Dubai Customs’ offices resumed work at 100% capacity with intensified precautionary measures to ensure safety from covid-19. This follows the government directives of gradual return to offices which Dubai Customs started from 14th June 2020.

The last two weeks saw the Government Department’s staff return gradually to their offices following a shift routine where half of the employees worked from home and the rest from the office while maintaining social distancing and other measures. The procedure considered certain exceptions for some categories including the elderly, those with chronic diseases, pregnant female employees and mothers who have children at school at grade nine and below.

An online awareness campaign preceded this step in which employees were given full guidance on social distancing and hygiene, and how to use protective gear.

Aman (safety) Station was one of the innovations that Dubai Customs incorporated in its back to office plan. The station is equipped with a number of devices including thermal cameras which operate automatically when spotting any rise in temperature. It also features masks, sanitizers and a smart screen to display awareness information.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs said,

“We started our gradual return to normal life following the government directives and now we work at full capacity at office in our main building and all the customs centers and from home while taking all precautionary measures. We highly appreciated this decision announced by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and chairman of the Executive Council following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai as we continue our gradual return to normal life.”

Director General of Dubai Customs urges clients to continue using the online service channels and smart platforms to save time, effort and ensure everyone’s safety.

On his part, Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Acting Executive Director, Human Resources, Finance and Administration Division at Dubai Customs said:

“During what has been a testing time for all of us, all our employees worked selflessly to ensure undisrupted trade activity and, at the same time, ensure safety for everyone involved. All the employees resumed their work on shifts. They were divided into two groups: (A) and (B), so that one group works from the office and the other works from home for a week alternately, whilst taking strict precautionary measures at all times. The return to office was gradual following the directives of the UAE government.”

In the past months, Dubai government has proven its full capability to work remotely, within smart environments that rely on highly efficient technologies & infrastructure. None of the vital services were affected despite the precautionary measures and movement restrictions imposed.


Khawla Slaes, head of Administrative Affairs Department commented on the step:  

“All our employees at the main building and customs centers are working now on shifts and will all be back to the offices as of 21st June. The healthy and safe environment is our priority, and we take all precautionary measures very seriously. This includes social distancing between employees and new seating plans.”

On his part, Edris Behzad, Director of Client Happiness Department said the gradual return to offices in the government is an important step to push economic activity forward and help normal life returns.

“Dubai Customs takes all measures to ensure the well-being, happiness and safety for its clients. There are already strict measures taken including disinfection of all places and areas used by clients.”

News Source: https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2020/June/28-06/Dubai-Customs