PCFC honors excellence at first Annual Excellence Forum
Nearly 40 Employees Recognized for Outstanding Achievements
Al Neyadi: The corporation's strategic directions align with the wise leadership's vision and support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33
Al Neyadi: Excellence and innovation are a steadfast approach to enhancing productivity and improving the work environment at the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation
The Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) organized the First Annual Excellence Forum 2025 in a ceremony attended by a distinguished group of senior officials, executive directors, and outstanding employees of the PCFC. The event featured the recognition of nearly 40 winners of excellence awards in appreciation of their exceptional efforts and remarkable achievements that contributed to strengthening the Corporation's local and global standing.
In a remarkable evening embodying the values of leadership and innovation, H.E. Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of excellence as a core value in the Corporation's strategies. He highlighted that the corporation's strategic directions are aligned with the wise leadership's vision and support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
He stated, 'This event reflects our firm commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. It is an opportunity to celebrate our employees who embody these values across various fields of work'.
He further added, "Our goal is to recognize and motivate employees who deliver outstanding efforts and unique achievements that the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation takes pride in. Their contributions enhance productivity, improve the work environment, and embody values of leadership, cooperation, and community service'.
The ceremony featured the distribution of awards across various categories, including Best Feasible Suggestion Award, the Social Employee Award, the Unknown Soldier Award, the Positive Leader Award, the Committed Department Award, and the Best Department in Media Presence Award.
Special recognitions were also granted to teamwork that contributed to significant achievements, including the team supervising the completion of the corporation's new headquarters, the '360 Services' team. Additionally, prominent individuals were honored with awards such as Transformation Leader" Award and the Accomplished Leader" Award. The ceremony concluded with a special tribute to H.E. Nasser Al Neyadi, in recognition of his pioneering role in advancing institutional excellence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Hamdan visits world's largest diamond tender facility at DMCC
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC), taking in a first-hand tour of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the largest diamond tender facility in the world. The visit coincided with a defining moment for the UAE's diamond industry, as DMCC recently announced the milestone of over 1 billion carats of rough and polished diamonds traded over the past five years – reinforcing its position as the dominant force in global diamond trade. Sheikh Hamdan, accompanied during the visit by Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, was welcomed by Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board of DMCC; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC; and Feryal Ahmadi, DMCC's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Sheikh Hamdan visited the Dubai Diamond Exchange tender floors, where he was apprised about the trade practices in place for rough and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and lab-grown stones. He also received briefings on DMCC's comprehensive diamond ecosystem, including the strategic expansion of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into DMCC's new district, Uptown Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan said, 'The visit provided the opportunity to see first-hand how DMCC continues to play a central role in driving global trade and investment flows to Dubai, positioning the emirate as a world-class business hub. As we advance our economic diversification journey under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DMCC is leading the way in building high-performance, globally connected ecosystems that attract innovation, talent and capital across priority sectors.' Sheikh Hamdan was also updated on the regulatory, policy and infrastructure advancements that have propelled the UAE to become the leading hub for rough diamond trade worldwide. The accelerated growth of the UAE in polished and lab-grown segments – combined with its leadership role as both Chair and Custodian Chair of the Kimberley Process – has positioned Dubai as a future-ready, innovative, responsible and globally trusted centre of excellence for the diamond industry. In parallel to the visit, DMCC unveiled the Strategy 2033 – a bold new vision that places its specialised industry ecosystems at the heart of its growth for the coming decade. From world-leading hubs in diamonds, gold, and energy, to future-focused platforms for AI, Web3, blockchain, and gaming, DMCC's strategy is designed to accelerate the growth of key global sectors through value-add services including tailored licensing, infrastructure, and access to capital and industry expertise. The strategy builds on a model that has firmly established DMCC as one of the world's leading and fastest-growing free zones. With momentum accelerating across its entire ecosystem, DMCC is on track to exceed 26,000 member companies by year-end. DMCC's success lies in the consistent expansion of both legacy and frontier sectors. Over the past five years, the precious stones ecosystem has surged by 177%, precious metals by 74%, and energy by 72%, while the coffee and tea trade continues to show resilient growth. Meanwhile, DMCC's newer technology ecosystems have scaled rapidly, mirroring Dubai's ascent as a global centre for innovation. This has coincided with a period of sustained growth for DMCC, which now accounts for 15% of Dubai's foreign direct investment and 7% of its GDP. Sheikh Hamdan's visit also highlighted the wider transformation of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown districts into thriving business and lifestyle destinations – underscoring the role of DMCC in shaping the urban and economic landscape of Dubai. Today DMCC is home to over 25,000 companies and, in recent years, has seen exponential growth from companies in new industries such as Web3, Crypto, Gaming and AI. The visit concluded with Sheikh Hamdan being presented with a deluxe edition of DMCC's 2024 Future of Trade report, which explores the shifting dynamics of international commerce and forecasts key trends shaping global markets. Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board, DMCC, said, 'It was an honour to welcome H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC and the Dubai Diamond Exchange today. This visit is a powerful endorsement of DMCC's role, not only in positioning the UAE as the global leader in diamond trade, but also in advancing Dubai's position as a centre of excellence across a wide range of future-focused industries. "Through long-term investment, bold policy frameworks and a commitment to international partnerships, DMCC has built an ecosystem that enables growth across commodities, technology, services and innovation. As Dubai accelerates the goals of D33, our integrated model will continue to be central to attracting global business and reinforcing Dubai as a leading hub for international trade.' Ahmed Bin Sulayem said, 'It was a privilege to welcome. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC at this historic moment for our diamond industry. As we continue to scale our impact through our world-class districts of JLT and Uptown Dubai, attract global institutions, and lead industry dialogues across sectors, DMCC is shaping the future of trade from the heart of Dubai. "From precious stones and energy to emerging fields such as AI, Web3 and blockchain, we are building the connected, future-ready ecosystems that global businesses need to thrive – and expecting to surpass 26,000 companies this year. By driving innovation, integrity and sustainable growth, DMCC is proud to support the national economic agenda and continue to cement Dubai's status as a world-leading hub for trade and commerce.' Feryal Ahmadi added, 'From transforming the global tender landscape in diamonds to advancing growth in Web3, AI and sustainable trade, DMCC is building the next generation of global commerce. His Highness' visit is a strong validation of DMCC's Strategy 2033 that will elevate our future-ready, connected ecosystems to ultimately support innovation, ensure resilience and deliver long-term value. As international markets evolve, Dubai is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across sectors, reinforcing its reputation as a dynamic, responsible and forward-looking global hub.' Since 2021, the UAE has led the world in rough diamond trade and is rapidly expanding its presence across polished and lab-grown segments. Polished diamonds now represent nearly half of the total diamond trade value, while the lab-grown segment has exceeded Dhs3.7 billion in trade in the past year. DMCC has played a foundational role in Dubai's rise as a global powerhouse for the diamond and precious stones sector. Through the Dubai Diamond Exchange and its wider ecosystem of more than 1,350 member companies, DMCC has built the specialised infrastructure, regulatory support, and international connectivity required to enable seamless trade across all diamond segments. In 2024 alone, the DDE hosted 85 tenders, underscoring its pivotal role as a central platform for the global diamond community. This position is reinforced by the presence of the Kimberley Process Office, the DMCC Vault and a suite of high-impact networking and industry initiatives, including the Tender Best Practice Forum – all of which ensure the highest standards of security. The DMCC continues to play a catalytic role in shaping the future of trade across multiple sectors. As home to over 25,000 member companies from 180 countries, DMCC provides cutting-edge infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and industry-specific ecosystems that support growth in commodities, financial services, and emerging technologies. Through specialised centres such as the DMCC Crypto Centre, the Gaming Centre, the AI Centre and the Tea and Coffee Centres, DMCC is reinforcing Dubai's status as a hub for traditional and digital trade, while actively enabling the next generation of enterprise, innovation and global business. WAM
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed visits world's largest diamond tender facility at DMCC
2 June 2025 18:17 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC), the leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai, taking in a first-hand tour of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE), the largest diamond tender facility in the world. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan's visit coincided with a defining moment for the UAE's diamond industry, as DMCC recently announced the milestone of over 1 billion carats of rough and polished diamonds traded over the past five years – reinforcing its position as the dominant force in the global diamond trade. His Highness was accompanied during the visit by His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was welcomed by Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board of DMCC; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC; and Feryal Ahmadi, DMCC's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His Highness visited the Dubai Diamond Exchange tender floors, where he was apprised of the trade practices in place for rough and polished diamonds, coloured gemstones and lab-grown stones. He also received briefings on DMCC's comprehensive diamond ecosystem, including the strategic expansion of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into DMCC's new