Doha: Qatar's National Day is a significant occasion to reaffirm loyalty to the nation and its leadership, as highlighted by HE Chairman of the General Authority of Customs, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal. The day commemorates the legacy of the state's founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, and the contributions of earlier generations that have shaped modern Qatar.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Jamal emphasized that the National Day is a celebration of values such as loyalty, belonging, and pride in Qatar's Arab and Islamic identity. It is a time when the nation's citizens reaffirm their commitment to the founder's principles and the development path under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Al Jamal described the day as an opportunity to strengthen national identity, especially among young people, and a reminder of Qatar's tradition of unity and collective responsibility. He noted that the day inspires citizens to draw from the nation's journey and the Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes unity and national pride.
The customs chief also highlighted the strong cooperation between the country's citizens and leadership, underscoring the sense of responsibility toward the homeland and dedication to its progress. The day acts as a national referendum where gratitude for past achievements and commitment to future goals are expressed.
In discussing the agency's achievements, Al Jamal pointed out significant milestones achieved in 2025, including advancements in human resources, technology systems, and closer coordination with partners. The Al Nadeeb electronic customs clearance platform processed over 5.6 million declarations in 2025, and enhancements have been made to expedite cross-border trucking operations.
Efforts to improve customs procedures included automation, unified declarations, and better container-tracking systems. The authority also enhanced staff training, with numerous employees and students participating in academic and training programs.
The National Committee for Customs Clearance and Cross-Border Trade Facilitation continued to improve import and export systems, while strategic partnerships with the private sector have grown, with more companies joining the GCC Authorized Economic Operator program.
In terms of enforcement, the authority recorded 3,397 violations, including smuggling attempts and data falsifications. Qatar Customs participated in international operations to combat illicit trade, resulting in the interception of high-risk items.
Community engagement was increased through outreach initiatives, and regionally, Qatar Customs played a significant role in GCC and Arab forums, contributing to policy harmonization.
Al Jamal highlighted the importance of technology, digital transformation, and AI in enhancing customs services, with initiatives like a smart self-service reporting system and a new Customs Documents system being introduced.
Looking forward, the authority is implementing its 2024-2030 strategic plan, focusing on modernizing customs operations and supporting economic development. Priority will be given to projects with a direct impact on service improvement and efficiency, in alignment with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy and Vision 2030.
These initiatives, according to Al Jamal, aim to ensure sustainable development across all customs domains.