Dubai Customs carried out 40 charity voluntary initiatives that targeted 30,000 people in Dubai this year, inspired and based on the pillars and principles of the Year of Giving.

Commenting on the achievement, Director of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, said, "We have had a clear roadmap within our strategic objectives that included a number of sustainable voluntary initiatives. This supports the wider vision of the UAE and the values of the Year of Giving, which was declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These pillars are Corporate Social Responsibility, Volunteering and Serving the Nation.

"We encourage volunteering and hope it becomes a daily practice because it enhances social solidarity and positively affects individuals, families and the community following the wise directives of The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum."

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of the Corporate Communication Department, said, "Much attention is given to volunteering throughout Dubai Customs, and we align our voluntary efforts to the Year of Zayed with the aim of encouraging and disseminating this spirit amongst our employees and community members in general. With this in mind, Dubai Customs established its voluntary team, Ghayyath, in December 2016, which started with 90 employees, but the number now is 160 volunteers who represent different departments and sections in Dubai Customs. A total of 40 voluntary initiatives were carried out in 2017."