district, Uptown Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: 'The visit provided the opportunity to see first-hand how DMCC continues to play a central role in driving global trade and investment flows to Dubai, positioning the emirate as a world-class business hub. As we advance our economic diversification journey under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DMCC is leading the way in building high-performance, globally connected ecosystems that attract innovation, talent and capital across priority sectors.'His Highness was also updated on the regulatory, policy and infrastructure advancements that have propelled the UAE to become the leading hub for rough diamond trade accelerated growth of the UAE in polished and lab-grown segments – combined with its leadership role as both Chair and Custodian Chair of the Kimberley Process – has positioned Dubai as a future-ready, innovative, responsible and globally trusted centre of excellence for the diamond industry. Bold New Vision In parallel to the visit, DMCC unveiled Strategy 2033 – a bold new vision that places its specialised industry ecosystems at the heart of its growth for the coming decade. From world-leading hubs in diamonds, gold, and energy, to future-focused platforms for AI, Web3, blockchain, and gaming, DMCC's strategy is designed to accelerate the growth of key global sectors through value-add services including tailored licensing, infrastructure, and access to capital and industry expertise. The strategy builds on a model that has firmly established DMCC as one of the world's leading and fastest-growing free zones. With momentum accelerating across its entire ecosystem, DMCC is on track to exceed 26,000 member companies by year-end. Considered Expansion strategy DMCC's success lies in the consistent expansion of both legacy and frontier sectors. Over the past five years, the precious stones ecosystem has surged by 177%, precious metals by 74%, and energy by 72%, while the coffee and tea trade continues to show resilient growth. Meanwhile, DMCC's newer technology ecosystems have scaled rapidly, mirroring Dubai's ascent as a global centre for innovation. This has coincided with a period of sustained growth for DMCC, which now accounts for 15% of Dubai's foreign direct investment and 7% of its Highness Sheikh Hamdan's visit also highlighted the wider transformation of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Uptown districts into thriving business and lifestyle destinations – underscoring the role of DMCC in shaping the urban and economic landscape of Dubai. Today DMCC is home to over 25,000 companies and, in recent years, has seen exponential growth from companies in new industries such as Web3, Crypto, Gaming and AI. Elaborate Trade Report The visit concluded with His Highness being presented with a deluxe edition of DMCC's 2024 Future of Trade report, which explores the shifting dynamics of international commerce and forecasts key trends shaping global on His Highness's visit, Dr. Hamad Buamim, Chairman of the Board, DMCC, said: 'It was an honour to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC and the Dubai Diamond Exchange today." Dr. Buamim added, "This visit is a powerful endorsement of DMCC's role, not only in positioning the UAE as the global leader in diamond trade but also in advancing Dubai's position as a centre of excellence across a wide range of future-focused industries. He further said: "Through long-term investment, bold policy frameworks and a commitment to international partnerships, DMCC has built an ecosystem that enables growth across commodities, technology, services and innovation. As Dubai accelerates the goals of D33, our integrated model will continue to be central to attracting global business and reinforcing Dubai as a leading hub for international trade.'Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of DMCC, said: 'It was a privilege to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to DMCC at this historic moment for our diamond industry. Bin Sulayem added, "As we continue to scale our impact through our world-class districts of JLT and Uptown Dubai, attract global institutions, and lead industry dialogues across sectors, DMCC is shaping the future of trade from the heart of Dubai. From precious stones and energy to emerging fields such as AI, Web3 and blockchain, we are building the connected, future-ready ecosystems that global businesses need to thrive – and expect to surpass 26,000 companies this year. By driving innovation, integrity and sustainable growth, DMCC is proud to support the national economic agenda and continue to cement Dubai's status as a world-leading hub for trade and commerce.'Feryal Ahmadi, Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer, DMCC, added: 'From transforming the global tender landscape in diamonds to advancing growth in Web3, AI and sustainable trade, DMCC is building the next generation of global commerce. His Highness' visit is a strong validation of DMCC's Strategy 2033 that will elevate our future-ready, connected ecosystems to ultimately support innovation, ensure resilience and deliver long-term value. As international markets evolve, Dubai is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs across sectors, reinforcing its reputation as a dynamic, responsible and forward-looking global hub.' Leadership Initiative Since 2021, the UAE has led the world in the rough diamond trade and is rapidly expanding its presence across polished and lab-grown segments. Polished diamonds now represent nearly half of the total diamond trade value, while the lab-grown segment has exceeded Dh3.7 billion in trade in the past year. DMCC has played a foundational role in Dubai's rise as a global powerhouse for the diamond and precious stones sector. Through the Dubai Diamond Exchange and its wider ecosystem of more than 1,350 member companies, DMCC has built the specialised infrastructure, regulatory support, and international connectivity required to enable seamless trade across all diamond 2024 alone, the DDE hosted 85 