first of all, i’d like to laud the large-scale, distinguished .pdf · first of all, i’d like to...

First of all, I’d like to laud the large-scale, distinguished efforts in combating narcotics disease exerted by all concerned bodies of the State, foremost of which is the Standing Committee on Anti-Drugs and Liquor Drugs and Alcohol committee, chaired by H.E General Saad Al-Kholaifi,Director General of Public Security, along with the uninter- rupted cooperation and coordination between the General Authority of Customs(GAC) and Narcotics Department aswell as all ad-hoc committees, which had an effective im-

The International Day Against Drug Abuse

Ahmed Bin Ali Al-MohannadiGAC Chairman

pact in minimizing such hazardous behavior and protecting the community from its evils. On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, which coincides to be June 26, 2016, we would like to mention that the State of Qatar is optimally playingits role, using cutting-edge and state-of-the-art techniques and technologies in combating the spread of narcotics and protecting the community, and that GAC is dedicatingall its financial and human capabilities to in- tensify control over all border outlets, trace the smugglers’ techniques and methods, using latest techniques in risk management and selectiveness, activating the customs intelligence system, train and qualify the personnel through training courses both within and outside the State, along with anumber of awareness programs for customs personnel and keeping them informed of all recent updates in their area of work, and providing the customs outlets with all

equipment and supervisory means whichenable them to optimally perform their du- .ties

Moreover, GAC is a member of the RegionalInformation Exchange Office (RILO) and Cus- toms Enforcement Network (CEN), to keepup with the latest smuggling and information sharing methods on the best practices in detecting smuggling. In addition, GAC has employed several modern mechanisms in the field of detecting any goods involving violations, inter alia, narcotics. Among themethodologies adopted by GAC is the ac-tivation of control, subsequent scrutiny, intelligence and information gathering, along with signing and activating several customs agreements with several friendly states oninformation exchange and use of state-of-the-art examination means; e.g. examina- .tion by static and dynamic ray

59

55

51

Sixty One issue - July 2016

Art DirectorAhmed Salah

Quarterly published every three months

The General Authority of Customs

Aspire for printing, publishingand distribution

On behalf of the family of Liberation

Tel : + 974 44457477

Tel : + 974 44457015

P.o.box 81 Doha -qatar

Email:[email protected]

/customs.gov.qa

/@qatar_customs

/qatar_customs

Correspondence

Welcomes the publicationof the magazine topicsThat is the source said

General Supervisor

HE / Ahmed bin Ali Al Mohannadi

Editor-in-Chief

Ahmed Mohammed Al Qubaisi

Editorial

Khaled Alaqeedi

Emad Nosseir

Mona Zainal

Abdulrahman Al-Naimi

TranslationShoaa Al Moftah

Editor secretary

Mohammed Nageeb Nasr

Finance Minister issues a Resolu-tion for Establishing a Customs

Graduation of the Second and Third Groups

A Manual issued for clas-sifying customs

37

17

4550

49

34

The QCCI is preparing a new package of services to support the business community in Qatar

Director General ofQCCI Sale Al Sharqi:

Minister of Transport Honors GAC

“Customs” and “ Mwani”complete the Customs Linkage

An Asian person seized for attempting to smug-gle 4 types of narcotics

Against Drug Abuse the Customs carried out 1,250 seizures last year toms union

GAC Participates in the Arab League›s Customs Committee on Procedures and Information Meeting

Customs News

61 The General Authority of Customs - Sixty One issue

Operations and Risk Analysis Manager Receives a Del-egation from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

The General Authority of Cus-toms (GAC) Participated in the 16th meeting of Customs Com-mittee on Procedures and Infor-mation held at the General Sec-retariat of the League of Arab States, during the period from 23 to 26 may 2016, through a delegation comprising the Head of GAC’s Customs Procedures Unit Issa Rashid Al Suwaidi and Head of Customs Procedures De-partment Talal Abdullah Shaibi. Al Suwaidi asserted that Qatar submitted remarks on the rec-ommendations of the Customs

Committee on Procedures and In-formation held during the period from 7 to 10 February, especially with regard to the draft customs declaration, adding that GAC’s remarks addressed the second item, and it had no remarks on the Arab Unified Customs Proce-dures Manual.

Al Suwaidi said that the three-day meeting discussed a number of important issues, including the Law Committee’s response to matters requiring its opinion, and discussing Member States’

notes on the draft Arab Unified Customs Declaration Form sub-mitted by Some countries; fore-most of which were Qatar Ku-wait, Tunisia, Yemen and Iraq.

Moreover, the meeting also ad-dressed the states’ remarks on a draft Arab Customs manual and issue of exchanging electronic in-formation among the Arab states with regard to the customs file. The meeting also discussed the qualified customs outlets, transit model file and trade facilitation program at the border outlets.

Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mo-hannadi, GAC’s Manager of Oper-ations and Risk Analysis Depart-ment, received a delegation from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), headed by Mr. Rozan Aliem, liaison officer at CBSA, on the sidelines of a visit aimed at learning about the procedures adopted by the Operations and Risk Analysis Department for verifying identity of persons en-

tering the State and monitoring the suspects across the outlets. Moreover, during the visit, the delegation was briefed on the work mechanism of the risk man-agement department for secur-ing the entry of various goods and how to target the suspected cargos in a manner which does not affect the flow of economic cycle and trade in general in the State.It is worth mentioning

that CBSA is a Federal Agency re-sponsible for the enforcement of border protection-related laws. Moreover, this agency was of-ficially activated under the bor-der services agency law which was granted the royal consent on November 3, 2005, and it is managing an internal executive body which pursues and deports individuals who enters Canada il-legally.

The Customs Takes Part in the 15th GCC Customs Union Authority Meeting

“Automated Transfer of Customs Duties” and “Common Customs Law” are the most important issues

The General Authority of Customs participated in the 15th Meeting of GCC Customs Union Author-ity held during June 15-16 in Jed-dah, through a delegation headed by H.E Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mo-hanndai, Chairman of General Au-thority of Customs. The Meeting discussed the General Secretariat’s report on the mechanism of direct automated transfer of customs duties, and review of the meeting minutes of the customs procedures and computer committee as well as the harmonized system commit-tee for classifying and sorting com-modities in the GCC States.

Further, the meeting involved a re-view of GCC Common Customs Law and the meeting minutes No. 31 of the committee charged with review-ing the Law and the Secretariat’s Memorandum on the letters con-taining observations on the amend-ment of the Common Customs Law. The meeting also tackled a follow-up on the study of treating the products of factories established at the economic assemblies in the GCC States with gulf investments, and the minutes of the team charged with improving the performance of customs outlets in the customs union. Further, the meeting also re-viewed the meeting of first meeting of the work team formed from the member states, in order to count the fees of customs services to be collected by the customs authorities in the GCC States, the recent devel-opments the study on protecting the local agent and other issues in the customs field, along with a num-ber of technical requests submitted by some GCC States.

