Dubai Customs gears to accommodate the increase in arrivals through DIA during the coming period

Dubai Customs is well prepared to facilitate the procedures of arrivals to the country through Dubai International Airport (DIA) during the coming period which continues till mid- September. This is expected to be the peak season at the airport, as it is the time of three important occasions; the return of Umrah performers, both UAE nationals and residents, during the last ten days of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the “Eid in Dubai” events andthe return of expatriates and their families after spending the summer vacation in their home countries.

A set of measures have been taken by Dubai Customs- through the Airports Operations Department- to facilitate the passage of arrivals through the three terminals and alleviating any obstacles they might encounter.

Such measures included coordination with the operating airlines over facing any potential increase in the inflow of passengers, scheduling annual leaves of customs staff operating at the airport within acceptable limits, conducting workshops for inspectors focusing on good reception of passengers in a way that lives up to the warm hospitality the UAE is well-known for, increasing the number of scanning equipment to avoid congestion resulting from more flights coming in at this time of year and providing assistance and help to needy passengers.

Ali Al Maqhawi, Director of Airport Operations at Dubai Customs, said that Dubai Customs is committed to give a warm welcome to passengers and complete their entry procedures in the least possible time under close surveillance that keeps the society safe. For these goals, the maximum number of inspection devices were operated and the personnel needed to operate them were provided, in an effort touse their utmost capacity to accommodate the expected increase in the number of flights, particularly in the light of the expectations to receive a large number of passengers coming to the country to spend Eid al-Fitrvacation and enjoy the events arranged within “Eid in Dubai” festivities, as well as the city’s wide array of attractions for tourists.

He added that they intensified the training aspect for customs staff operating at the airport terminals of both sexes either in respect to security, social or linguistic skills in order to raise their workable competency and capability. Preparations also included conducting awareness courses for new inspectors and educating them about their vital role in keeping the country and society safe as well as welcoming travellers with a smile. Moreover, necessary coordination between sections and departments of the Airport Operations Department were made for the purpose of assigning inspectors in all sections and working in a team spirit.

Employees from the Airport Operations Department will distribute guiding brochures to visitors and arrivals to Dubai Airport containing full information about the authorized entry of baggage and materials, items to be declared to customs, the requirements for bringing in medicines and other items that require special permits and permissions.

Al Maqhawi added :”Dubai Customs facilitations to passengers focus on avoiding wastage ofpassengers time and easing their entry procedures into the country”.

He indicated that Dubai Customs is working on educating travellers to and from the country of customs procedures at the airport by calling upon all travellers from and into the country to visit the Department’s website,www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae, and check the "Travellers Guide" online to be better acquainted with the airport customs measures, including the travel procedures, weight of luggage, list of permitted items, list of items to be declared upon arrival or departure, deposit refunds and other measures.

He explained that Dubai Customs has established an integrated workteam to follow-up the preparationsfor the return of Umrah performers and Eid al-Fitr period, under intensive coordination with airlines operating in DIA, as well as strategic government partners in Dubai Airports.

Dubai Customs efforts in this respect are an integral partto efforts exerted by the rest of government departments to promote Dubai as a destination of fine living and tourism.