Dubai Customs recently organized the “Future and Impactful Innovations Forum” as part of the UAE Innovates 2025 events. The forum brought together a distinguished group of experts, specialists, and innovation leaders to discuss advancements in future forecasting and institutional innovation.

Held at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel at Port Rashid, the event began with a welcome address that emphasized the critical role of innovation in achieving sustainable development and enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness. Mohammed Al Ghaffari, Executive Director of the Human Resources Division at Dubai Customs, delivered a keynote speech where he highlighted the importance of supporting innovation and investing in creative talent.

Al Ghaffari pointed out that the future is shaped by visionary thinking and intelligent transformations. He noted the significant advancements in the customs process made possible by innovations from Dubai Customs employees, which have positioned the department as a global leader in customs work. This has fostered a culture of innovation within government operations and has helped elevate Dubai’s status as a global innovation hub.

He also addressed the rapid transformations across various sectors—technological, economic, and social—and remarked that innovation has become essential for tackling these challenges. Al Ghaffari stressed the need for proactive adoption of smart solutions to enhance customer service, improve transparency, and increase operational efficiency. He reaffirmed Dubai Customs’ commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging business sector participation in developing future work models that support Dubai Customs’ leadership and align with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global business and investment hub.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Head of the Innovation Centre and Future Foresight Team Leader, spoke about the importance of strategic thinking in achieving institutional transformation. He emphasized that innovation plays a vital role in creating more efficient and sustainable systems. “We do not simply observe the future from a distance; we delve into its details, anticipate its changes, and turn opportunities into tangible scenarios,” Al Zarooni stated. He described future foresight as a “strategic compass” guiding organizations to make decisions today that will shape tomorrow.

Dr. Issa Al Bastaki, President of Dubai University, presented on future innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He discussed the significant impact of digital transformation on critical sectors and stressed the necessity of integrating modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, into business practices to ensure a competitive and sustainable future.

The forum also recognized the “Ambassadors of the Future,” who graduated with a global certification in future foresight from the Global Institute of Innovation Management (GIMI). These graduates showcased their future-focused projects concerning the customs sector over the next decade. Additionally, an exhibition highlighted seven future-oriented initiatives across economics, security, and technology, all aligned with Dubai Customs’ strategic vision.

Dubai Customs acknowledged its innovators whose ideas have improved institutional performance and enhanced customs services. Dr. Ahmad Thougan Al Hindawi, Chairman and CEO of Hindawi Group Excellence, presented on “Disruptive Leadership,” offering insights into innovative leadership techniques that bolster organizational resilience and adaptability.

The forum concluded with a lecture by Carlos Guevara, Partner at Sia Partners and the Global Institute of Innovation Management, who emphasized the importance of cultivating an innovative culture within organizations to enhance sustainability and competitiveness. An engaging discussion session followed, where senior directors from Dubai Customs addressed future challenges and opportunities in the customs sector, focusing on digital transformation efforts aimed at streamlining customs inspection and clearance processes. They highlighted key tools, such as the risk engine for improving inspection efficiency and the digital warehouse platform for optimizing logistics operations.