Abu dhabi: The 2025 performance results tracked by the 2026 Competitiveness Report reflect the growing reach of customs work in supporting UAE competitiveness, given the direct link between the efficiency of customs procedures and the pace of trade, the resilience of supply chains, the quality of government services, security, digital transformation, and the appeal of the business environment.
According to Emirates News Agency, the report, which measures 2025 performance, drew on 30 global reports and 69 competitiveness indicators – including 10 new ones – offering a more comprehensive read on the performance of the country’s institutions and private sector, and the level of integration between government policy and operations.
The results indicate a significant leap, with the number of indicators in which the UAE ranks among the global top 10 percent climbing from 27 to 37. The UAE also leads the Arab world in 57 indicators, up from 47, constituting 82.6 percent of the total.
The UAE recorded nine upgrades into higher competitiveness tiers and improved its ranking within the same tier on seven more indicators, against a modest decline on only two. The share of indicators in which the UAE maintained or improved its leading position reached 87%, up from 84.7% the previous year.
Dubai Customs’ direct impact is evident in seven competitiveness indicators tied to the core of customs work and the efficiency of trade movement. These include four indicators within the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index and others within the Global Innovation Index, Legatum Prosperity Index, and the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade.
The organisation’s influence also extends partially to 62 other indicators, highlighting its operations’ integration with the trade, logistics, digitalization, security, government services, and business-environment ecosystem.
Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, stated that Dubai Customs plays a pivotal role in enhancing the national economy’s competitiveness and accelerating sustainable growth through an integrated operating framework. This includes developing customs operations, streamlining procedures, utilizing data and AI, and strengthening supply chain security.
He added that the competitiveness index results underscore the linkage between efficient customs procedures and the pace of trade, service quality, supply chain resilience, and the economy’s adaptability to global shifts.
The UAE ranked ninth globally in export trade for 2025, with total trade reaching $707 billion according to World Trade Organisation data. This coincided with Jebel Ali Port’s rise on the Container Port Performance Index, climbing from 49th to 26th place globally.
The integration of ports, customs, and logistics is crucial, with clearance speed, coordinated procedures, and precise risk management enhancing market speed and supply chain efficiency.
Dubai Customs introduced the “Shahin” platform to expedite clearance and shipping procedures, enhance connectivity, reduce turnaround times, and ensure smooth goods movement, thus supporting logistics operations’ flexibility.
The UAE topped the Absence of Bureaucracy index, reflecting a government approach involving procedure redesign, step reduction, and data-system linkage. Dubai Customs has transitioned to an integrated digital system, leveraging automation, data analytics, AI, and proactive services.
The “Smart Risk Engine” and “Advance Cargo Information (ACI)” initiative exemplify this shift, using AI for precise shipment risk assessment and early data analysis for decision-making and resource allocation.
The customs security pillar saw a 12.5-percentage-point improvement, reflecting risk-based oversight’s role in balancing security and trade facilitation by focusing on higher-risk shipments.
The “Green Corridor” supports this approach, offering fast pathways for compliant shipments and linking compliance to operational benefits, helping reduce clearance times and sustain supply chain continuity.
The Trade Facilitation index rose to 91.5%, while the Support Services pillar remained at 100%, reflecting the impact of digital service development and efficient communication channels.
The “Mirsal” platform enhances customer response speed and clarity, supporting companies’ operational and business decision-making.
With the inclusion of the Global Talent index, competitiveness now encompasses institutions’ talent development capability. Dubai Customs invests in national talent through the “Masar 33” program and other specialized initiatives.
Dr. Abdulla Busenad emphasized the ongoing responsibility to build capabilities, enhance institutional readiness, and invest in innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships, aiming to empower trade and support sustainable economic growth.
The report highlights that developing customs operations extends beyond operational indicators, converting efficiency into economic value that bolsters UAE’s competitiveness and growth.