Dubai Customs and Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority sign MoU

Dubai Customs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority (DTMFZA), on behalf of Dubai Design District (d3), to establish a framework of programs to create efficiency of Customs processes at the soon-to-be-launched design community.

The MoU was signed at Dubai Customs headquarter on Monday, January 19, 2015, by H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, and H.E. Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General of DTMFZA.

Unlike any other free zone in Dubai, d3 has a significant retail element and therefore, has been designed to attract consumers to shop at the site. As a result, Dubai Customs has a significant part to play in helping d3 achieve their growth ambitions through the effective management of imported and exported goods to ensure the efficiency of customs processes.

In order to achieve this efficiency, the MoU serves to solidify synergies between both Dubai Customs and d3 to ensure the most effective use of Customs technologies at the site. For example, the MoU will lead to Dubai Customs having a permanent presence at d3 to service all immediate enquiries to customers to interact with all relevant government services, making the process of setting up and operating at d3 simple and efficient.

The MoU will also facilitate the development of a wide range of training programs designed to enable employees of both d3 and Customs to expedite customs procedures and promote free trade. These training programmes will also encourage the exchange of expertise and institutional experiences between each entity and facilitate case studies related to the work of both parties for future use and analysis.

Attending the MoU signing ceremony from Dubai Customs were Abdulla Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director of Customers Management Division, Saeed Ahmed Al Tayer, Acting Executive Director of Policies & Legislation Division, and Ahmad Abdullah bin Lahej, Director of Passenger Operations Department. From the other side, Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of TECOM Investments, Ali BuRuhaima, Deputy Director General, DTMFZA, Fahad Sulaiman, Director of Commercial Affairs, Mohammad Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer of d3, attended the ceremony.

Commenting on the MoU, H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih said: We are proud of the strategic partnership with DTMFZA. In pursuance of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, towards driving the UAE to the lead in all areas, Dubai Customs pays utmost attention to supporting pioneering projects launched by Dubai.

We are keen to have a permanent presence at d3 to avail customs services for the good of design industry, meeting the needs of FZ companies working in the sector, Mahboob added.

At the signing ceremony, Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General of DTMFZA commented: To develop a fully integrated community, it is vital that Dubai Design District establishes a solid and innovative framework of procedures that simplify activities such as Customs. In doing so, the site will become a true hub of activity and will enable us to attract further design-related entities to base themselves at what we hope will become the centre of design for the region.

I am delighted to be part of this partnership and hope that the relationship between Dubai Customs and d3 continues to thrive, well into the future, he added.

Dr Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of TECOM Investments, the developer behind d3 said: d3 is committed to providing the very best service to our business community and our partnership with Dubai Customs will allow us to deliver against this promise. By facilitating both the export and import with Dubai Mainland provides a unique business opportunity for clients signing up to d3 which will ultimately enable businesses at d3 to grow.

Praise for this announcement was well received by the d3 design business community as indicated by Maryam Hassani, Founder of Dubai-based jewellery brand 55 fifty 7, and a d3 tenant, who said: "As a new jewellery design studio, the ability to import materials and export our masterpieces quickly and cost-effectively it is fundamental to the success of our business. d3 supported us throughout the process to secure a DED license allowing us the flexibility to operate in the market. We are proud to be the first new DED license granted by d3. The d3 team are always efficient, proactive and knowledgeable for all Business Partners. Knowing that d3 provide the full spectrum of business support from legislative advice to customs assistance further emphasizes the appeal of being based there."