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HE Ahmed Butti Ahmed

UAE, DUBAI - Economy

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Executive Chairman and Director General, PCFC and Dubai Customs

Bio

Ahmed Butti Ahmed is the Executive Chairman of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Director General of Dubai Customs. He has a Master’s degree in Science from Denver University in the US. He has more than 20 years of experience in ports and free zone authorities, and is considered one of the most influential socio-economic figures in Dubai.

What are the key points behind the operational philosophy of Dubai Customs? Dubai Customs is an important part of Dubai’s economy. We don’t act like a police body; we act […]

What are the key points behind the operational philosophy of Dubai Customs?

Dubai Customs is an important part of Dubai’s economy. We don’t act like a police body; we act as facilitators and provide services. The most important part of what we do is protection. We are the first protective barrier on entry to Dubai. We protect the people living here from drugs and dangerous weapons. We are also protecting trademark holders from counterfeit goods. Today, when counterfeit brands come into the country, the economy as a whole loses. These actions can imply a huge cost, meaning we are protecting traders. We are protecting the people from bad food or low-quality medicine entering the country. We at customs are not just collectors; we protect the people.

To what extent does Dubai Customs benefit the economy?

The money that we collect does not go into the government’s pockets; it goes toward infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, schools, and hospitals.

How has Dubai Customs developed over time?

We are developing our systems and our work continuously. We are 100% online. Customers can finish all their documentation online before they come. Then, when they arrive, they can walk straight through. The government department is secure, private business is very quiet, the business environment can be seen, and people are not walking back and forth. It is a positive environment because everything is online and people can communicate effectively. We facilitate all the traders and make life easy for them to clear their goods, get their work done, and protect their business.

“We are the first protective barrier on entry to Dubai.”

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