ABU DHABI: The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs launched Innovation Week in alignment with the UAE Innovation Month “UAE Innovates 2024”, under the slogan “Shaping the future of customs work”.
It includes a diverse range of events and programmes in collaboration with strategic partners and the private sector. A key part was the launch of the Innovation Ideas Hackathon, which runs until February 29th and aims to attract innovative and creative ideas for the customs work system, helping drive leadership for Abu Dhabi Customs across its various sectors. It targets participation from strategic partners, stakeholders, university students, and all segments of society to submit their creative ideas through Abu Dhabi Customs’ ‘Ibtikar’ platform.
This took place during a ceremony held at the ‘Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’ in Abu Dhabi, attended by executive directors, department heads from Abu Dhabi Customs, as well as representatives from federal and local government entities and the private sector
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Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Support Services Sector at Abu Dhabi Customs, inaugurated the ceremony with a speech, stating, “At Abu Dhabi Customs, we believe that innovation and artificial intelligence are the way towards global leadership, providing a model for a new and pioneering customs system that keeps pace with the upcoming era of technological progress, consolidate our institutional reputation, meet aspirations, and align with our country’s economic growth, contributing to making it one of the most innovative nations in line with the wise leadership’s directives.’
Al Shamsi added, “Last year, Abu Dhabi Customs succeeded in establishing 40 innovation labs, generating over 2300 ideas and suggestions as recorded by the ‘Ibtikar’ platform. Several innovative projects were completed to enable the digital institutional environment and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, a set of initiatives and measures were adopted that contributed to developing and empowering customs wo
rk in Abu Dhabi, making it exemplary among best global practices.”
Abu Dhabi Customs Innovation Week also featured an exhibition showcasing prominent innovative projects and initiatives, with participation from federal and local government agencies like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Additionally, innovators and contributors to the innovation journey at Abu Dhabi Customs were honoured, and a creative laboratory was held with the participation of private sector representatives and clients from express shipping companies and clearance firms, along with a variety of other activities.
Source: Emirates News Agency