60The General Authority of Customs - Sixty One issue

Moreover, the State of Qatar had a number of interventions on the dif-ferent issues tabled on the agenda which serve the customs union and help facilitate the pro-cedures, and, in ad-dition, they help facilitate the intra trade a m o n g the GCC Member

States, and reflect positively on the movement of streamlining com-modities and goods among the member states. It is worth mention-ing that the importance of these meetings underlie the advancement of the customs work among the GCC

Sates and improving its efficiency, a matter which has a positive impact on facilitating the trade and ensuring its security, and opens new horizons for adopting the best international standards in applying the tools of the World Customs Organization.

follow up

Finance Minister issues a Resolution for Establishing a Customs Department at Hamad PortH.E Ali Sheriff Al-Emadi, Minister of Finance, issued resolution No. 12 of 2016 for establishing a customs department at Hamad Port, which is expected to be ready for opera-tion by the end of this year. Follow-ing this Resolution, His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Author-ity of Customs, issued a circular for all departments to implement the Finance Minister’s resolution and take the necessary course of action in their respective areas of compe-tence. The port is provided with the latest equipment, aspiring to

Ali Sheriff Al-Emadi

create high level of efficiency and exploitation of aspects of defect in other ports of the region. Hence, this giant port will contribute to making Qatar a regional center for logistic services, especially as Ha-mad Port is located near Hamad International Airport, and Musaid Industrial City, and Qatar will be connected to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by railways for long distanc-es, in addition to the direct land link with the Kingdom. Moreover, Hamad Port allows Qatar to diver-sify the available services, main-taining that when the port oper-

ates in full capacity, current Doha Port would be redeveloped into a voyage station which will be com-plete before 2020, and now a key plan is being set for that conver-sion, pointing out that these de-velopments enhance the standing of Qatar of a key player in the field of international logistic services, with the strong local economy and accelerated pace of development, and Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup finals 2022, all of which are factors which provide a sound platform of expansion in the inter-mediate and long run.



GAC Chairman receives a visit from Syria’s Ambassador

Directors of Arab Customs negotiate the requirements of Arab Customs Union

H.E Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, received a visit from H.E Mr. Nizar Hassan Al-Haraki, the ambassa-dor of Syria to the State of Qatar, in a visit which aims to promote com-munication between the two sides and addressing the current aspects of cooperation. During the meeting, they

The General Authority of Customs took part in the 36th meeting of the Customs Directors General in the Arab States, held in Cairo during the period June 5-6, 2016, through a delegation headed by H.E Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Authority of Customs. The meeting tackled the regulatory framework of the Arab Customs Union through a working paper which reviews points of view concerning the technical dis-cussions among the member Arab States or those exchanged by the Arab States with each other, in re-spect of the preparatory work for establishing the Arab Customs Union, based on the viewpoints exchanged in the latest meetings of the Arab Customs’ directors. During the meet-

Met the Middle East Advisor of the International Transport Federation

During the 36th Meeting held in Cairo

addressed some issues related to cus-toms work and its role in promoting co-operation between the two countries, and facilitating the trade exchange movement. The Syrian ambassador gifted GAC Chairman with a documen-tary book on the Syrian Revolution which features the most important events supported by information and

images. Moreover, Mr. Al-Mohanndai also received the Middle East Advisor of the International Transport Fed-eration. During the meeting, the two sides tackled the importance of trans-port in the logistic customs process as well as the customs’ role in facilitating the transit of goods and commodities among the countries.

ing, viewpoints were exchanged and discussions held on the guide policies related to the steps of establishing the Arab Customs Union as an impor-tant issue. Moreover, a list of guide components was also discussed on the preparatory steps for the Arab Customs Union, with proposals to conduct initial negotiations on them, while further topics will continue to be considered to be included in the framework of the Arab Customs Union. It is worth mentioning that the Arab Customs Union is a zone with free movement of commodities among the member states without any customs duties, taxes of a simi-lar impact, and non-customs restric-tions, and where a unified customs law, a unified customs tariff, and uni-

fied commercial regulations are ap-plied to items imported from other states, while customs duties and fees are charged on foreign items only at one entry point. Topics of the Union’s implementation program were di-vided into sections;, the first section includes the general framework, sec-ond section involves the common customs law, the third section tackles the customs tariff and taxes towards the outer world, the fourth section addresses the financial resources, the fifth section involves the institution-al framework of the Arab Customs Union, including the supervisory body and executive body of the Arab Customs Union, while the sixth sec-tion includes the general provisions and qualified customs outlets.

General Authority of Customs launches Disaster Recovery Site


The General Authority of Customs has launched a Disaster Recovery Site in cooperation with the Minis-try of Transport and Communica-tions and an IT company. The site will serve as a back-up for the conti-nuity of service under the Al Nadeeb System in case of service disruptions due to natural or other disasters.The General Authority of Customs is the first government body to ex-ecute this project with the help of the Ministry of Transport and Com-munication. Al Nadeeb is the single window elec-tronic clearance system of the Cus-toms Authority. The Disaster Recov-ery Program (DRP) is an important achievement considering that the Authority has massive customer data in its system since the launch of Al Nadeeb. For example, it has about four million customs declarations and the number of customs clear-ance agents recorded in the system is more than 1.600. The launch of Al Nadeeb system has succeeded in providing round-the-clock customs clearance services to clearance agents, public and private institutions and other customers from any location in the world, elec-

tronically, thus significantly reduc-ing the time and efforts for carrying out customs transactions.The launch of the Disaster Recovery Program comes as part of the Gen-eral Authority of Customs’ ongoing efforts to upgrade the system. This project will be a boon for custom-ers too, as disaster recovery pro-gramme has become an essential

component for any company or or-ganization as losing data can cause a real disaster if there is no retrieval system. The General Authority of Customs has achieved an important strategic goal in ensuring the continuity of Al Nadeeb services and in securing in-formation and data in accordance with international standards.

Customs News

Attended by 50 traineesCustoms and Chamber co-organize a Training program for Customs Agents


The fourth edition of the training program for customs agents was launched with a joint organiza-tion between Qatar Chamber and the General Authority of Customs (GAC). This program, attended by 50 trainees, aims to qualify the personnel working in the field of customs clearance and help them acquire knowledge, be familiarized with the laws, regulations and pro-cedures related to customs clear-ance. During the inauguration of the program’s fourth edition, mem-bers of the joint executive commit-tee of the two sides charged with implementing training programs for customs agents, paid a visit to QC in order to learn about the flow of the training program and hear the participants’ suggestions. On his part, Sultan Al Nuaimi, Chair-man of the Committee and GAC Head of Customs Agents Affairs, ex-tended thanks to QC and members of the committee for their sincere efforts in organizing this impor-tant program. He also lauded the outputs of former courses, main-taining that they contributed to getting the customs agents famil-iarized with all matters related to clearance procedures, which serve the interest of facilitating and sim-plifying the customs process.

