Dubai Customs is advancing its efforts to develop national talent through “Masar 33”, a strategic initiative aimed at preparing future customs professionals and leaders to meet the evolving demands of the trade and customs sector.

The program supports Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda and seeks to strengthen the emirate’s position as a global trade and logistics hub by developing operational and leadership capabilities across the organization. 

It focuses on preparing customs personnel to perform key functions independently while building a pipeline of qualified leaders to support business continuity and institutional resilience.

“Masar 33” combines practical training, workplace learning and leadership development across different career stages. The initiative is delivered in collaboration with academic and professional partners, including Dubai Logistics Academy and Nafis, alongside public and private sector organizations.

Between 2023 and 2025, the program helped qualify 102 customs leaders through specialized leadership and academic tracks. A further 31 participants graduated from bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in international trade, customs and logistics, while around 30 employees are currently pursuing their studies.

Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs, described “Masar 33” as a strategic investment in human capital designed to equip future leaders with the skills needed to navigate changes across the global trade and customs landscape.

He said the initiative reflects Dubai Customs’ commitment to developing leadership talent through partnerships with leading academic and professional institutions, while supporting the transfer of global best practices into the organization.

According to Dr. Busenad, the program’s second phase, the Executive Leadership Program, builds on earlier efforts to develop specialized competencies and focuses on preparing leaders to address emerging trends in global trade, customs operations, digital transformation and AI-enabled supply chains.

Dubai Customs said “Masar 33” remains a key component of its strategy to develop national talent and support the objectives of the D33 Economic Agenda through long-term investment in leadership development.