Dubai Customs has extended economic packages that supplied more than AED 79 million in liquidity to the private sector, according to a statement from the authority. The measures focus on duty refunds and import exemptions designed to ease operational costs for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Dubai Customs data places the total support at that level following uptake across multiple programs during the reporting period. The authority reported that these initiatives have reached a wide range of companies operating within the emirate’s logistics and commercial sectors.
According to the statement issued by Dubai Customs, the packages include accelerated processing for customs duty refunds on re-exported goods along with exemptions applicable to temporary imports. The authority’s assessment found that such facilities help maintain cash flow for businesses facing variable trade volumes. Additional components of the program target specific sectors where import dependencies create elevated upfront costs. Dubai Customs noted that participant feedback has informed ongoing adjustments to the available support mechanisms.
Figures from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism show the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade exceeded AED 1.6 trillion in 2024, underscoring the importance of efficient customs procedures to sustained growth. The liquidity injection reported by Dubai Customs aligns with that trade expansion by reducing financial friction for private operators. Separate data published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry places private sector contribution to the emirate’s GDP above 85 percent in recent estimates. This context highlights how customs facilitation measures can amplify broader economic activity across logistics, manufacturing and retail segments.
Dubai Customs further stated that the packages form part of a continuous review process aimed at aligning procedures with international best practices. The authority has implemented digital platforms that allow businesses to apply for support without extensive paperwork, according to its published guidelines. Participant uptake has increased steadily since the programs launched, the statement added. Officials indicated that similar packages will continue in the current fiscal year with potential expansions based on sector performance.
A PwC Middle East report on GCC logistics competitiveness ranked the UAE among the region’s leaders in customs efficiency, citing streamlined clearance times as a key factor. That assessment noted average import clearance in Dubai at under 12 hours for compliant shipments, supporting the liquidity benefits outlined by Dubai Customs. The consultancy’s data also projects continued growth in e-commerce and supply chain activity that could drive further demand for such facilitation tools. Dubai Customs has coordinated with other federal bodies to ensure consistency across ports and free zones.
The authority’s statement emphasised that all packages operate within existing regulatory frameworks while offering targeted relief to qualifying applicants. Companies must meet documentation standards to access the liquidity provisions, according to the published criteria. Dubai Customs reported high compliance rates among participants, which has enabled rapid processing of claims. Ongoing monitoring will determine the scope of future rounds, the authority indicated.