Mr. Ahmed Abu Nahia, deputy chairman of QC-GAC joint commit-tee and Acting Head of QC’s Public Relations Department, said that QC is keen on hearing the suggestions of trainees, in order to obtain the best techniques for improving per-formance and providing the best service to the professions in this field, through fruitful collabora-

tion with GAC. Abu Nahia asserted that among the most important outcomes of the positive collabo-ration between QC and GAC is or-ganizing this important program, which contributed to mitigating the burden on customs brokerage companies and qualifying these personnel, as we noticed based on the viewpoints of employers who expressed their satisfaction with these important programs, as the committee, with all its members, focuses on both time and quality. Moreover, employers expressed their satisfaction with the time period allocated for implementing these courses, as a course is orga-nized on a monthly basis in order to accommodate the largest pos-sible number of customs agents. They also extended thanks to QC and GAC for these important pro-

grams, and called for carrying out final tests immediately at the end of the course, to avoid a delay or impediment to the company’s in-terests. QC adopted that sugges-tion and agreed with GAC which showed positive cooperation in this respect.

For his part, QC Training & Devel-opment Officer Dr. Ahmed Usama said that the trainee would obtain, following the conclusion of the program, an attendance certificate authenticated by QC, which quali-fies them to attend the final test held by GAC at its headquarters. Dr. Usama also pointed out that the opportunity would be given for rehabilitating those who fail in Al-Nadeeb Program in former courses, by QC providing a free workshop before retesting.

Graduation of the Second and Third Groups of Customs Officers Who Have Studied theDiploma of Customs Science

The General Authority of Customs witnessed the graduation ceremony of the second and third groups of employees who have studied the Diploma of Customs Science in collaboration with the Community College of Qatar. This was at the graduation ceremony of the 2016 Class. The graduation ceremony was held at the Qatar National Convention Center under the munificent patronage of his Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and a number of Ministers and officials.

The objective of the implementa-tion of this program is to fulfill the vision of the General Author-ity of Customs which sees that its employees can benefit much from the organization of a specialized academic program for continuing education, which contributes to promoting the intellectual capac-ity of the employees and develop-ing their actual performance in the field of work so that they can reach

the highest level according to the global standards of customs per-formance.

His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Al mo-hannadi, GAC Chairman shared with the graduates their delight. He stressed that the Authority aims through the inclusion of its staff in this program to develop profes-sional staff performance through studying specialized academic sub-

jects. He referred to the author-ity’s long-term vision represented in the fact that the investment in the customs human resources is a strategic target that comes on top of its priorities as the authority considers that the staff is the beat-ing heart and the soldiersthat pro-tects the homeland at the border and ports.

He noted that this academic


Customs News

achievement is the result of great efforts that have been made to implement this pilot program successfully since it was an idea through different stages of imple-mentation. This required from the Authorityto choose distinct aca-demic partners such as the Com-munity College in Qatar, in addition to cooperation with a prestigious colleges specialized in the teaching of the specialized Customs Science in Australia.

The graduates lived a great joy after passing the tests and com-pleting the whole study term.In an interview with the graduate, Mohammed Hamoud Al-Ameri, an employee in theDepartment of Op-erations and Risk Analysis, said “I thank the Authority for its support for us and the Community College for its dedication and interest in educating us, and I congratulate my graduates on their achieve-ment and tell them that success is the fruit of our effort atthe college during the past three years and I wish them all the best, and atthe personal level, I consider the Bach-elor degree and the Master’s De-gree as my future goals, and I need to search for the available special-ties that support my inclinations.

According to Abdul Rahman Mo-hammed Al-Abd, a graduate of the College who has been acus-toms officer for 10 years and now works atthe Department of com-bating smuggling and customs security,”the motivation behind joining customs science diploma is to complete my studies and to achieve excellence in my scientific and practical life.” He thanked the General Authority of Customs on the initiative that will have a posi-tive impact on the Authority itself and its employees.

With respect to the nature of the study, he said the following: We studied curriculum specialized in customs that helped expand our perceptions in customs work in General and in English as well, and I encourage all customs officers who have the desire to study, not to hesitate to join the Community Col-lege which is a great benefit and an opportunity that may not be avail-able again.

Mr. Saud Al qubaisian officer in the Customs Affairs Department said that the customs’ interest in teaching its staff customs courses is a valuable initiative and an ex-

cellent opportunity for employees who wish to develop their skills. He explained that all graduates are ready to complete the Bachelor of Customs Science as the diploma was their motivation for further Customs Science and auseful return toschool.

He expressed hope that the edu-cational course provided by the Authority consists from two parts, the Diploma and the Bachelor De-gree, noting that this will encour-age the employees to participate in the programme, since their final goal is to get the bachelor degree.

The names of the second and third Class Graduates:

Faisal RuianMshohAl-Shemri, Kha-lid Ibrahim Sa’id Al-Sulaiti, Yusuf Ahmed Yusuf Al-Hammadi, Saud Mohammed Al-Mass Al Qubaisi, Samah Abdul Mohsen Ibrahim Hus-sein, Nasser Hamad Hussein Al-Ja-ber, Sarah Ahmad Gholoum Shams, Abdul Rahman Mohammed Ahmed Saleh, MohammedHamoudHama-dAl Ameri, Abdullah Jassim Abdul-lah Haji, NawafMajidGoharFaraj Al-Kawari, Ahmed Ali Ahmed Al-Na-quib, Howra’ Salman Isa Al-Haddad, Amal AnbarFaraj Al-Khulaifi, Ah-mad Abdullah Alboaferh Al-Kawari.


Abdul Rahman Mohammed

Abdullah Haji

Mohammed Al Ameri

“Customs” organizes a regional workshop on Intelligence Techniques

Regional Workshop on the Harmonized System in Customs Work

As a part of the Training Plan of the Region›s Countries for 2016

Promotes Participants› Experiences in Monitoring and Detecting Cargos, Substances and Persons


The General Authority of Customs held a regional workshop on in-telligence techniques, with the participation of experts from the World Customs Organization. It was attended by candidates from a number of the region’s countries. This workshop aims to promote the experiences of individuals tak-

ing part in intelligence operation for gathering and scrutinizing in-formation, as information in our era has become available to all without being of reliable sources, considering that work at customs requires gathering, analyzing and examining the information, the role of detection and intelligence

in customs work is dedicated to providing necessary information, especially on smuggling operations of all types, including narcotics, arms, restricted, health-detrimen-tal or environmental-contaminant commodities or other commodi-ties internationally prohibited or banned…etc.

