Dubai Ports Launches AI-Powered Smart System for Approvals and Work Permits
The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing drive to digitize services and enhance operational efficiency, marking a significant step toward sustainable digital transformation across Dubai ports.
The Dubai Ports Authority, under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), has unveiled the UAE’s first smart system that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to manage operational approvals and safe work permits. The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing drive to digitize services and enhance operational efficiency, marking a significant step toward sustainable digital transformation across Dubai ports.
Speaking on the launch, Nasser AlNeyadi, CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, said, “This project aligns with the Corporation’s comprehensive AI strategy, which aims to transform services into self-managed processes and deliver a smoother customer experience while enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations at Dubai ports.” The automated system handles approvals fully compliant with technical and safety standards, including acceptance of dangerous goods at the port, vessel bunkering, ship waste discharge, and safe work permits for ports and ship repair facilities.
AlNeyadi noted that the system processes around 44,000 transactions annually, instantly issuing approvals for standard requests through automated verification. Exceptional cases are automatically flagged for human review, ensuring high governance and compliance standards. He highlighted that this approach aligns with Dubai’s broader AI strategy, offering a model that enhances safety while improving service efficiency without compromising regulatory controls.
He added that the initiative reflects Dubai Ports’ commitment to innovation, safety, and efficiency, aiming to provide a seamless customer experience while reducing transaction processing times. The system is expected to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and maritime services, with continuous enhancements planned based on monitoring and performance evaluation.
