The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Abu Dhabi Customs have signed a service level agreement (SLA) to enhance electronic integration, simplify customs procedures and accelerate approvals for imports of restricted hazardous petroleum materials.
The agreement, signed during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2026), aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen regulatory oversight and facilitate the movement of petroleum-related shipments through digital data exchange.
The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, and Obaid Musallam Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs, along with senior officials from both organisations.
Strengthening Digital Integration and Customs Efficiency
Under the agreement, the two government entities will establish an integrated framework for exchanging information, data and services related to import approvals and customs clearance of restricted hazardous petroleum materials.
The partnership will also support the regulation and monitoring of restricted import, export and transit shipments, helping businesses navigate customs requirements more efficiently while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and safety standards.
The initiative is expected to reduce administrative complexity, improve coordination between government authorities and support smoother trade operations across Abu Dhabi’s energy sector.
Supporting the UAE’s Zero Bureaucracy Programme
Eng. Sharif Al Olama said the agreement would enhance cooperation between the ministry and Abu Dhabi Customs by improving procedures for importing restricted petroleum materials through digital information exchange.
He highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the UAE Government’s Zero Bureaucracy Programme, which focuses on simplifying government services, removing unnecessary administrative requirements and improving the overall customer experience.
Al Olama emphasised that digital integration would help eliminate overlapping procedures without compromising regulatory compliance or safety requirements.
Advancing Abu Dhabi’s Smart Customs Ecosystem
Obaid Musallam Al Ameri said the partnership reflects Abu Dhabi Customs’ commitment to strengthening government integration and developing a smart customs ecosystem that enables seamless trade and more efficient supply chains.
He explained that the agreement supports the UAE’s wider digital transformation agenda and efforts to reduce government bureaucracy while enhancing economic competitiveness.
The collaboration also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a diversified economy driven by knowledge, innovation and technology, further strengthening the emirate’s position as an international trade and logistics centre.
Al Ameri added that the agreement demonstrates how digital solutions and cooperation between government institutions can improve trade facilitation within the energy industry.
He noted that the partnership would contribute to maintaining energy supply continuity, delivering integrated services tailored to business requirements and creating a more attractive investment environment.
Enhancing Energy Sector Services and Trade Competitiveness
The agreement represents another step in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s efforts to modernise government services and strengthen collaboration with relevant authorities.
By connecting customs operations with the ministry’s digital systems, the initiative seeks to improve transparency, accelerate regulatory processes and provide businesses with more efficient services.
The partnership also reinforces the UAE’s broader ambition to strengthen its role as a reliable international trading partner and a leading global energy hub.
Through continued investment in digital infrastructure and government coordination, both entities aim to support the evolving needs of the energy industry while improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Abu Dhabi’s commercial and logistics sectors.
