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Dubai Customs seize 10.8 million fake branded items, foil smuggling attempts in 2024
These efforts are reinforced by cutting-edge innovations and technologies in inspection
- PUBLISHED: Thu 6 Mar 2025, 11:19 AM
Dubai Customs recorded 54 seizures involving 10.8 million counterfeit items in 2024, as part of its efforts to protect intellectual property rights. This effort also strengthens Dubai’s investment environment by enabling producers to avoid losses resulting from brand counterfeiting.
Dubai Customs provides advanced training for its staff and inspectors, equipping them with the skills to detect counterfeiting and piracy with high efficiency.
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These efforts are reinforced by cutting-edge innovations and technologies in inspection, along with the deployment of smart IT applications to optimise operational effectiveness.
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The authority also continues to safeguard Dubai’s borders, achieving 3,273 seizures, including a 56 per cent increase in drug-related apprehensions.
The department has also made impressive progress on key projects, completing 55 out of 84 initiatives in 2024, resulting in a 5 per cent increase in handled cargo, 8 per cent more passenger bags, and a 9 per cent rise in processed passengers.
Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, highlighted that the emirate's commercial sector is thriving, in line with the economic objectives outlined in Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Dubai's extensive network, spanning multiple countries, has contributed to notable growth in foreign trade, with sea freight up by 23 per cent, land freight by 21 per cent, and air freight by 11.3 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023.
The authority also saw an exceptional 49.2 per cent growth in customs data in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Dubai Customs has received numerous prestigious international and local awards. The department was ranked first globally in the Platinum Classification Index by IdeasUK Organization, achieving the highest rating for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, Dubai Customs secured second place globally in the “Big Idea of the Year” category for health and safety innovation with its creation of "Safe Cabinets from Harmful Radiation." The department also maintained its position in the elite category of the 2024 Dubai Government Excellence Program awards.
