Abu Dhabi Customs Hosts 'Together We Ascend' Forum, Driving Collaboration and Innovation

Abu Dhabi Customs held its annual "Together We Rise" conference, bringing together government officials and employees to discuss leadership strategies and innovation in customs operations. The event reflects the emirate's broader push to build a competitive, tech-driven government workforce that can adapt to future economic demands.

The conference took place at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, with key attendees including Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, and Rashid Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs. The gathering focused on creating flexible work environments and supporting global competitiveness in line with the UAE's Vision 2031.

Al Zaabi emphasized the government's commitment to developing national talent as a strategic investment. "Our investments in human capital stem from leadership vision and our commitment to developing and empowering national talents," he said. The approach aims to enhance skills and foster continuous innovation across both public and private sectors.

Al Mansoori outlined how Abu Dhabi Customs continues adopting positive change and innovation in customs operations. The organization relies heavily on its human capital to drive innovation while incorporating artificial intelligence and modern technologies to support Abu Dhabi's strategic goals.

The conference included interactive sessions covering effective leadership strategies, creativity stimulation, and embracing positive change culture. Participants also reviewed Abu Dhabi Customs' achievements from the previous year and discussed upcoming plans.

Abu Dhabi Customs has been building its institutional leadership through measurable results. The organization won 58 awards in 2025 for institutional excellence and innovation. It also achieved "Excellence" level in institutional maturity for customer experience in 2024, ranking among 43 government entities in Abu Dhabi. Customer satisfaction with Abu Dhabi Customs' digital services reached 96%.

These developments show how Gulf states are investing in government modernization to maintain their competitive edge in global trade. For businesses operating in the region, improved customs efficiency translates to faster processing times and better service delivery, which can reduce operational costs and improve supply chain reliability.