DUBAI

An aggregate of Dh1.07 billion has been generated by Dubai Customs, DC, in income and cost savings from 2004 to the end of 2015 thanks to the implementation of innovative 17,771 ideas and suggestions by the employees.

Hussain Fardan, Manager of Innovation Center at DC, has attributed the remarkable returns on innovation to the systematised management and efficient optimisation of employees’ suggestions into productive ideas and innovations that support DC business and overall government services.

“The innovation approach adopted by Dubai Customs builds on the latest global standards and best practices in ideas and suggestions management. All creative ideas received from employees, customers and the public undergo maturation process involving various internal stakeholders to make such ideas and innovations implementable ones and thus maximise results when developing the customs and trade industry,” said Fardan.

Dubai Customs acquired 59 renowned awards in innovation, including 42 global and 17 local trophies. It scooped 11 awards from Dubai Government Excellence Program, DGEP, alone.

Fardan pointed out that Dubai Customs is keen to transfer knowledge and share expertise with different government entities and partners, particularly with regards to DC best practices.

In this perspective, DC’s Innovation Center recently received delegations from Emirates Identity Authority, GDRFA Dubai, and Ajman Land and Property Department. They were briefed about the mechanisms put in place by DC to foster a creative and innovation-friendly environment to help staff come up with fresh ideas for improvement and development.

Hussain Fardan emphasised during these meetings that DC’s Innovation Strategy is aligned with local and federal government development systems, and aims to make customers happier through delivery of value-added services and more simplified border processes.

Saving operational costs and increasing revenues without compromising the smooth flow of trade and people and society protection are among the objectives of DC’s innovation efforts, he added.