
MoFA, Abu Dhabi Customs sign agreement to advance digital integration, streamline government services
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive institutional framework for data and information exchange and to activate digital integration between the two entities.The agreement aims to deliver exceptional services, reinforce principles of partnership and coordination, and expand cooperation in alignment with the strategic vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.The MoU was signed by Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, at MoFA's Abu Dhabi Headquarters.The MoU seeks to develop an integrated digital system for secure electronic data exchange between the two parties. It ensures effective information sharing, robust data governance, enhanced protection, and the provision of smart, interconnected services that meet the needs of stakeholders with flexibility and high quality.Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that the partnership with Abu Dhabi Customs, through secure electronic integration and seamless data exchange, represents a key pillar in supporting digital transformation and achieving the goals of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.He added that the Ministry has adopted an innovative, future-focused approach to service delivery by leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to develop a smart, proactive digital ecosystem that streamlines processes, reduces time and effort, and eliminates unnecessary procedures.This approach contributes to enhancing government efficiency improving service quality, and elevating overall quality of life, while meeting the evolving needs and aspirations of the wider community.For his part, Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori expressed his pride in this constructive collaboration, emphasising that the MoU marks a pivotal milestone in Abu Dhabi Customs' efforts to enhance digital integration with government entities. This initiative contributes to improving customs operations efficiency, elevating service quality, and achieving the highest standards of institutional excellence — all in support of Abu Dhabi's vision to be a leading global hub for trade and smart services.
Al Mansoori added that data exchange and electronic integration with strategic partners are top priorities in Abu Dhabi Customs' future vision. These are key pillars in building an intelligent customs ecosystem that supports the UAE's national plans for a diversified, sustainable knowledge economy and reinforces Abu Dhabi's status as a global center for trade.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al Etihad
03-08-2025
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi reports non-oil foreign trade growth of 34.7% in H1 2025
3 Aug 2025 15:09 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi's non-oil foreign trade increased 34.7 per cent to Dh195.4 billion during the first half of 2025, compared to Dh145 billion during the same period in 2024, according to statistics released by the General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs (Abu Dhabi Customs).The growth reflects the resilience and dynamism of Abu Dhabi's economy, supported by the efficiency of its infrastructure and advanced logistics services, which have helped facilitate trade flows and enhance the smooth movement of goods through border the first six months of 2025, Abu Dhabi's non-oil exports grew by 64 per cent, reaching Dh78.5 billion, up from Dh47.9 billion during the first half of rose by 15 per cent to Dh80 billion, compared to Dh70 billion, and re-exports registered a 35 per cent increase, surpassing Dh36 billion, compared to Dh26.6 billion in the first half of increase in non-oil foreign trade underscores the strength of Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategies, forward-looking policies, and significant investments across key sectors. These efforts collectively support the emirate's growth as a leading regional and global trade and logistics Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: 'Abu Dhabi's steady non-oil foreign trade performance in H1 2025 reaffirms our position as a global economic powerhouse, bridging east and west, north and south. Our consistent growth, amid the challenges in international trade and the global economy, reflects the strength of our long-term economic planning, decisive policy execution, and our commitment to enabling the free and fair exchange of goods, services, and innovations.'We are doubling down our efforts to position Abu Dhabi among the world's most business-ready economies by streamlining trade procedures, deploying smart systems, and integrating services to enhance flow and accelerate efficiency, cementing Abu Dhabi's position as a global trade and investment centre, and a key node on international supply chains.' Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, said: 'The growth in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025 reflects the success of Abu Dhabi's economic strategies, and highlights the effectiveness of efforts made by Abu Dhabi Customs, in collaboration with strategic partners, to facilitate trade. These efforts are driven by the adoption of advanced systems, innovations, and digital technologies. 'Abu Dhabi Customs remains dedicated to delivering best-in-class services and procedures that accelerate customs clearance, and promote integration with both local and international partners, thereby supporting sustainable growth, enabling the future economy, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position on the global trade map.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi


The National
24-07-2025
- The National
UAE has hosted more than 17,600 Afghan evacuees since 2021
Almost four years since the Taliban took power following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, UAE authorities have provided details of how many Afghans it has hosted. The UAE has spent almost Dh1.35 billion ($367.6 million) hosting Afghan refugees before relocating them to other countries since 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. There have been 17,619 Afghans hosted in Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi since there were widespread evacuations after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, two decades after they were toppled by the US and Nato. The assistance covered all the needs of Afghan citizens − including health care, logistical and diplomatic services, communications, shelter and food − ensuring comfort, a dignified life and well-being, said a statement from the ministry released on Thursday. EHC also provided services related to departure procedures, with 17 offices opened for the embassies of the countries to where Afghans were seeking relocation. School transport was also provided, along with on-site education and training courses. Almost 2,600 Afghans benefitted from training and professional development workshops, the ministry added. 'The UAE has spared no effort in assisting the Afghan people, being at the forefront of countries that have initiated support for Afghanistan,' said the ministry. 'This reflects its humanitarian mission, which is based on the values of giving, charitable work, spreading peace and consolidating coexistence, tolerance, and the principles of human fraternity. 'It also promotes solidarity with peoples during the most difficult circumstances and crises facing countries. 'The focus on caring for people and preserving their dignity has been a constant approach in the UAE's journey since its founding, regardless of ethnic, religious, or geographical backgrounds and in line with its noble humanitarian principles. It has become a global symbol of humanitarian giving and sustainable good.' A US news outlet reported earlier this month that the UAE was preparing to send a small number of evacuees back to Afghanistan in July.


Al Etihad
24-07-2025
- Al Etihad
MoFA launches inaugural Customer Council for accredited diplomatic missions in UAE
ABU DHABI (WAM) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), committed to providing excellent services, has organised its inaugural Customer Council for accredited diplomatic missions in the UAE for the year 2025. The event, co-developed with the Prime Minister's Office, was attended by Omar Obaid AlHesan AlShamsi, Undersecretary of MoFA, and Mohamed Rashid bin Taliah, Head of Government Services for the UAE Government, alongside ambassadors, heads of missions, and senior ministry officials. MoFA highlighted that Customer Councils serve as a strategic dynamic platform to actively engage customers in co-designing and evaluating government services. This reflects the ministry's commitment to a participatory model that prioritises listening to customers' feedback, assessing their experiences, and turning challenges into opportunities for a better development. The initiative aligns with national efforts to build a more agile and responsive government and supports the standards of the UAE Government Services Excellence Programme and the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. These councils play a key role in sharing the UAE's pioneering approach in government service delivery with other countries around the world. The Customer Councils of accredited diplomatic missions highlighted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' advanced service models, which streamline traditional procedures. These integrated solutions cover a range of services, including official delegation visit requests to the UAE, immunities and privileges, and international judicial cooperation. The Ministry's Customer Councils are designed to foster strong, collaborative partnerships with all customers by actively listening to their insights and feedback. All proposals and suggestions gathered through these councils are thoroughly studied and analysed to develop customer-focused solutions that align with leading international standards and best practices.