Dubai Customs has been named the ‘Best PMO in the World 2020’at the PMO Global Awards organised by the PMO Global Alliance, the leading global community of project management professionals. The award recognises the consistent international standards and exceptional project management practices maintained by Dubai Customs.

The PMO Global Awards is the world’s largest professional award for Project Management Offices, their organisations and leaders.

Dubai Customs outclassed government departments and private companies worldwide to win the prestigious global honour. With 125 projects worth AED350 million implemented between 2007 and 2019, Dubai Customs has demonstrated outstanding standards in implementing projects as part of its vision to protect society and promote economic development.

The award was announced during the PMO Global Alliance’s annual award ceremony held virtually on 29October that featured the participation of delegates from across the world. In August 2020, Dubai Customs was named Asia-Pacific PMO of the Year by the PMO Global Alliance.

Commenting on the latest global recognition, Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation said: “We have implemented comprehensive development plans that integrate global project management best practices based on AI applications and advanced technologies run by skilled and highly motivated teams. Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we follow an innovative project management methodology that seeks not only to promote sustainable development but also turn challenges into opportunities. This achievement reflects the important role Dubai Customs plays in advancing projects in the country and raising our nation’s standing in the global customs sector. The UAE’s high levels of excellence have been validated by its top ranking in the Middle East and fifth ranking globally in the WCO’s World Competitiveness Index. The country was also ranked the highest in the Middle East and placed 11thin the Logistics Indicator issued by the World Bank, highlighting its position as one of the world’s most important investment and trading hubs.”

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs said: “We are happy to have won this reputed award, which reflects Dubai Customs’ constant efforts to advance innovation and ensure the highest standards in implementing projects. About 80% of the UAE’s external trade goes through Dubai. Advanced technologies and skilled teams enable Dubai Customs to conduct over 40,000 customs transactions a day, while also maintaining border security and facilitating trade activity. The accolades received by Dubai Customs reflect its successful policies and high levels of excellence. Dubai Customs is currently working on the Cross Border E-Commerce Project, which is expected to reduce cost of e-commerce transactions by 20% and raise e-commerce activity through Dubai by 12.5%.”

Juma Al Ghaith, Executive Director of Customs Development Division at Dubai Customs said: “As part of its digital transformation strategy, Dubai Customs’ future projects are driven by fourth industrial revolution technologies like AI and blockchain. Our projects seek to better facilitate trade operations, automate customs procedures and reduce cost on clients. Projects managed by Dubai Customs’ Development Division have reduced operational costs of clients by AED898 million, generated revenues of AED384million, reduced internal operational costs by AED561million and safeguardedAED25billion worth of customs revenue. Dubai Customs has achieved a 100% digital transformation, which has enabled us to raise the happiness levels of clients to 98%. Key projects that have made this possible include the Mirsal System developed in house by Dubai Customs. The project was praised by the World Customs Organization as one of the world’s leading customs systems and adopted by the Federal Customs Authority to create a unified customs system integrating all local customs departments in the UAE.”  

Created in 2018 by the PMO Global Alliance, a worldwide community of PMO professionals with more than 10,000 members in over 105 countries, the PMO Global Awards represent a significant global initiative to promote and recognise the work of PMOs in diverse countries. The Awards seek to inspire organisations around the world to evolve their Project Management Offices and project management practices for best results. The Awards programme also encourages organisations across the globe to share knowledge and experiences, acknowledging best results, and promoting the evolution of the worldwide PMO community.