The Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi (DoF) reviewed its latest electronic and smart services during GITEX Technology Week 2015. These include the Dhabi system for customs operations and DoF’s phone and tablet app “AD DOF”.

The Dhabi system is an integrated e-system which provides customs services via the internet 24/7 and features a range of sub-systems that serve various customs departments. Many local and regional entities use the system as a reference for customs information. The early warning system for incoming shipments through land, sea and air from customs ports is one of the most important sub-systems, and provides customs centres with immediate information prior to the arrival of any shipments.

The team started working on the Dhabi system in 1992 and it was fully functional by 1994. At this point, the system was limited to statistics and accounting, as well as vehicle monitoring in Al Ghuwaifat Customs Centre. In 1995, customs clearance features were implemented in Zayed Port and Abu Dhabi International Airport customs centres. In 2006, the system was implemented across all customs centres in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi has continued to update the system, implementing additional services and technologies. All entities that deal with the Administration have also been linked to the system. Today, the Dhabi system, which is in its fourth edition, has a total of 3,000 users across all customs centres in the Emirate.

DoF’s phone and tablet app “AD DOF”, which is compatible with Apple Store and Google Play offers various electronic features and services to support the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi’s employees. One of these features is the electronic inspection service, which allows customs inspectors to receive inspection results, enter receipts, evaluate reports, and report complaints or suggestions through their mobile phones.

Mohammed Khadim Al Hameli, Acting Director General of the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi said: “The development of these systems and smart apps falls in line with the Administration’s strategy to improve customs operations across Abu Dhabi’s customs centres. These systems have resulted in a quantum leap forward in customs work, especially in terms of improving customers’ satisfaction with the services provided and supporting custom inspectors in their various duties, such as detecting smuggling attempts and commercial fraud, as well as protecting the economy and maintaining security in the country.”