures, implemented between 1 March and 30 June 2026, were designed to support businesses amid regional developments, strengthen economic resilience and ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods through Dubai's trade and logistics network. The initiatives helped maintain business continuity for thousands of companies, reinforce supply-chain resilience and enhance investor confidence while supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Supporting businesses through uncertainty Abdulla bin Damithan, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said Dubai's ability to respond rapidly to changing circumstances remains one of the key pillars of its economic strength. He said the corporation mobilised its resources to provide practical solutions that helped businesses maintain operations and reinforced confidence in Dubai's business environment. Bin Damithan added that supporting the business community during exceptional circumstances is essential to protecting economic gains and sustaining growth, noting that the corporation will continue enhancing services, facilitating trade and improving the ease of doing business. More than 4,000 new customers Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, said the facilitation measures reflect Dubai's proactive approach to responding to regional and international developments through policies that strengthen trade continuity and business resilience. He noted that more than 4,000 new customers joined Dubai Customs between March and June 2026, highlighting continued confidence in Dubai's economic and trade ecosystem. Direct financial support A key element of the package focused on easing financial and operational pressures on companies through: Extension of deadlines for suspended customs duty cases. Customs duty instalment plans. An 80 per cent reduction in financial penalties. According to Dubai Customs, these measures generated more than AED79 million in liquidity for 428 companies, helping businesses maintain operations and improve cash flow. Under Customs Notice No. (12/2026), 6,613 companies benefited from a 120-day extension for customs declarations covering import-for-re-export transactions, temporary admission and transit activities. The extension provided businesses with additional flexibility in managing customs obligations while supporting trade continuity and supply-chain efficiency. Additional measures introduced under Customs Notices Nos. (14/2026) and (15/2026) included instalment options for customs duties, reduced penalties, extension of transit periods from 30 to 90 days, and streamlined entry procedures for consignments arriving through Khorfakkan Port, Fujairah Port and the Hatta Border Crossing. Priority customs processing was also provided for food and pharmaceutical shipments. Green Corridor keeps trade moving To support uninterrupted trade flows, Dubai Customs launched the Green Corridor, enabling the movement of goods through alternative routes and helping businesses navigate supply-chain challenges. Between 1 March and 30 June 2026, the initiative facilitated: More than 203,242 containers More than 3.16 million tonnes of goods Trade valued at over AED33.9 billion Commercial activity involving 188 countries Food products led the list of commodities moved through the corridor, valued at more than AED5.3 billion, followed by machinery and electrical equipment worth AED4.24 billion, vehicles valued at AED2.21 billion, plastics at AED1.5 billion, and iron and steel products exceeding AED1 billion. The remaining goods were valued at more than AED19.6 billion, underscoring the diversity of Dubai's trade base. Faster clearance and stronger engagement Dubai Customs also processed medicines and pharmaceutical products worth AED446.6 million during the period and continued expanding its digital capabilities through the Shahin platform, which uses smart electronic seals and advanced tracking technologies to accelerate cargo movement and improve operational efficiency. The authority maintained an instant customs clearance rate of 93 per cent, helping speed up transactions and reduce processing times. Dubai Customs further strengthened engagement with the private sector, reviewing more than 83 challenges and proposals related to customs clearance, logistics services and shipping costs. Several recommendations were translated into practical measures aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing trade flexibility. The results highlight Dubai's ability to respond quickly to changing economic