The General Authority of Customs held a regional specific training workshop on the harmonized sys-tem in customs work, in imple-

mentation of GAC’s pivotal role in preparing, developing and build-ing institutional capabilities of the region’s countries on the har-

monized system and adopting the best international practices in this field. The workshop was inaugu-rated by Mr. Mubarak Al Bu’inien, Director of the Customs Training Center and Regional coordinator for capacity building. He delivered a speech in which he stressed the importance of sharing experiences and information according to the best international practices, to be in harmony with the harmonized system convention issued by the World Customs Organization. Al Bu’inien maintained that the cus-toms .

Hamad International Airport’s Customs Inspectors receive training on detection of explosives

The “15th foundational course” qual fies a new class of customs inspectors

In collaboration with the Internal Security Force (LEKHWIYA)

35 Participants in the Course›s Theoretic and Field Training


The General Authority of Customs held a training course for inspec-tors of Hamad International Air-port Customs Department on detection of explosives, in collabo-ration with the internal security forces (LEKHWIYA), and with the participation of 18 customs officers including inspectors and customs security employees and a number of Ministry of Interior’s employees.

The course was inaugurated by Mr. Ajab Mansour Al-Qahtani, act-ing Director of HIA Customs, who stressed the importance of pro-moting the know-how and expe-rience of customs inspectors in respect of detection and rapid handling of explosives. He also ex-tended thanks and appreciation to lecturers from LEKHWIYA for their constructive, clear efforts for the sake of eradicating security threats within the State.

The General Authority of Cus-toms concluded the foundational course No. 15 it regularly organiz-

es for its new recruits, in collabo-ration with the Police Training In-stitute.

Mr. Hamad Al-, Kabiyesi Head of the Training Department, report-ed that these courses are being held with the aim of qualifying the new classes of customs recruits, maintaining that it comes as the result of joint training agreement signed between the GAC and Po-lice Training Institute for the pur-pose of promoting the practical aspects and important field train-ings for customs inspectors.

A Manual issued for classifying customs brokerage companies by efficiency

GAC met the largest companies to discuss its features and application mechanism before its application

* The companies are classified into three

categories depending on their application

and conformity

* The manual provides larger powers and fa-

cilities for conforming companies and is not a penalty for non-con-

forming companies


The General Authority of Customs held an introduction meeting with the most prominent customs bro-kerage companies in Qatar to de-liver a presentation on “Customs Brokerage Companies Classifica-tion Manual”, recently prepared by GAC with the aim of upgrading the efficiency level of provided services and contributing to de-veloping the customs brokerage profession depending on its vi-tal role in organizing this sector. GAC has released the new manual which classifies customs broker-age companies into three catego-ries; (A, B and C) according to the principles of rewarding the con-forming companies and in support of upgrading their performance through providing facilities in the entry of goods and facilitating the processing of their transactions in

the earliest possible time and at a low cost, and also for encouraging the poorly performing companies to upgrade their performance lev-el in order to obtain further facili-ties and benefits from which the conforming categories benefit. During the introduction meeting, Mr. Hassan Al-Nuaimi, advisor at the office of GAC Chairman, gave a detailed explanation of the clas-sification manual, highlighting the most important aspects of apply-ing it as well as the classification criteria adopted by GAC, and the benefits provided to each cat-egory depending on its position in the classification table for com-panies operating in the State. Al-Nuaimi said that GAC’s issuance of this Manual was motivated by its firm belief in the important role of customs brokerage in making GAC’s efforts successful, main-taining that customs brokerage companies are a strong contribu-tor and a key player in pushing the trade cycle, which supports the country’s national economy. Hence, GAC was keen to include in its strategic plan 2014-2017 a number of projects targeting the business sector, the final outcome

of which would help develop the services provided to this sector. He also asserted that Customs and customs brokerage companies are two sides of the same coin, and these companies play a consider-able role in making successful the efforts aiming at mode4rnization, development and pioneering, that’s why GAC is keen on main-taining strong relationships based on trust, respect, participation, and understanding of the other party’s position and interests. In the same time where GAC is devel-oping its work, it should also ex-ert efforts for upgrading the bro-kerage profession to keep pace with the modernization efforts, and to enable this sector to keep pace with the development, thus improving customs services from the two sides providing them.

Minister of Transport Honors GAC


Minister of Transport and Com-munications H.E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti honored H.E Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Authority of Cus-toms, during a honoring party for stakeholders and partners of HIA who were a part of the HIA’s unique success journey since the start of its operations two years ago. HIA’s management organized a honoring party attended by rep-resentatives from the different stakeholders and partners of the airport, including guests from the Ministry of Transport and Commu-nications, Civil Aviation Authority in Qatar, GAS, Qatar tourism au-thority, Ministry of Interior, HIA’s Immigration Department, Crimi-nal Investigation Department, Qa-tar Airways, Qatar duty free Com-pany and Qatar Airways Cargo

On this occasion, Al Sulaiti said: “HIA has achieved tremendous success since its opening and made the country proud as the gateway to Qatar and the rest of the world. I am happy to be a part of this ini-tiative organized by HIA’s officers to extend thanks to its partners who have played an integral role in the airport’s success.”

HIA’s official theme music ‘The Be-ginning’, was revealed to guests.

It has been composed by Dana Al Fardan, Founder and CEO of DNA Records, an independent music trademark based in Doha and London. The piece was performed by Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in front of the iconic Lamp Bear and beside the runway and guests became the first to view the new video.

It is worth mentioning that HIA is considered the first airport in the Middle East to be included in the list of the world’s top 10 airports, according to the rating of Sky-trax. This achievement comes as a result of the airport’s being hon-

ored with the “Best Airport in the Middle East” award by Skytrax for 2015 and 2016, in addition to many renowned international awards received by the airport since its inauguration. Moreover, HIA in-cludes distinguished services and facilities, including the duty free market extending over an area of 40,000 square meters, and en-compassing more than 70 stores, providing a wide variety of global trademarks, along with 30 cafes and restaurants. In addition, the airport also includes a hotel, two squash courses, sporting club, and a swimming pool extending over 25 square meters and a spa, all of which are situated near the exit gates. The airport also in-cludes two high-capacity runways and maintenance platform for air-craft which is considered one of the largest platforms worldwide, and a two-story building for cargo storage and one of the world’s largest food preparation facility.

