Department of Ports and customs is considered as the oldest government department in Dubai and was the main sour e for regular income in the Emirate. In its early days, Dubai has been dubbed as the city of merchants and trade became the backbone of its economy. Along with that, customs developed into a well-organised body and was known as “AI Fardha” the word originally stood for all taxes levied on imported goods. The historical hub for this trade activity was Khor Dubai or the creek -the Emirate’s natural harbour. 

On the occasion of the First Centenary of establishing Dubai customs and shifting to the new central customhouse of the Department of Ports and customs, the General Postal Authority, U.A.E., is issuing a set of commemorative stamps in two denominations (50 Fils and 3 Dhs.) on January 26th.: The World Customs Organisation celebrates every year on this day, the World Customs Day. The objectives of the World Customs Organisation are summarised as increasing the competence, efficiency and accuracy of Customs Administrations in order to accomplish the social and economic welfare of the nations, and provide the citizens with security and safety.