The UAE is positioning itself as a global center for trade and logistics by adopting digital solutions

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Presidential Court, visited the World Customs Organization Technology Conference and Exhibition 2026, which is organized by the World Customs Organization and hosted by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

His Highness said in a blog post on the “X” platform yesterday: “The holding of the World Customs Organization Technology Conference and Exhibition in Abu Dhabi embodies the UAE’s approach based on enhancing international cooperation and exchanging experiences, to develop customs systems, and to formulate a more efficient, secure and flexible future for international trade.”

During the visit, His Highness inspected a number of pavilions, including the pavilion of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security. He reviewed the solutions and services covering the various areas of customs and security work, and the efforts to harness technology, smart systems and artificial intelligence to develop the customs sector in the country.

During his tour, His Highness was briefed on the smart customs inspector, “Robot Maryam,” which was officially launched by the Authority during the opening session of the conference, and which uses artificial intelligence tools to support inspections and answer travelers’ questions regarding customs procedures and disclosure of cash amounts. His Highness also viewed the latest products and technologies displayed by the companies and institutions participating in the exhibition, which contribute to enhancing customs work.

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that harnessing technology and artificial intelligence in customs work has become a necessity to enhance performance efficiency and speed up procedures at the country’s ports, noting that the UAE is continuing to consolidate its position as a global center for trade and logistics, by adopting advanced digital solutions.

His Highness praised the efforts of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security in developing an integrated customs system that keeps pace with future challenges. He also noted the importance of this international event in enhancing cooperation and partnerships between customs administrations around the world.

During the visit, His Highness was accompanied by the Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, the Director General of Customs and Ports Security at the Authority, Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, and a number of senior officials.

It is worth noting that the conference is being held with the participation of more than 2,000 representatives of member states of the World Customs Organization, senior officials and experts from customs administrations and other border authorities, technology providers, representatives of the broader business community, international organizations, development partners, academic institutions and those who contribute to shaping the future of cross-border trade.

The conference and exhibition, which is held under the slogan “Customs Flexibility in a Complex World: Securing and Facilitating Trade Through Innovation,” discusses the future of border management and how advanced technologies, data analytics and various partnerships can contribute to enhancing border protection, simplifying and accelerating the movement of trade, and shaping the future of customs operations in an increasingly complex commercial and customs environment.

A number of local and international companies will participate in the exhibition accompanying the conference, showcasing the latest technologies, digital solutions, innovations and services that the global customs sector can benefit from in developing performance, achieving integration and strengthening the customs partnership.

Mansour bin Zayed:

• Harnessing technology and artificial intelligence in customs work has become a necessity to enhance performance efficiency and speed up procedures at the country’s ports.