Dubai Customs Revolutionizes Inspection Operations with State-of-the-Art X-ray Scanning System for Vehicles and Equipment at Jebel Ali & TECOM Customs Center

Dubai – 28 May 2023: Dubai Customs has equipped the Jebel Ali & TECOM Customs Center with a first-of-its-kind advanced system in the world for inspecting heavy and light vehicles, equipment, and yachts through X-ray scanning. This system allows the center to double its inspection operations and accelerate procedures, supporting the smooth flow of business and trade and enhancing the position of Jebel Ali Port as the largest port in the Middle East and one of the most important ports globally. 

The system has been customized to meet Dubai Customs' requirements, allowing it to scan vehicles and heavy equipment with maximum dimensions of 5.9 meters by 5.5 meters. The system operates in two modes: stationary (gantry) mode, where the vehicle is stationary and mobile mode, where the vehicle is scanned while passing through the device. The system can detect and identify radioactive materials, determine their location, identify customs declarations through container numbers, and remotely control image analysis. This development is in line with Dubai's economic agenda D33, which aims to keep pace with Dubai's rapid economic growth. 
Ahmed Mahboub Musabih, the Director General of Dubai Customs and CEO of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed that Dubai Customs is actively participating in Dubai's journey to become one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and one of the top three economic cities, in line with its economic agenda launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. He highlighted that the advanced system designed specifically for Dubai Customs would greatly support business operations by increasing capacity, expediting the inspection of heavy and light vehicles, as well as the large equipment used in various construction and industrial sectors.

Eng. Adel Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Support Department at Dubai Customs, stated, "The advanced system enhances the security operations in the UAE and Dubai, contributing to the protection of society by adopting the best technical specifications, increasing border control, and developing supporting devices and equipment. This ensures that Dubai remains one of the safest cities globally. Acquiring this unique system is a significant step towards affirming Dubai Customs' strategy in leading secure customs operations worldwide, given its exceptional capability to detect the contents of vehicles, containers, and heavy equipment, as well as identifying prohibited and restricted materials.”

 He emphasized that the department spares no effort in providing the latest and best inspection technologies and systems, placing utmost importance on protecting society and preserving security, which are at the core of customs operations.

Rashed Saif Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of the Sea Customs Centers Management, confirmed that the Sea Customs Centers and all affiliated centers are working within the Dubai Customs' 2021-2026 strategy to solidify our position at the forefront of global customs innovation. He noted that the Management at Jebel Ali Port is intensifying efforts and working closely with strategic partners to enhance Dubai's status as a global hub for international trade and a key link between the East and the West. It also aims to maximize the role of Jebel Ali Port in supply chains, logistics, and services.

In the past year, Jebel Ali Customs Center and DP World accomplished 208.9 thousand inspection operations for commercial shipments and successfully executed 326 customs seizures. The center's teams continue to sustainably enhance performance to achieve the leadership's vision in making Dubai a leading city in trade and investment.