The Dubai Ports Authority, part of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), has announced the launch of the first system that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to issue operational approvals and work permits related to Dubai Ports Authority.
The initiative comes as part of efforts to enhance the efficiency of the government ecosystem and achieve digital transformation of operational processes, supporting the Corporation’s strategy in adopting AI technologies and digitising services.
“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” Nasser AlNeyadi, CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation said in a statement.
Dubai Ports Authority digitises operational permits using AI and RPA
The system covers cases that comply with technical and safety standards and includes categories of approvals, such as the acceptance of dangerous goods at the port, vessel bunkering operations, ship waste discharge to reception facilities, as well as work permits in ports and ship repair facilities, he explained.
“With approximately 44,000 transactions processed annually, the new system enables eligible requests to be issued instantly after automated verification of data and requirements, while exceptional cases are automatically routed to human review to ensure the highest levels of governance and compliance. These smart solutions reflect Dubai Government’s direction in the field of AI and offer a regulatory model that enhances safety standards and improves service efficiency without compromising approved controls,” Al Neyadi added.
The system processes operational approvals through verification, with eligible requests issued instantly. Cases that require human intervention are automatically routed to personnel for review.
The platform handles various types of port operations, including dangerous goods acceptance, vessel bunkering, waste discharge operations, and safety permits for port facilities and ship repair operations.
The implementation supports the Corporation’s strategy to adopt AI technologies and achieve digitisation of services across Dubai’s maritime sector.