“Customs” and “ Mwani” complete the Customs Linkage Project to ensure easy and efficient processing of transactions

In the Framework of the Customs› Plan to Promote the Electronic Linkage Network

The General Authority of Cus� toms announced full details forthe electronic linkage and inte�gration project between Al�Nad�

deb and Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), whichis expected to bring unprec�edented turnaround in integra�

tion of procedures, development of transactions and exchange of information between GAC andMwani Qatar, thus promoting ef�

ficiency of customs clearance and all transactions relevant to trade, import and transport of.commodities


During a press conference at GAC’s headquarters, Mr. Moham-med Ahmed Al-Mohannadi, GAC’s Manager of Operations and Risk Analysis Department, asserted that Al-Nadeeb customs clearance System provides several mecha-nisms and properties which are flexible and focusing on effective-ness, competence and accurate follow-up on the procedures, maintaining that integration with Mwani Qatar for being one of the authorities dealing with GAC rep-resents a unique, unprecedented case given that they achieve the exchange of information and data between the two systems with full accuracy and competence, thus contributing to speedy process-ing of the transactions of related parties for immediate handling of all coming consignments in a record time. Mr. Al-Mohannadi

stated that GAC has developed Al-Naddeb through connecting it to a number of ministries, insti-tutions, and authorities related to the import processes, and has provided technical support for the easy success of linkage process and processing of customs data in required speed and efficiency. He added that integration between Al-Naddeb and various institu-tions helps trace the goods load-ing status on board of trucks and ships, a matter of a special con-sideration in international trade practices. Moreover, this mecha-nisms provides accuracy and effi-ciency in targeting the containers, in a way which maximizes security criteria and upgrades customs performance to its highest global levels, while focusing on transpar-ency and integrity principle”.The benefits achieved by the inte-

gration of data between Al-Nad-deb and Mwani Qatar represent an advanced option in light of the continuous development in mari-time transport techniques, main-taining that clearance brokers will benefit from Al-Naddeb as well as the integration of information, exchange of data and enabling the agents to trace their goods, especially amidst the internation-al spread of the truck transporta-tion phenomenon, and providing an approved risk management mechanism by tracing specific containers in accordance with the relevant rules and controls. This integration between GAC and Mwani Qatar is harmonious with the State’s obligations to-wards Kyoto Convention related to exchange of customs data and procedures development. Al-Mo-hannadi added that integration

follow up


mechanisms between Al-Naddeb and Mwani Qatar is made through files and messages that are elec-tronically exchanged for updat-ing the customs data related to import and export, and this prop-erty provides the ability to trace containers from the moment of loading on board of sea carriers and then to trucks and determina-tion of the navigation system.Qatar Ports Management Com-pany (Mwani Qatar) On his part, Abdul-aziz Al-Yafi’ay, Director of Doha and Al Ruwais Port, strongly welcomes the deep cooperation and coordination between the two sides, lauding Al-Naddeb system and its role in facilitating the procedures and speedy processing of customs procedures and well-knit coordi-nation in completing the proce-dures, in a manner which ensures efficient and speedy performance and achieving Qatar national vi-sion 2030 in the State’s support for the private sector to play its role in the development and acti-vation of the private sector’s role in the import, export and interna-tional trade.Moreover, Al-Naddeb achieve additional benefits for customs transactions in light of the link-age with Qatar Airways, including

identifying the status of loading the cargo on the truck, container or adding the container number and truck number to the customs release notice and submitting im-mediate reports on the data of “Manifest” as well as the data of containers, in addition to provid-ing the possibility of targeting hazardous containers and con-tainers subject to customs duties. Moreover, the electronic linkage provides specific benefits for Qa-tar Airways, including identifying the status of customs declaration, issuance of the clearance release notice for the customs declara-tion, identifying the violating in-formation, in addition to getting a more accurate and transparent mechanism for calculating the

demurrage, avoid congestion of goods inside warehouses, and im-posing strict control on coming and outgoing goods at relevant outlets, and getting accurate in-formation on the goods before their arrival at the outlets.Perhaps the electronic linkage process has many other strategic roles; foremost of which is the support of disclosure and trans-parency between import and export parties, facilitating coor-dination between bodies restrict-ing commodities and customs on obtaining the permit for clearance of good. Moreover, the electronic linkage would help spread and consolidate the technological cul-ture among the personnel of the government bodies relevant to restricting and controlling goods and importers and their represen-tatives, including customs brokers and other parties involved in the process of clearing such goods. In addition, the linkage process mainly aims to achieve objectives we have studied and developed through Al-Nadeeb System by connecting it to a number of min-istries, institutions and authori-ties relevant to the import opera-tions, and we provided technical support for an easy, successful linkage process and processing of customs data as speedily and effi-ciently as required.

GAC and Qatar Chamber activate the electronic certificate of origin

Under a MOU signed by both parties

The General Authority of Cus-toms and Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understand-ing to activate the electronic certificate of origin, under which the GAC would approve the elec-tronic certificate of origin issued by the Chamber in respect of the import of various goods after it had been issued in a paper form attached to the various goods imported through the customs ports of the State.


The MOU was signed on behalf of the GAC by His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of GAC, and on behalf of Qatar Chamber by H.E Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al-Thani, board chairman, at the Cham-ber’s headquarters. Mr. Al-Mo-hanndai said that the signing of this Agreement comes as an act

of recognition by both GAC and Qatar Chamber of the dire need for cooperation on matters re-lated to customs clearance, and convinced that the joint action can be more effective through deep collaboration between GAC and the Chamber through its member companies, point-ing out that the purpose of this

Agreement is to provide the best electronic services related to customs clearance services to all sectors in the State.Al-Mohanndai asserted that GAC was seeking to provide the best electronic services related to customs clearance to all sec-tors in the State, motivated by its standing as an economic and security edifice aiming to sup-port both national and global economies, facilitate interna-tional trade and encourage in-vestment through facilitating and simplifying customs pro-cedures, and the required elec-tronic link among the different concerned government bodies in the State, including Qatar chamber. On his part, H.E Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al-Thani, board chair-man of Qatar Chamber of Com-merce and Industry stressed the importance of collabora-tion with GAC in respect of elec-


tronic certificate of origin and its important role in facilitat-ing the import and export pro-cedures for the two sides and completing them electronically, as the Chamber was seeking to develop the services provid-ed to its clients and electron-ize them make it electronic as much as possible, maintaining that the cooperation with GAC is an important step considered as support and assistance to the Chamber’s clients and the private sector in streamlining and facilitating the commercial transactions and activities. Over the past months, GAC dis-cussed with the Chamber means of developing the customs clear-ance process and procedures in all phases, impediments facing both companies and customs brokers, means of activating pe-riodic communication between GAC and Chamber as well as customs clearance companies, in order to smooth away the impediments which may hin-

der the customs clearance op-erations and entry of goods, the last of which was the signing of a prior MOU on training customs brokers and upgrading the level of their awareness of the ap-plicable procedures for goods clearance. It is worth mention-ing that the certificate of origin is a certificate issued by the Ex-porting Country’s Chamber of Commerce certifying the place

of manufacture or produc-tion of goods to be exported, and is considered a necessary document to recognize the nationality of the goods with the aim of assessing the fees to be charged or preferential treatment to be given to them, and are used by the importing country to coming to know the source of goods and producing country.

