Dubai Customs is one of the ancient government departments known as “Al Furdha (taxes on all imported goods). As it became firmly established, Dubai Customs was called "the Mother of Government Departments” particularly because some of the other departments were based at the Customs old building and financed from within the revenue collected by Customs. Dubai Customs, over its long history, which extends over one hundred years, passed through many stages.In the era of the Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Customs started to adopt an institutional direction. The first floor of the Customs old building was used by the Ruler of Dubai as his official office reflecting the critical role of Customs and its position in Dubai, which was renowned for its trade and traders. Keeping pace with the building and corporate development, Dubai Custom gained a regional and international image.By virtue of its advanced infrastructure and state of the art management facilities and services, Dubai was a destination of choice for investors and businessmen. On 1 April 2001, Dubai Customs entered a new stage when the Late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai issued Law No. (1) Of 2001 establishing the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation i.e. merger of Dubai Customs , Dubai Ports and Free Zone Authorities. On 1 May 2001 HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who was then Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defenses and President of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation issued a decree appointing Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem as an executive Chairman of the Corporation. Being a part of a major corporation contributing to Dubai’s economy, Dubai Customs started to reconcile its new organizational position. To do so, a comprehensive review to its structures and operations was conducted.A detailed report identifying areas of weakness and strength was produced. The report was a start up point for reconsidering the organizational strategy, objectives, processes and procedures. A new strategy, organization structure and way ahead directions complying with Dubai Vision, expectations and future plans have been developed. A Reform and Modernization Program being a tool for achieving Dubai Customs` visions as a leading Customs administration in the world and meeting its general objective was undertaken.
