Dubai Customs relief packages safeguard AED 33.9bn in trade and unlock AED 79m for businesses
Dubai Customs relief packages kept AED 33.9bn in trade moving and released more than AED 79m in liquidity to businesses, reinforcing the emirate’s economic resilience.
Dubai Customs relief package preserves AED 33.9 billion in trade flows
Dubai Customs said its recent relief package and facilitation measures ensured uninterrupted trade flows valued at AED 33.9 billion between March 1 and June 30, 2026.
The statement credited extensions, fee restructurings and priority handling for critical goods with maintaining supply chains and business operations across the emirate.
Authorities said the interventions align with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda and the leadership’s directives to bolster economic resilience and sustainability.
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation credits measures for investor confidence
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation highlighted the role of Dubai Customs’ actions in strengthening investor trust and supporting long-term growth.
Abdullah bin Dmeithan, head of the corporation, emphasized the importance of rapid response and institutional readiness to protect companies during exceptional circumstances.
He said the measures demonstrate Dubai’s commitment to creating a business environment that can absorb shocks and continue to attract quality investment.
Customs policy changes and relief measures implemented
Dubai Customs rolled out a package of targeted interventions that included a 120-day extension for suspended customs declarations and expanded transit windows.
Other measures included the option to instalment payments for customs duties, an 80% reduction in fines for certain customs violations, and extensions of transit times from 30 to 90 days.
Operational steps also eased entry via Khorfakkan, Fujairah and Hatta under the customs guarantee system and prioritised food and pharmaceutical consignments.
Direct economic effects and beneficiary numbers
Authorities reported that the program delivered a direct liquidity boost exceeding AED 79 million to the private sector, benefiting 428 companies through fee deferrals and settlements.
A broader extension under Customs Announcement No. 12/2026 covered 6,613 companies, granting a 120-day reprieve for declarations linked to re-export, temporary admission and various transit regimes.
Dubai Customs said the combined measures supported thousands of firms, helped preserve cash flow and mitigated short-term operational pressures.
Green Corridor kept goods flowing and routes diversified
In response to regional disruptions, Dubai Customs launched a “Green Corridor” to sustain alternative trade routes and ensure cargo continuity.
From March 1 to June 30, 2026 the corridor facilitated movement of more than 203,240 containers and handled in excess of 3.16 million tonnes of goods arriving from 188 countries.
Foodstuffs led the consignments by value at over AED 5.3 billion, followed by electrical machinery at AED 4.24 billion and vehicles at AED 2.21 billion, underscoring the corridor’s role in preserving essential imports.
Private sector engagement and operational feedback
Dubai Customs said it maintained close contact with the business community, logging more than 83 operational challenges and proposals related to customs clearance, logistics and shipping costs.
A substantial portion of those inputs were converted into rapid operational improvements and new initiatives designed to expedite clearances and reduce processing burdens.
Officials described the collaboration as evidence of a strong public‑private partnership that expedited practical solutions and improved service delivery for traders.
Dubai Customs reported the registration of more than 4,000 new traders between March 1 and June 30, 2026, signalling continued confidence in Dubai’s trade environment.
Senior officials, including Dubai Customs Director General Dr. Abdullah Busnad and Rashid Al Shard, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, framed the results as validation of a flexible policy approach.
They said the institution will continue refining procedures to boost efficiency, shorten processing times and preserve Dubai’s competitive edge as a global logistics and trade hub.
Looking ahead, Dubai Customs indicated these facilitation measures may be extended or adapted through further customs announcements as conditions evolve.
Authorities stressed that maintaining readiness and offering practical relief remain priorities to support the emirate’s economic stability and to protect the continuity of trade and supply chains.
Businesses and stakeholders were urged to monitor official communications for guidance on eligibility and procedures for the ongoing relief programs.