Dubai Customs clears 12 million passengers in 6 months

Up to 12 million travellers benefited from the streamlined customs services rendered by the Dubai International Airport during H1 2017, according to Dubai Customs statistics.

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 processed roughly 18 million luggage items transited through the airport from 39,000 flights during the first half of 2017. The department also reported 360 seizures and conducted 6,500 customs transactions in the same period.

Ebrahim Al Kamali, Director of Passenger Operations at Dubai Customs, has stated that travel through Dubai airport is now an easy hassle-free experience through smart technologies such as electronic passport gates.

"The Smart Inspection System, for example, reduces inspection time by 50 percent to 70 percent," he remarked, noting that 'Al Kashif Inspection Smart Vehicle', the first of its kind in the world, saves clients’ time and efforts.

"Another Dubai Customs’ innovation is the smart customs clearance vehicle, which simplifies and expedites clearance procedures for the disabled, the elderly and VIPs, among many other innovative services and facilities," he added.

On current preparations for the Hajj as well as the summer vacation seasons, Al Kamali said that Dubai Customs attaches central importance to streamlining Hajj-related procedures in order to ensure pilgrims are provided with top-class, seamless services, affirming that Dubai Customs inspectors are provided with regular and advanced training to enhance their capabilities and readiness.

On the summer holiday season, the official underscored the Dubai Customs' unfailing commitment to providing top-notch passenger services matching the coveted stature of Dubai as one of the world's top tourist destinations.