Dubai – 27 February 2025: Dubai Customs hosted the 'Future and Impactful Innovations Forum' as part of the UAE Innovates 2025 events, gathering a distinguished group of experts, specialists, and innovation leaders to discuss the latest advancements in future forecasting and institutional innovation.

The event, held at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel at Port Rashid, began with a welcome address emphasizing the role of innovation in achieving sustainable development and strengthening the UAE’s global competitiveness. Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director, Human Resources Division at Dubai Customs, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of supporting innovation and investing in creative talent. He emphasized that the future is shaped by visionary thinking and intelligent transformations, underscoring the role of innovation in shaping the future of customs work. Al Ghaffari pointed out how innovations by Dubai Customs employees have significantly advanced the customs process and positioned the department as a global leader, contributing to a culture of innovation in government work and helping enhance Dubai’s status as a global innovation hub.

Al Ghaffari further noted the rapid transformations occurring across various sectors—technological, economic, and social—and stressed that innovation has become essential to address these challenges. He highlighted the need for proactive adoption of smart solutions to improve customer service, enhance transparency, and increase operational efficiency. He also emphasized that Dubai Customs is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging business sector participation in developing innovative future work models and proactive solutions that support Dubai Customs’ leadership and contribute to the success of Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. This initiative aims to bolster Dubai’s competitiveness as a global business and investment hub and a pivotal center for international trade.

Al Ghaffari also acknowledged the ongoing efforts and exceptional performance of Dubai Customs in leading the future of customs work, with a focus on the continuous leadership and excellence shown by employees.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Head of Innovation Center and Future Foresight Team Leader, gave a speech about the significance of strategic thinking in achieving institutional transformation, and the vital role of innovation in creating more efficient and sustainable systems.

Al Zarooni emphasized, 'We do not simply observe the future from a distance; we delve into its details, anticipate its changes, and turn opportunities into tangible scenarios. Future foresight is not just an intellectual exercise, but a ‘strategic compass’ guiding us to make decisions today whose results we will experience tomorrow.' He further stated that Dubai Customs believes in visionary thinking and innovative tools, with the team playing a crucial role in transforming challenges into opportunities through real-world examples, in line with the guidance of our wise leadership. He reiterated the leadership’s message: 'We cannot wait for the future; we must create it ourselves,' reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, regarding the importance of initiative, strategic planning, and the creation of a prosperous future. This vision emphasizes that foresight and innovation should be an integral part of the ongoing journey of progress and development.

Innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

During the forum, Dr. Issa Al Bastaki, President of Dubai University, gave a presentation on future innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He discussed the major effects of digital transformation on vital sectors and emphasized the need to integrate modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things into business environments to secure a competitive and sustainable future.

As part of the forum’s activities, Mohammad Al Ghaffari honored the 'Ambassadors of the Future' for their graduation and attainment of a global certification in future foresight from the Global Institute of Innovation Management (GIMI). These graduates presented their future-focused projects on the future of customs over the next decade. The forum featured an exhibition showcasing seven future-oriented initiatives across various fields including economics, security, and technology, all contributing to Dubai Customs' strategic and developmental vision.

Dubai Customs also recognized its innovators, whose ideas have contributed to improving institutional performance and enhancing the efficiency of customs services.

Forum sessions and presentations

Dr. Ahmad Thougan Al Hindawi, Chairman and CEO of Hindawi Group Excellence, delivered a presentation titled 'Disruptive Leadership,' where he discussed innovative leadership methods that enhance organizational resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

The presentations concluded with a lecture by Carlos Guevara, Partner at 'Sia Partners' and the Global Institute of Innovation Management, on 'Innovation and Institutional Future Foresight.' He emphasized the importance of fostering an innovative culture within organizations to improve their sustainability and competitiveness.

Discussion Session on Key Customs Innovations

The forum also featured an engaging discussion session on impactful customs innovations, with a panel of senior directors from Dubai Customs. They addressed future challenges and opportunities in the customs sector, reviewing digital transformation efforts aimed at improving customs inspection and clearance processes. The session highlighted key tools such as the risk engine to enhance inspection efficiency and the digital warehouse platform to optimize logistics operations.