By Staff Reporter
DUBAI-Dubai Customs has partnered with University of Dubai to launch a new Center of Excellence for Customs and Trade Logistics, a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for trade, supply chains, and digital logistics innovation under the D33 Economic Agenda.
The Center will serve as a research and development platform dedicated to enhancing customs efficiency, modernizing logistics systems, and supporting evidence-based policymaking. It is expected to improve operational performance while elevating customer experience across trade-related services.
The initiative will also focus on developing digitally advanced customs systems aligned with World Customs Organization standards, with particular emphasis on supply chain resilience, sustainability, and global best practices.
As part of its academic and research mission, the Center will collaborate with leading international institutions including Kühne Logistics University, University of Adelaide, Michigan State University, Henley Business School, and Infinite Sum Modelling to address emerging challenges in cross-border trade and e-commerce.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, described the initiative as a strategic investment in future readiness that will further strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness as a global trade gateway. He noted that the Center will drive innovation, policy development, and talent empowerment within the customs and logistics sector.
His Excellency Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, said the partnership bridges academic expertise with operational practice, enabling research-driven solutions that promote smarter and more sustainable trade ecosystems.
To commemorate the launch, an innovation hackathon featuring 33 teams and 110 students has been organized to develop solutions for customs, logistics, and trade-related challenges. The projects will focus on artificial intelligence, SME services, transparency, sustainability, and future skills development.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
