Ajman Port and Customs AI programme launched with 20 initiatives to modernize operations
Ajman launches Port and Customs AI programme with 20 initiatives for 2026–2027, aiming to modernize operations, speed clearances and enhance trade resilience.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, chairman of Ajman Port and Customs Department, inaugurated the Ajman Port and Customs AI programme at the Partners Forum 2026. The programme, which the department says will run through 2026–2027, comprises 20 targeted initiatives designed to strengthen the authority’s capacity to respond to technological and market shifts. The launch underscores Ajman’s effort to accelerate adoption of advanced technologies and improve government service efficiency.
Launch at Partners Forum 2026
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi announced the programme during the department’s 2026 Partners Forum, describing it as a strategic step to future-proof port and customs operations. He said the initiative followed directives from Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, and aligns with Ajman’s broader AI ambitions. The forum gathered stakeholders to outline how the 20 projects will be prioritized and rolled out across the next two years.
Scope and timeline of the AI programme
The Ajman Port and Customs AI programme covers a package of 20 initiatives and projects scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2027. Projects are intended to span operational automation, data analytics, risk management and customer-facing digital services. The department has set the two-year horizon to enable phased deployment, testing, and refinement before scaling successful pilots.
Objectives guided by government directives
Officials said the programme was launched to translate Ajman government directives into concrete actions that accelerate digital transformation. Key objectives include enhancing operational efficiency, reducing clearance times, improving supply chain transparency and strengthening resilience against fraud and disruptions. The programme is also positioned as a practical expression of Ajman’s strategic AI goals, embedding advanced technologies into routine public services.
Planned initiatives and technological focus
While the department has described the package as containing 20 distinct initiatives, it has signaled priority areas such as intelligent cargo tracking, automated customs clearance, predictive analytics for port throughput and AI-assisted risk profiling. Other expected focus areas are digital customer channels, document automation and systems that optimize berth and yard allocation. These technology pillars aim to combine machine learning, process automation and integrated data platforms to deliver measurable improvements.
Expected operational impact and benefits
Department leaders forecast faster processing times for imports and exports, lower administrative burden for traders and more accurate risk detection for customs enforcement. Reductions in vessel and cargo dwell times are projected to improve port productivity and lower costs for logistics partners. The programme is also expected to enhance data-driven decision-making, enabling the authority to respond more quickly to market changes and supply chain pressures.
Governance, partnerships and implementation oversight
The programme launch emphasized coordination with Ajman’s broader AI strategy and a structured governance approach to manage risks and ensure accountability. Implementation will likely involve collaboration with technology vendors, academic partners and other government entities to provide expertise and technical support. Officials indicated that phased pilots, performance metrics and stakeholder engagement would guide roll-out decisions across the 2026–2027 timeline.
The Ajman Port and Customs AI programme marks a targeted effort by the emirate to modernize its maritime gateway and customs services through a concentrated set of digital initiatives. By committing to 20 projects over the next two years, the department aims to deliver operational gains and stronger trade facilitation while aligning with Ajman’s wider push to integrate artificial intelligence into public sector services.