Qatar Customs Received a visit from Customs Delegation from GCC States

Visited Doha Port›s Customs

The General Authority of Customs hosted a GCC delegation from the General Secretariat of the Gulf Co-operation Council, as a part of the program on “Field Visit to the out-lets qualified as exemplary outlets at the GCC Member States”, where the delegation visits customs out-lets at all GCC States in order to review their documentary cycle, assess the level of the compliance with the conditions and controls, and evaluate the procedures ap-plied and dealt in with traders in the Gulf region, within the frame-work of intra-regional trade.

The delegation, composed of a number of customs officers from the GCC States visited Doha Port customs, in order to monitor the workflow at the outlet and the level to which customs work con-trols are applied, through a com-prehensive questionnaire which meets all conditions of customs operations.During the visit, the delegation learned about the multiple facili-ties of the outlet, as the compe-tent officers at the Maritime Cus-toms Department accompanied the delegation and briefed them

on the internal communications cycle that are electronically made among the different departments, the process of obtaining permits from the commodities restricting bodies, as well as the inspection, examination and valuation pro-cess made at the customs. After that, the delegation moved to the passenger terminal at Doha Port and get acquainted with the cus-toms facilities at the terminal and cooperative bodies. Their visit concluded by visiting the inspec-tion platform to ensure that cus-toms work standards are applied.


Report

Moreover, the delegation commu-nicated with the customs inspec-tors and broker and held discus-sions with them on the nature of procedures applied in practice, and the role of this in facilitating the entry of goods into the State, in a way which contributes to pushing the economic cycle in the region.Further, the delegation, repre-senting the GSS States’ customs, was briefed on all details relevant to customs clearance and proce-dures of inspecting the goods and commodities coming from the dif-ferent countries, and applying the one entry point, how to col-lect the unified customs tariff and other relevant procedures. During

the visit, the GCC delegation was brief on the latest projects and programs carried out by Qatar Customs through an all-inclusive explanation by the customs offi-cers, as the delegation was briefed on the state-of-the-art systems in customs clearance of goods, represented by “Al Nadeeb” pro-gram with its high capabilities in accelerating the clearance opera-tions and its ability to connect the government bodies restricting the commodities through a distin-guished network-based system, which is able to communicate through e-mails with all stake-holders of the customs clearance of goods.It is worth mentioning that the

delegation’s visit to Qatar comes as a part of a tour taken by the delegation to a number of exem-plary customs outlets in the GCC States, in order to conduct a pe-riodic assessment on the extent to which these outlets comply with the applicable procedures, for the sake of achieving consid-erations of the required qual-ity, for being initial outlets for a large number of goods and prod-ucts that enter the GCC States in general. The visit began with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, passing by Kuwait, Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Qatar and from there to the United Arab Emir-ates, and concluded its tour in the Sultanate of Oman.


The QCCI is preparing a new package of services to support the business community in QatarMr. Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Director General of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Member of the National Committee for Customs Clearance declared that the business community in the State of Qatar is characterized by diversity and dynamism, which justifies it’s the expansion of partnerships, investments and business circle day after day. Business owners in Qatar are characterized by perseverance and seriousness and they always look forward to more success. He noted that the QCCI, as a representative of the Private Sector and advocate for its interests, cooperates with all bodies, government agencies and various ministries in the state, especially the General Administration of Customs as a key partner in the introduction of goods related to traders that are the basis for the QCCI›s work.

* The Qatar›s busi-ness environ-

ment attracts a lot of investments

Director General ofQCCI Sale Al Sharqi:

What are the main terms of refer-ence of the(QCCI) Qatar chamber of Commerce and Industry?According to the law establishing the QCCI, it specializes in the fol-lowing: providing data, informa-tion and opinions relating to com-mercial and industrial matters in the state;giving opinions , in its advisory capacity, concerning the establishment of stock exchanges, markets and trade, industrial, ag-ricultural fairs; granting franchises of public utilities; Providing the competent ministries and authori-

ties with proposals on laws, trade regulations, customs tariff and any other matters relating to the progress of trade and industry, the creation of fairs, arbitration in commercial disputes; approving the data and documents related to individuals and businesses when applying for a commercial registra-tion or renewal or modification of the same; and representing the Qatari Private Sector and defend-ing and protectingits interests and speaking in his name in interna-tional forums.

2- What are the most important government agencies that deal with the QCCI?The QCCI, as a representative of the Private Sector and advocate for its interests, cooperates with all bod-


interview

* We are consider-ing linking with

the various bodies and institutions

through «Ooredoo»

ies and government agencies and various ministries in the state, and in fact these parties is sparing no effort to help and cooperate with the Private Sector to perform its national Role. In this regard, the QCCIcoordinates between governmental bodies and agencies on the one hand, and be-tween the merchants and business owners on the other hand, to over-come any obstacles facing the Pri-vate Sector.So we can say that the QCCI has close relations of cooperation with all ministries and governmental and non-governmental organiza-tions and state authorities.3- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the business com-munity in Qatar?the business community in the State of Qatar is characterized by diversity and dynamism, which jus-tifies it’s the expansion of partner-ships, investments and business circle day after day. Business own-ers in Qatar are characterized by perseverance and seriousness and they always look forward to more success. The business community is characterized by openness to the world, where it will witness eco-nomic partnerships from all over the world. Add to this the fact that

the Qatari busi-ness environment attracts a lot of in-vestments in Qatar and successful part-nerships with local companies.As for its role in the next stage, I am sure that the Qa-tari businessmen since they have po-tentials will be up to the responsibil-ity and will achieve the full benefit of all aspects of government support, and the Private Sector will have a greater role in national output and in the national economy in general.As for weaknesses it can be said that there are sectors with invest-

mentsthat are not in line with the aspirations of the consumers, which gives way to alternative im-ported goods, and we in the QCCI encourage business owners and entrepreneurs to invest in these new sectors, especially small and medium enterprises.4- What are the latest projects and programs that the QCCIis working on currently to develop work?The QCCIaims to launch a package of new services in the next few days, notably the availability of the QCCIonline services for its affiliates, including a certificate of origin, rat-ifications and signing of all docu-ments with respect to transactions that were previously signed manu-ally. The QCCI will also launch to its affiliates application on the smart-phone including some of these ser-vices and many other services.The QCCI is currently studying the subject of linking with various agencies and institutions through «Ooredo» by phone number, so we can see the geographical loca-tion of any company electronically registered in Qatar through the Google Maps program by phone.The QCCI also announced that it is the national guarantor for the ap-plication of the «ATCarné» or the temporary entry of goods system, and this will facilitate the entry and exit of goods on a temporary basis,


