MoU between Dubai Customs and Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Dubai South paves the way for a more competitive future for Dubai's aviation sector

Strengthening institutional cooperation

Dubai – 20 November 2025: Dubai Customs and the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Dubai South have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing institutional cooperation and joint coordination between the parties. The agreement supports Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for the aviation sector and aligns with the emirate’s goals to advance its business environment and logistics services, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

This partnership opens new horizons for an integrated aviation ecosystem built on innovation, service efficiency, and smooth operations, positioning Dubai as a global platform where supply chains converge and where international companies rely on its rapidly growing business environment to expand their operations.

Enhancing operational capabilities and streamlining customs procedures

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow by His Excellency Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, and His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South.

The agreement aims to advance service integration and enhance the operational capabilities of companies in the aviation industries, while organizing the storage and handling of aircraft spare parts. It also seeks to streamline customs procedures for the aviation sector within the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub by accelerating import, export, and temporary admission processes for spare parts and equipment. Additional goals include integrating smart systems and activating a unified window for aviation-sector services.

H.E. Dr. Abdulla Busenad emphasized that signing the MoU reflects the leadership’s directives to strengthen the business environment and support Dubai’s leading position in trade, aviation, and advanced logistics. He noted that this strategic collaboration will contribute to developing an integrated framework to facilitate customs procedures for the aviation sector, simplify clearance mechanisms, and enhance information exchange, ensuring strong support for companies operating within the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub. It will also provide an exceptional experience for industry partners, reinforce Dubai’s investment appeal, and solidify its status as a global destination for aviation and related services through the combination of customs innovation and advanced aircraft manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure.

Supporting aviation industry growth and logistics excellence

H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the MoU, describing it as a significant addition to ongoing efforts in alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish the emirate as a global hub for aviation and logistics solutions. He noted that collaboration with Dubai Customs will enhance the efficiency of services provided to airlines and aviation-related industries.

He added: “This partnership represents a strategic step to support aircraft manufacturing and maintenance operations and improve the management of storing and handling spare parts and equipment, ensuring compliance with Dubai’s approved customs and security standards. The MoU also provides a clear mechanism to facilitate the movement of shipments and aviation equipment.”