tenders, underscoring its pivotal role as a central platform for the global diamond community. This position is reinforced by the presence of the Kimberley Process Office, the DMCC Vault and a suite of high-impact networking and industry initiatives, including the Tender Best Practice Forum – all of which ensure the highest standards of security, compliance and market engagement. Further strengthening Dubai's comprehensive offering is the expansion of globally renowned institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) into Uptown Dubai, cementing its status as a world-leading hub for the diamond trade across every segment of the value chain. Specialised Centres The DMCC continues to play a catalytic role in shaping the future of trade across multiple sectors. As home to over 25,000 member companies from 180 countries, DMCC provides cutting-edge infrastructure, regulatory frameworks and industry-specific ecosystems that support growth in commodities, financial services, and emerging technologies. Through specialised centres such as the DMCC Crypto Centre, the Gaming Centre, the AI Centre and the Tea and Coffee Centres, DMCC is reinforcing Dubai's status as a hub for traditional and digital trade, while actively enabling the next generation of enterprise, and innovation and global business.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
PCFC and Ghana to establish economic zone, digital incubator
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and Government of Ghana have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Ghana's first economic zone and digital incubator in Accra. The initiative aims to accelerate the country's transformation into a regional technology powerhouse, attracting investment into West Africa. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC, and Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. Under the agreement, a 25 square kilometre area in Accra will be allocated to PCFC for the development of the economic zone. PCFC will lead the zone's operations and attract global technology firms, facilitating investment and business expansion. The MoU also includes joint efforts to establish digital infrastructure and property development within the zone. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem affirmed that PCFC's commitment to supporting the UAE's global outreach and sharing Dubai's pioneering experience in innovation and economic development. 'This initiative underscores our strategic relationships worldwide and reinforces PCFC's role as a key contributor to Dubai's knowledge and innovation-based economy. We are focused on launching cutting-edge projects that promote sustainable growth, invest in human capital and advanced technology, to cement Dubai's status as a global hub for smart technologies and digital transformation.'' He also expressed his appreciation for the Government of Ghana's trust in PCFC's expertise and its warm reception of the initiative. 'This smart economic zone, combining innovation, technology, and logistics, will foster commercial growth and strengthen Ghana's industrial and technological infrastructure.'' Samuel Nartey George stated that the partnership will significantly bolster Ghana's economic position, transforming it into a regional technology hub in Africa. 'This initiative aligns with Ghana's vision for digital transformation and sustainable economic growth. The zone will play a pivotal role in attracting global businesses and talent, positioning Accra as a destination of choice on the international stage.' In February, The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Cordiant Capital, a global investor in infrastructure and real assets, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance their strategic collaboration to strengthen Dubai's agriculture value chain and bolster its food security initiatives. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will work together to explore opportunities to optimise end-to-end agricultural value chains from origin-producing countries to Dubai through infrastructure investments, strategic trade corridors, and supply chain solutions. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Cédric Garnier-Landurie, Partner and Head of Agriculture Value Chain at Cordiant Capital, in a ceremony held at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. This partnership reinforces PCFC's commitment to developing innovative logistics and supply chain solutions aligned with Dubai's long-term vision for sustainable food security. The collaboration between PCFC and Cordiant Capital paves the way for the two parties to cooperate in: Building Next-Generation Cold Chain Networks: Implementing advanced cold-chain logistics systems that will maintain optimal freshness from farm to table, dramatically reducing food waste while ensuring consistent quality of perishable goods. Enhancing Dubai's Position as a Fresh Food Hub: Supporting Dubai's goal of becoming a global hub for fresh food distribution by leveraging PCFC's logistical capabilities and Cordiant's investment expertise in agriculture supply chains. Strategic Trade Corridors: Strengthening efficient, digitally enabled trade routes that optimize the movement of agricultural products while reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. Advancing National Food Security: Supporting Dubai's vision of becoming a leader in food security by investing in sustainable agricultural practices and cutting-edge supply chain solutions. Technology and Innovation: Deploying advanced technologies including IoT sensors, AI-powered analytics, and blockchain-enabled tracking systems to create unprecedented visibility and efficiency across the entire supply chain. These initiatives will support Dubai's ambitious food security strategy, which aims to enhance the emirate's agricultural self-sufficiency and diversify its food sources. The partnership leverages PCFC's unparalleled logistics expertise and Cordiant Capital's agricultural and infrastructure investment expertise to support fresh food supply chains in key markets. WAM
