Dubai Customs, the University of Dubai (UD), and Germany’s Kühne and Nagel University (KLU) have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting the region’s commitment to fostering a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Abdulla Busenad, Director-General of Dubai Customs; Professor Washika Haak-Saheem, Dean of the Dubai Business School, University of Dubai; and Professor Andreas Kaplan, President of KLU. The signing ceremony was held at the KLU campus in Hamburg.
The agreement aims to develop specialized professional programs and offer outstanding hands-on training opportunities for students of the Dubai Logistics Academy and recipients of Dubai Customs’ scholarship program, developed in partnership with the University of Dubai.
The MoU also highlights joint initiatives on logistics services, supply chain management, and innovation in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) within customs operations.
Alongside the MoU signing, several students from the scholarship program started an intensive hands-on training program at KLU. The program includes academic learning, supervised practical experience, and field visits to leading German companies and logistics facilities at the Port of Hamburg, one of Europe’s key logistics hubs.
These visits equip students with valuable insights into the state-of-the-art systems powered by AI and advanced technologies. The initiative falls in line with the Government of Dubai’s vision to integrate AI into various public sector functions and nurture national talent to prepare government cadres for the future.
H.E Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem Chairman – Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation
“This partnership marks a pivotal step in preparing national talent capable of keeping pace with rapid technological transformation. Vocational training is more than an investment in individuals; it is an investment in Dubai’s long-term economic sustainability and global competitiveness. Through this cooperation with KLU, we aim to integrate artificial intelligence into academic curricula and strengthen the role of the Dubai Logistics Academy in shaping future-ready generations equipped to thrive in the job market of tomorrow.”
Dr. Abdulla Busenad stated that, “This MoU is part of an integrated strategy to modernize our training and professional development ecosystem in alignment with labor market needs. By enhancing the quality of academic programs and practical training, we aim to reinforce Dubai’s standing as one of the world’s top five logistics hubs and a premier destination for global trade and commerce. We are confident that working with globally recognized academic institutions such as KLU elevates the outcomes of our programs, increases employability among graduates, and supports the long-term vision of ‘We the UAE 2031’ by building a highly skilled national workforce.”
Dr. Issa Al Bastaki, President of Dubai University, stressed that, “This collaboration with KLU is a key element in our strategy to deliver world-class academic programs that respond to future labor market requirements. It supports our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence among students.”
Professor Andreas Kaplan added that, “We are genuinely excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Dubai Customs and the Dubai Business School at the University of Dubai. This MoU represents the start of a promising partnership, and we look forward with enthusiasm to the shared opportunities for growth, innovation, and success in the years ahead.”
