People moving to or visiting Dubai have even more reasons to be upbeat following the release of data covering the emirate’s baggage and customs processing last year.
In 2023, Dubai Customs handled a staggering 46,870,957 bags from 206,396 flights, equating to an average of 128,400 bags daily—a testament to its unwavering commitment to ensuring traveller satisfaction and enhancing their overall experience.
With an arsenal of 77 state-of-the-art baggage inspection devices and a dedicated team of over 845 inspection officers, the Passenger Operations Department is a pivotal force behind Dubai’s record-breaking influx of 17.15 million foreign visitors in 2023.
Cutting-Edge Customs
Director of Passenger Operations, Ibrahim Al Kamali, underscores the department’s pivotal role in expediting customs processes for passengers and ensuring their seamless transition upon arrival at Dubai airports.
Employing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, the department is spearheading the deployment of advanced traveller systems, revolutionizing customs inspection procedures.
A highlight of these advancements is the innovative iDeclare app, compatible with all smart devices, which enables passengers to pre-declare their belongings and luggage, significantly reducing customs clearance time at the red channel to under four minutes.
Khaled Ahmed, Senior Manager of Airport Terminal 1 at the Passenger Operations Department, told Dubai Property Post that Dubai Customs’ meticulous planning to streamline traveller processes, particularly during peak periods such as the Hajj season, winter holidays, and New Year’s festivities.
Dubai’s vibrant and dynamic atmosphere attracts a steady flow of visitors year-round, prompting the Passenger Operations Department to implement a comprehensive action plan to ensure the highest standards of efficiency and quality in customs services.
This plan includes augmenting the number of inspectors during peak periods, alongside daily coordination meetings with strategic partners such as Emirates Airlines, Dubai Airports, and other carriers, to facilitate seamless operations and uphold Dubai’s reputation as a premier destination for business and tourism.
