DUBAI, 31st May, 2022 (WAM) — Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, has affirmed that the UAE’s efforts to protect intellectual property (IP) rights make one of the most important world experiences in this regard.

While participating in a keynote address at the opening session of the 11th Regional Conference on Intellectual Property Crime for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is being held virtually under the slogan “Protecting Intellectual Property in the Digital Age”, Musabih recommended the importance of upgrading technological technologies in the fight against international intellectual property infringements.

The United Arab Emirates has maintained a leading position among Arab countries and its advanced position globally in the protection of intellectual property rights and the fight against piracy, despite the challenges the world has faced due to the fluctuations in the international economic situation due to political unrest and health crises caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He affirmed that Dubai Customs, in light of its mission to protect society and promote economic development, is redoubling its efforts to maintain the UAE as a safe global trading oasis that protects human rights. investors and traders and consolidates its leading position as a global supplier. center for regional and international trade, and a major destination for international investment.

He also called for strengthening joint cooperation at local, regional and global levels to detect illegal practices, combat counterfeit products and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Musabih said, “Dubai Customs plays a vital role in protecting intellectual property rights through an advanced Customs system for clearance of shipments based on the principles of risk management and employee development” by training them in latest methods to thwart counterfeiting and protect society from its The “50 Projects”, launched by our leaders, will help us achieve these goals.”

The Department of Government has made progress in combating counterfeit goods and preventing their entry into the country through the border crossing points in Dubai. The number of intellectual property disputes resolved by Dubai Customs in 2021 reached around 390 disputes, with an estimated value of around AED 15 million. As of the first quarter of 2022, there were 85 intellectual property disputes, with an estimated value of around AED 24 million.

In 2021, Dubai Customs organized 11 educational activities for the protection of intellectual property rights in schools and universities, and eight community educational events. Ten awareness workshops on how to identify counterfeit products were organized in collaboration with brand owners, bringing the total number of educational actions to 29, attended by 2,400 participants from different sections of society.

To reinforce the emirate’s green development strategy, the Department recycled 2,100,000 counterfeit coins for 221 brands in 2021, and in the first quarter of 2022, around 254,000 counterfeit coins were recycled for 27 brands.

At the end of his speech, the Director General of Dubai Customs expressed his sincere appreciation for the efforts made by the Emirates Intellectual Property Association in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and Dubai Police. Dubai for organizing this important annual event, which takes on a double importance with the global progress observed in the fight against crimes against intellectual property.