* Al-Nadeeb System for Electronic Cus-

toms Clearance,has fulfilled a consoli-

dated reference for all state

to participate in all exhibitions and conferences held in the country or in other countries that apply the system.5- How do you see the cooperation between the QCCIandCustoms and Ports General AuthorityCPGA?There are positive relationship of cooperation between the QCCI and CPGA. This cooperation includes the organization of joint meetings and seminars, and training courses and programs. This is evident in the agreement concluded between the two parties and other agree-ments, where the most recently signed oneis a memorandum of understanding for the work of the electronic certificate of origin, un-der which the Authority approves the electronic certificate of origin which used to be submitted and signed in a paper submitted with the goods.6- How would you Assess AlNadeeb System for Electronic Customs Clearance?Al Nadeeb System for Electronic Customs Clearancecontributed to facilitating customs procedures through a unified reference for all state agencies procedures at bor-der crossing points. It helped busi-ness owners to finish the customs

clearance processes at any time and from any location through a system characterized by simplicity, convenience and flexibility, which saves time and effort. Launching a system through a mobile tele-phone application is considered an important and successful step. 7- How do you see the developmen-tof work resulting from the meet-ings of The Customs Clearance Na-tional Committee CCNC?Since its inception in 2014, the CCNC has been in charge of facili-tating trade between the State of Qatar and all the countries by seek-ing to simplify customs procedures and non-tariff barriers in the ports, and including all import and export operations in a single window to enable all the relevant authorities

to end all dealings throughthe cus-toms system. TheCCNC has made great strides in this regard, and it visited last year the Republics of Singapore and South Korea, in or-der to see the latest experiences, developments and the best mod-ern customs and logistic systems and mechanisms for the release of goods.8- The Electronic Certificate of Ori-gin (eCO) represents a significant development in the work between the QCCI and CPGA; would you tell us about what you see on this mat-ter?TheQCCI and the CPGA have signed a MOUto apply the Electronic Cer-tificate of Origin. Under this Mem-orandum the CPGA shall approve the electronic certificate of origin issued by the QCCI with regard to the import of various goods which used to be submitted in paper documents attached to the diverse goodsthat are imported through customs ports of the State.I think that this can help dealers end their transactions from anywhere and at any time without the need to check with the QCCI, whichcon-tributesto facilitating the entry of goods.9- Recently a Memorandum of Un-derstanding has been signed be-tween the QCCI and the CPGAon the training of the customs clear-ance officers? How do you see the results of this cooperation?The profession of the customs clearance officersis considered one of the vital professions for the economy, especially with the increased movement of entry and exit of goods and movement of import and export; therefore, the QCCIsaw that there is a need for organizing a program for customs clearance officers in cooperation with the CPGAto strengthen and refine the Private Sector employ-ees› skills and provide them with the comprehensive knowledge


concerning thecustoms proce-dures and the rules of origin, the Harmonized System, the facilita-tion, commitment and customs exemptions, and the development of the perceptions of workers in the profession in order to facilitate theproceduresof customs clear-ance of shipments from ports, and to contribute to the reduction of congestion.So far, four courses of this program have been organized, 50 customs clearance officers per course10- From your point of view, how can the State of Qatar facilitate the flow of goods into and out of the state?In my opinion, in order to facilitate the import and export procedures we have to benefit from the ex-periences of the other countries in this respect, by studying the procedures applied in these coun-tries and select that which can be applied in Qatar; furthermore the legislations plays their role in facili-tating such procedure and we have to take into account the proposals of businessmen.11-How do you see the future of in-vestment in general in the State of Qatar?Thanks to laws encouraging invest-ment and legislation, geographic location, outstanding internation-al and regional strong relations with the neighboring countries, Qatar is one of the most attractive countries for foreign investment.And I expect that despite the glob-al economic crisis, Qatar will wit-ness in the near future the launch-ing of many projects and initiatives in all business sectors, and I expect significant growth in the small and medium enterprises, which will have a significant impact on the national economy.Overall the future of investment in Qatar augurs well and I think that the state will witness new busi-

nesses and investment, covering more services and sectors in the periods proceeding and subse-quent to the FIFA World Cup 2020.12-What do you think of the situ-ation of trade and merchants in Qatar and what are your recom-mendations to support this sector locally?I see that the current situation of trade in Qatar is satisfactory to a great extent. This is clear from the size of the businesses and compa-nies that are established year after year. The sector of business and trade in Qatar is profitable. It at-tracts many business owners and entrepreneurs to create their own projects and achieve their own

goals successfully, as well as con-tribute to raising the growth rate of the national economy.With regard to the trade sector I see that the state plays an impor-tant and vital role in the support of trade in Qatar, and is required to encourage business owners to increase their investments and the establishment of new and innova-tive business, and should focus on the development of small and medium sectors because it is the cornerstone of the strength of any economy.Also stress the importance of ac-cess to previous experiences, and share knowledge with experienced entrepreneurs.


The Customs Relocated to its New Headquarters in Dafna

The Land, Maritime and Air Customs Departments are carrying on their duties at the ports

The General Authority of Customs announced that its gradual move to its new headquarters at the Co-operation Council Street, Towers District in Dafna, besides Izdan Towers is completed, after evacuat-ing its former headquar-ters existing opposite to the Islamic Museum in Doha Corniche.

The senior management of GAC made a gradual move during the period from April 27 to May 1, 2016, during which all follow-ing departments moved; name, Chairman’s office, Internal Audit Department, Planning and Quality Department, Legal affairs Depart-ment, Public Relations and Com-munications Department, Human Resources Department, Financial


follow up

and Administrative Affairs Department, Infor-mation Systems Department, Operations and Risk Analysis Department, Customs Affairs De-partment, Anti Smuggling and Customs Secu-rity Department”.For the customer care center, it actually moved and is performing its duties in serving the clients and closing their transactions in the first floor of the new headquarters, while re-garding the customs training center, it moved a few months ago to a special headquarters at the industrial zone (formerly land trans-port), which is equipped with many training halls that are sufficient for holding all training courses related to customs officers of differ-ent specialties. Moreover, Hamad Internation-al Airport Customs Department, Air Shipping and Private Airports Department, Maritime Customs Department, Land Customs Depart-ment are performing their duties in the same headquarters recognized at the air, maritime and land ports.It is worth mentioning that GAS’s new head-quarters comprises fifteen floors equipped with all needed requirements; e.g. commu-nication devices, connection networks, high speed services for performing GAS’s work eas-ily and smoothly.


An Asian person seized for attempting to smuggle 4 types of narcotics

Including Heroin, Opium and Narcotic Powder Substances

A Distinguished Inspector Honored for Seizing 3 kg of Marijuana

The General Authority of Customs was able to successfully seize a large quantity of narcotics, in-cluding heroin tablets, opium substance and other narcotics, when an inspector at Hamad In-ternational Airport suspected a suitcase belonging to a passenger coming from an Asian country through a transit flight in a GCC State. Based on the suspicion of the suitcase, HIA’s customs officer at the external devices zone moni-tored and tracked the suitcase until it has been picked up by the passenger, so that the inspection process took place in his presence in the designated hall. When the competent inspector opened the suitcase, she found out two bags

containing 63 tablets of heroin, 48 tablets containing another nar-cotic substance, and a transparent bag containing 2 gm of narcotic opium and a small box containing 32 gm of a narcotic powder sub-

stance.Integration among the customs departments at the outlet is a key reason for facilitating the seizure, as the devices and control division monitored .

