Business & Money | Monday 31 October, 2016 1:23 pm |

The Dubai Creek, situated in the centre of Dubai and flowing between Bur Dubai and Deira, is where trade with the outside world began for the emirate more than a century ago. Dubai Creek has always boasted both historical and economic significance. As a commercial hub and a tourist attraction, the creek has remained the very "heart" of the city.

Dubai Customs pays great attention to the harbour and works towards enhancing the waterway’s contribution to streamlining trade flow in nearby traditional markets. Creek traders are offered 24/7 flexible Customs services to ensure their operations run as smooth as they can be.  

During 2015, around 12,229 vessels sailed into and out of the Dubai Creek. These included traditional wooden boats, modern vessels as well as cruise ships.  

To accommodate the traffic of vessels and ensure their smooth movement in and out of Dubai Creek, Dubai Customs has employed smart technologies to smoothen operations at the harbour. A software is in use to regulate vessels’ entry to the port, by determining vacant boat berths and giving each vessel a number and code for its allocated berthing space. Moreover, drones are used at the harbour for surveillance of suspicious activity and to support inspection of trade vessels, as the remote-controlled drones with built-in cameras send live video providing 360-degree view during targeted Customs inspections.

The Customs Unmanned Submarine, equipped with cameras and lights specially designed for underwater use proved very useful for tactical underwater inspections of vessel hulls.

Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Senior Manager of Dubai Creek Customs Centre, and Acting Director of Coastal Customs Centres Management, said that they are keen on holding regular meetings with stakeholders to improve trade movement in Dubai Creek by reinforcing closer ties with strategic partners at the harbour, such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Coast Guards, among others, and getting constructive feedback from vessel owners and maritime shippers.