Zayed bin Hamad Al Nahyan Reviews UAE Customs’ Efforts to Combat Drug Smuggling

His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of the National Drug Enforcement Authority, visited the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security on Thursday, 6 August 2026, at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Customs and Port Security in Dubai. His Excellency was received by Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority; Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director General of Customs and Port Security; Mohammed Ahmed Al Kuwaiti, Acting Director General of Ports; Together with the directors general of local customs departments and a number of senior officials from the Authority.

During the visit, His Excellency was briefed on the UAE’s integrated customs ecosystem and the efforts undertaken by “UAE Customs”, represented by the Authority and the local customs departments, to combat drug smuggling, strengthen the operational readiness of customs inspection teams across the nation’s ports of entry, and deploy the latest inspection methodologies and technologies. His Excellency also received a presentation on the vital role of K9 detection units in countering drug smuggling, alongside an overview of the advanced screening and inspection technologies utilised at the UAE’s land, air, and sea ports.

His Excellency Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan commended the Authority and “UAE Customs” for their sustained efforts and notable achievements in combating narcotics. He praised the exceptional vigilance demonstrated by customs inspectors and the competent authorities at the country’s border crossings, as well as the strong coordination and strategic partnership between the National Drug Enforcement Authority , the Authority, and the local customs departments. His Excellency noted that this close collaboration continues to play a pivotal role in disrupting drug smuggling networks, safeguarding community security, and reinforcing social stability.

For his part, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the Authority, highlighted the National Drug Enforcement Authority’s strategic contribution to protecting the safety and security of society. He reaffirmed the Authority’s and the local customs departments’ commitment to deepening cooperation with strategic partners, advancing operational capabilities, enhancing the effectiveness of the UAE’s customs inspection framework, and continuously improving the quality of customs services. He further emphasised the importance of adopting international best practice and strengthening the security awareness and preparedness of customs inspectors, in line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership and its enduring commitment to building a safe, secure, and prosperous society.

The visit also included a joint coordination meeting attended by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Port and Customs Department, Ajman; His Excellency Sheikh Mansour Ibrahim Ahmed Al Mualla, Executive Director of the Umm Al Quwain Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; Dr Abdullah Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs; Mohammed Meer Abdul Rahman Al Sarrah, Director of Ports and Customs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; and Humaid Mohammed Al Yamahi, Director General of Fujairah Customs Department.

The meeting reviewed the latest operational developments and outcomes in combating the smuggling of narcotic substances into the UAE, examined measures to strengthen customs inspectors’ awareness of emerging smuggling techniques, and explored opportunities to further enhance coordination while maximising available capabilities and resources. These efforts are aimed at reinforcing the UAE’s regional and international leadership in combating narcotics and supporting its unwavering commitment to protecting society from the threat of illicit drugs.