Dubai Customs and DHL Forge Alliance to Elevate Trade Logistics Efficiency

Editorial Team

Last updated 6-01-2026

3 min

Dr Abdullah Busnad of Dubai Customs visited DHL’s facilities to strengthen logistics cooperation.

The visit aimed to enhance Dubai’s logistics infrastructure through smarter collaboration with DHL.

They discussed joint initiatives like digital innovations and smart systems for customs efficiency.

DHL plans to expand in Dubai, emphasizing its crucial role in their global network.

This cooperation reflects confidence in the local ecosystem, benefiting both large and small players.

Dubai’s logistics scene had a bit of a spotlight moment recently as Dr Abdullah Busnad, the Director General of Dubai Customs, dropped in for an official visit to DHL’s facilities. I’ve seen plenty of these public–private meet‑ups over the years, especially around the MENA startup corridors Arageek often covers, but this one felt particularly telling. When a global logistics giant and one of the region’s most influential customs authorities sit down together, it’s rarely just for a cup of tea.

Dr Busnad arrived with a senior delegation from the department, and they were welcomed by Mahmoud Haj Hussein, who leads DHL Express in the UAE, along with several managers from the company. From what was shared publicly, the goal was pretty clear: tighten cooperation and explore smarter ways to support Dubai’s ever-expanding logistics infrastructure. And believe it or not, DHL didn’t just give a quick tour — they rolled out a full presentation on their operational backbone, from advanced sorting systems to the global service lines that keep e-commerce parcels zipping across continents.

At one point, Dr Busnad underlined something many in the region already reckon is spot on: Dubai’s competitiveness in global trade hinges on seamless collaboration with major players like DHL. Customs environments, he noted, need to be fast, flexible and aligned with international standards. Honestly, having watched startups in our region wrestle with cross-border red tape, I couldn’t agree more; anything that trims down that faff at the border goes a long way.

The conversation didn’t stay high-level. Both sides dug into potential joint initiatives — digital innovations, smart systems to speed up customs clearance, and even syncing Dubai Customs’ digital tools with DHL’s operational platforms. On the flip side, it’s not just about efficiency for efficiency’s sake; smoother integration means goods flowing more reliably, which is something investors and operators in the region keep a very close eye on.

During their tour, the delegation also got a look at DHL’s advanced facilities, from tracking tech to distribution hubs using automation to cut delivery times. DHL’s team also outlined plans to expand further in Dubai and the wider region, no surprise given the surge in e-commerce and intercontinental freight. As Mahmoud Haj Hussein put it, Dubai remains a crucial logistics hub in DHL’s global network, and continued cooperation with customs authorities only widens the runway for growth.

I’ve always thought that when public agencies and big private operators work this tightly, it signals strong confidence in the local ecosystem — something that tends to trickle down to smaller players too. And yes, I’m chuffed to bits when I see moves like this because it often ends up benefiting the startups we interact with at Arageek, even if indirectly.

This visit is one in a series of field engagements Dr Busnad has been conducting to strengthen ties with strategic partners and keep pace with developments on the ground. All part of Dubai’s wider push to cement its position as a leading hub for trade and logistics — a goal they’re definately doubling down on.

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