Dubai Customs uses AI for faster clearance

Dubai Customs is testing two artificial intelligence-based systems, OCTA and Advance Cargo Information (ACI), to improve shipment analysis, decision-making and customs procedures. The tools are being developed to analyse data before cargo arrives, identify risks earlier and support smoother trade operations.

The ACI system uses AI to review shipment information before arrival, helping customs teams assess potential risks and prepare responses in advance. This can support faster clearance processes while maintaining security checks for international cargo movements.

Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs, said, "OCTA and ACI build on Dubai Customs' record of adopting advanced technologies and represent another step towards a smarter, more proactive customs ecosystem that transforms data into insights, insights into decisions and decisions into economic impact, strengthening Dubai's global competitiveness while supporting our leadership's vision for a more efficient, future-ready government."

OCTA, an enterprise intelligence platform, is being developed to support data analysis, knowledge management and operational decisions within Dubai Customs. The system will use AI to provide insights that can help improve policies and processes.

The initiatives are part of its wider move to integrate advanced technologies into customs operations. The use of AI could help businesses benefit from improved cargo visibility, more efficient procedures and greater predictability across supply chains. Dubai Customs will also continue testing both systems before wider implementation to ensure they support employees, traders and logistics stakeholders.