Abu Dhabi Customs Signs Deal with Maersk to Boost Trade

Abu Dhabi Customs and Maersk Global Trade & Customs Consulting signed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance border management, improve supply chain resilience, and strengthen the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s trade and logistics ecosystem. The signing took place at the Abu Dhabi–London Business Connect Forum in London.

High-Level Witnesses at the Signing

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, witnessed the agreement, which was signed by Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, and Dr. Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting at Maersk.

Focus on Innovation and Smart Solutions

The partnership builds on Abu Dhabi Customs’ vision to deliver integrated smart solutions through its “Invisible Customs” ecosystem. Maersk will bring its global expertise in trade and border innovation to help implement next-generation customs modernisation solutions.

Key Goals of the Partnership

The agreement aims to enhance coordinated border management, create a ‘Trusted Digital Trade Corridor’, and establish a comprehensive customs compliance framework for customs brokers. These measures are intended to improve efficiency and transparency in cross-border trade.

Statements from Abu Dhabi Customs Leadership

Al Mansoori said the partnership reflects Abu Dhabi Customs’ commitment to innovation and strategic collaboration. He highlighted that the initiative will set new benchmarks in border management, facilitate trade, and reinforce Abu Dhabi as a leading global trade hub.

Maersk’s Perspective

Dr. Karlsson expressed honour in collaborating with Abu Dhabi Customs, noting that the initiative will design and implement innovative solutions to improve operational performance, compliance, and the resilience of supply chains.

Advancing Next-Generation Customs Ecosystem

This cooperation marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi’s transformation toward a next-generation customs system. The focus will be on innovation, data-driven operations, and seamless cross-border trade while maintaining strong compliance standards.

Benefits for Trade and Logistics

The partnership will enable Abu Dhabi to strengthen its position as a global leader in trade and logistics. By adopting advanced customs solutions, the emirate aims to improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure a competitive environment for businesses engaged in international trade.

Through this strategic collaboration, Abu Dhabi Customs and Maersk aim to implement smart trade solutions that will support sustainable growth, foster stronger economic partnerships, and deliver a secure and efficient trade ecosystem for the emirate and the region.

The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration, positioning the emirate at the forefront of modern customs practices while supporting resilient, efficient, and competitive trade and logistics operations.