Source : WAM
Dubai Customs conducted a series of awareness workshops as part of its Neighborhood Councils initiative, engaging community members in Umm Suqeim and Al Rashidiya to raise awareness about intellectual property protection and combat the circulation of counterfeit goods.
The initiative underscores Dubai Customs’ dedication to fostering an innovation-driven culture and protecting the national economy through direct engagement with the community. The workshops, delivered by the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department in collaboration with the Corporate Communications Department, focused on educating residents about the economic, health, and safety risks associated with counterfeit products.
Mansour Al Malik, Executive Director of Policy and Legislation at Dubai Customs, emphasized that safeguarding intellectual property is a collective responsibility that depends on community awareness alongside regulatory measures. He highlighted the use of advanced technologies and smart targeting systems to prevent the smuggling of counterfeit and adulterated goods, thereby protecting local markets and the rights of innovators and trademark holders.
He also noted that engaging senior citizens and government employees helps strengthen community partnerships and ensures awareness efforts reach all segments of society through accessible and interactive methods.
Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of the IPR Department, said fostering a culture of intellectual property protection is an investment in both the present and future of the community, enabling individuals to identify genuine products and play a role in safeguarding the national economy.
Noof Al Belabd, Senior Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, added that Dubai Customs’ participation supports the Year of Community initiative by promoting social cohesion and shared responsibility through programs aimed at encouraging sustainable behavioral change.
The workshops were overseen by Fatma Al Blooshi, Awareness and Education Officer, alongside Zainab Habib, Senior Awareness and Education Officer. Sessions in Umm Suqeim were directed at Community Development Authority employees, while the Al Rashidiya workshop focused on senior citizens, using customized and interactive approaches that received strong engagement and positive feedback.
