Dubai Customs has received the Government Deployment of the Year Award 2014, for its advanced container scanning system project, at the CNMEs fifth annual ICT Achievement Awards. The Computer News Middle East magazine (CNME), a product of CPI Media Group, is the Middle Easts leading IT publication, linking between regional IT players and their key target markets. Dubai Customs secured the award after outpacing overcoming 18 local and Gulf government entities that joined the competition.

The Advanced Container Scanning System is the first innovative and comprehensive solution in the world that combines and integrates multiple components of inspection technologies. It is the latest world-class integrated system for containers and trucks X-ray screening. The device is capable of screening the contents of 150 trucks per hour moving at 8 to 15 km/hour, that is one truck per every 24 seconds. The system has been developed in order to help effectively protect the borders of Dubai and UAE.

Developed and deployed in house by Dubai Customs, the Advanced Container Scanning System is aimed at enhancing border security, reducing waste of resources, and reinforcing risk mitigation while maintaining a smooth flow of trade.

The main achievements of the Advanced Container Scanning System are: Increased compliance in Jebel Ali from 42% in 2010 to 91.7% in 2013; effectively scanning 100% of suspected containers against Radioactive Materials; reduced the total inspection time from 2 hours to 20 minutes per container; reduced container inspection cost by 54% after implementation; and the number of clients in Jebel Ali increased by 33% during 2010-2013.

The Executive Director of Customs Development Division at Dubai Customs, Juma Al Ghaith presented H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, with the award, in presence of IT and Customs Development leaders and staff.
H.E. Ahmed Mahboob voiced his joy at winning this award for the first time and hailed the exceptional efforts exerted by the work team that developed the Advanced Container Scanning System.

He said : In fulfillment of the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to efficiently perform its duties of facilitating and monitoring trade and travel flow and combating illicit trade and smuggling, Dubai Customs strives for creating top-notch systems and programs.

The Advanced Container Scanning System has boosted Dubai Customs reputation in regional and international arenas as a key supporter of legitimate trade. It can accommodate the increase in Jebel Ali Port capacity which is expected to exceed 29 Million TEUs ahead of Dubai Expo 2020. This will increase the challenges Dubai Customs has to face as part of its core mission, being the first line of defence that protects the community. The system is also part of Dubai Customs integrated efforts to improve customer satisfaction and meet Dubai Governments smart strategy, Musabih added.

Juma Al Ghaith, Executive Director of Customs Development Division, said: Dubai Customs Advanced Container Scanning System is the first innovative, comprehensive solution in the world that combines and integrates various technologies to efficiently secure borders and cut down illegitimate trade and smuggling. The device provides an ideal solution which has enhanced Customs scanning and inspection capacities, curbing any threats to the safety and security of people.

Al Ghaith further noted that The Advanced Container Scanning System was globally and locally acclaimed; it was well-received by customers as it helped facilitate and expedite cargo screening. The new X-ray screening system boosted control and compliance rates significantly.

The awarding ceremony was held recently at Emirates Towers Godolphin Ballroom. Juma Al Zaffin, Manager of IT Infrastructure, Bader Al Kharoosi, Manager of IT Development, and Mohamed Essawi, Manager of IT Excellence, received the award on behalf of Dubai Customs.
Dubai Customs has adopted a comprehensive strategy for the development of technological enterprises on par with the internationally accredited COBIT 5 criteria and work processes and based on best practices in IT management which comprise "ISO20000 and " ISO27002", as well as best practices in IT systems development and project management, including "CMMI and "PMBOK. The strategy follows a methodology that adheres to the DGEP criteria for the Electronically Distinguished Government Entity category. DC is the first government department in the GCC region to be evaluated by COBIT 5, the latest edition from the Information Security Management Audit/Assurance Program (ISACA).
Dubai Customs received many prestigious awards and certificates of appreciation in the technical field. As released by the WCO, DCs practices conform to world-class IT standards.