Customs officers at Hamad In-ternational Airport were able to successfully foil an attempt to smuggle a quantity of narcotic Marijuana weighing 3.277 kg, which was found inside a suitcase, and thanks to the inspector’s shrewdness, she was able to de-tect and seize the smuggled sub-stances which were wrapped in carton papers inside the passen-ger’s suitcase. The seized objects were retained, a seizure report was drawn up and the smuggler were handed over to the compe-tent authorities. passenger who attempted to smuggle 5 kilograms of gold bul-lions, in order to evade the it is worth mentioning that H.E Mr.

Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Author-ity of Customs, honored the in-spector who was able to make the seizure, lauding her efforts for de-tecting the narcotics, and assert-ed that this bears witness to GAS’s

keenness at all sites to combat all forms and types of smuggling, and their continuing keenness to perform their duties and their ef-fective contribution to safeguard the social and economic security of the State of Qatar.


11 kilograms of Marijuana seized inside the dried pepper

GAC Chairman honors an inspector who foiled the smuggling of gold bullions

GAC Chairman honors an inspector who carried out the seizure

Passenger hid 5 kilograms of gold in a Secret Pocket on his suitcase

Customs officers at Hamad In-ternational Airport were able to successfully seize a passenger who attempted to smuggle 5 ki-lograms of gold bullions, in order to evade the due customs duties. A customs officer at HIA Customs suspected a coming Asian passen-ger for acknowledging that he had gold with him, and actually after inspecting him, a large quantity of gold was found hidden in the suitcase which he did not disclose. Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, honored the inspec-tor who was able to seize the gold bullions, stressing the importance

of pursuing the efforts in order to protect security of the State and combat all cases of smug-gling the perpetrators of which are attempting to inflict damage upon the society. His Excellency

stressed that the GAC is support-ing its employees at all outlets, and provides them with continu-ing training in collaboration with the competent bodies in all as-pects of customs work.

Mr. Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Mohanndai, Chairman of the General Author-ity of Customs, honored a cus-toms officer at Hamad Interna-tional Airport who was able to successfully seize a large quantity of narcotic “Marijuana” being 11 kilograms.Al-Mohanndai extended thanks to the distinguished inspector

for his sincere at work and the achievement made by him for denying the entry of this disease into the State, maintaining that all customs officers are standing vigilant to all smugglers, and all of them are known for their se-riousness, competence and the ability to protect the community from entering any hazardous or

prohibited substances, as proven by the large number of seizures made on a daily basis. He point-ed out that GAC is setting up a training program for all employ-ees within their respective areas of competence, which aims to promote their experience in all customs fields in which they are working


Security Personnel of the Frontiers, Customs and Ports Perform Great Jihad and Will Attain Great Reward

Dr. Khalid Al Ghamdi

Dr. Khalid Al Ghamdi Imam and Preacher of the Grand Mosque called the Muraabita guarding the frontiers and inlets to fear Al-lah., obey His Orders and avoid His Prohibitions because they are entrusted with maintaining the security of their fellow citizens and their job is to protect their homeland from dangers of the en-emies of our homeland and our Islamic nation.

In a Friday Sermon at the Grand Mosque he said: “ The Islamic na-tion is witnessing an unprecedent-ed historical period with a flow of giant events and rapid changes due to the plots of the enemies who intended to betray us into some ambuscade, a matter which made despair, weakness, disap-pointment, frustration and help-lessness befall some Muslims while they see the haters’ cunningness, firmness and strength and watch the images of killings, destruc-tion and displacement and at the same time a group of Muslims are deeply influences by the ideas of the Kharijites and takfiris to the extent that most people have formed a glim and bleak image about the state of the Islamic na-

tion and its future and have been best with depressing fantasy and illusion and psychological defeat. For these reasons we have to be enormously watchful in our coun-try of the means of devastations and destruction to our youth that our enemies are trying to send to us. Therefore, our sons who are in charge of protecting the fron-tier breaches and ports have to be enormously watchful. In this respect I single out the affiliates of the coast guard and the Minis-try of interior who are in charge of the passports affairs; this is in addition to those who work at the customs and the other bod-ies that watch over all that which penetrates into our country.Dr. Khalid Al Ghamdi reviewed the

features of the security man on the frontiers since he is one of the the most important ele-ments of protecting the State from the external threats. He noted that the security man has to be trustworthy and honest taking into account the Allah sees him, so he has to be up to the job and undertakes to pro-tect the homeland even if he sacrifices himself. At the same time he has to be forgiving and tactful and to deal with people in accordance with the morals of Islam. Dr. Khalid Al Ghamdi called them to be honourable for our country as they are the first front which meets the ex-pats and visitors. (Source: - al-Iqtisadiah Newspaper)



Against Drug Abuse the Customs carried out 1,250 seizures last year toms union

On the occasion of the International Day

The International Day Against Drug Abuse represents a global occasion to remind and raise aware-ness about the perils of narcotics and their negative impacts on the whole world. June 26 comes to us this year under the slogan …………, aiming to raise the community’s awareness of the meaning and harms of narcotics addiction, giving guidelines on the course of action to be followed in order to avoid falling victims to this great danger and how to prevent its spread.

As a part of the large-scale efforts exerted by the General Author-ity of Customs to foil smuggling of narcotics, Mr. Ajab Mansour Al-Qahtani, GAC’s Director of Hamad International Airport Customs re-ported that Customs officers were able in 2015 to make more than 1,250 various seizures, foremost of which were narcotic Tramadol, Marijuana and Larca. Given the great perils this epidemic brings to the community, it is hardly pos-sible to eradicate it without the deep collaboration and bringing together of the efforts of all stake-holders, without overlooking the

key participation of the commu-nity in this regard. Since smugglers often make use of all available techniques and practices to attain their evil goals, combating these practices requires promotion of aspects of cooperation between the GAC and other security bod-ies. This asserts that cooperation and coordination between the Customs and these bodies play a great role in foiling the smuggling operations, and ensuring the larg-est deal of success to prevent the entry of narcotics and detecting all techniques and evil schemes used by smugglers.

As the customs personnel are con-sidered the watching eye on all customs ports, the GAC has dedi-cated all its financial and moral capabilities to promote their ex-perience through enrolling them in ad-hoc training courses, and pro-viding technological capabilities and state-of-the-art examination devices which would help them optimally perform their security duties. However, their presence constitutes the greatest favor for maintaining the country’s security, so we extend our sincerest greet-ings to those anonymous soldiers who are working in silence.

The General Authority of Customs - Sixty One issue

first of all, i’d like to laud the large-scale, distinguished .pdf · first of all, i’d like to...

Documents