Dubai customs demonstrates special submarine at Expo 2020

A submarine that takes high-quality 3D pictures and videos underwater to thwart smuggling attempts has been shown off by Dubai Customs.

As part of UAE Innovates 2022 hosted by Expo 2020 Dubai, Senior Inspection officers Nawaf Saleh and Salim Ghaith introduced the functions of the creative underwater drone which is equipped with a high quality 4K camera, and can go down to 30 metres, sending a live stream to officers to detect and intercept illegal shipments.

The Customs Submarine project is one of the Inspection Division’s initiatives launched in line with Dubai Customs’ strategic plan 2021-2026, which aims to help Dubai Customs maintain its leading position worldwide. The customs organisation made 4,696 seizures in 2021.

Another activity at the workshop was a discussion panel with the presence of Saleh Al Shamsi, head of Aircargo Centres Management, on "Customs Dolphins" and the differences between them and the Customs Submarines. These can be sent to control and monitor vessels before entering the wharfage.

Another initiative launched by Dubai Customs was the smart electric vehicles, which are used for inspection purposes along Dubai Creek, Deira Wharfage and Al Hamriya Port (14km). Some of these vehicles were customised to accommodate the sniffing dogs (K9 Unit), and they patrol the area around the clock to detect any illegal shipments along the wharfs without disturbing visitors of these tourist places.

#Dubai Customs demonstrates 'Customs Submarine' at #Expo2020 Dubai.#WamNews https://t.co/Fo7rf0yt9m pic.twitter.com/RLSOWMe1j0

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) February 16, 2022