Customs Compliance in the Middle East Conference, 16 – 17 September 2025, Dubai, UAE
Customs Compliance in the Middle East Conference, 16-17 September 2025, Dubai, UAE
Our annual gathering for Middle Eastern customs and trade compliance professionals, discussing topics ranging from Free Zones, FTAs, origin, transfer pricing and classification to invOur annual gathering is the definitive conference for Middle Eastern customs and trade compliance professionals. This critical event offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your expertise across the region's dynamic regulatory landscape. We'll engage in in-depth discussions on essential topics, including the strategic utilization of Free Zones, the complexities of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and their precise rules of origin, and the intricate relationship between transfer pricing and customs valuation. Furthermore, our agenda covers the vital aspects of accurate classification of goods, effective strategies for managing investigation and enforcement actions, and navigating broader compliance challenges. Join us to connect with peers, share best practices, and gain actionable insights to master the evolving demands of Middle Eastern trade and ensure robust complianceestigation and enforcement.
Our annual gathering is the definitive conference for Middle Eastern customs and trade compliance professionals. This critical event offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your expertise across the region’s dynamic regulatory landscape. We’ll engage in in-depth discussions on essential topics, including the strategic utilization of Free Zones, the complexities of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and their precise rules of origin, and the intricate relationship between transfer pricing and customs valuation. Furthermore, our agenda covers the vital aspects of accurate classification of goods, effective strategies for managing investigation and enforcement actions, and navigating broader compliance challenges.
Join us to connect with peers, share best practices, and gain actionable insights to master the evolving demands of Middle Eastern trade and ensure robust compliance
Mr. Lalu Pillai, Senior Trade Compliance & Logistics Manager – Middle East, Africa & Pakistan, Trane Technologies
Mr. Anas Ikhwan, Global Trade Management – EMEA Import Sr. Manager, Eaton
Mr. Rameez Khan, Customs and Trade Compliance Specialist, IKEA
Mr. Mohamed Nadeem, MEA Export Control Manager (Operations), Schneider Electric
Mr. Paul Dowling, Head of Customer Operations MENA, DHL
Mr. Makram Gharsallah, Customs & Trade Compliance Manager EMEA, Axalta
Mr. Firas Altaweel, Global Director Customs Policy & Compliance, Huawei
Ms. Anna Marcinowski, Senior Manager EU Local Content, Customs Compliance, Strategy & Projects, Excise Tax Compliance, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Mr. Syed Mutahir Bilal, Customs & Last Mile Manager, Mumzworld.com
Mr. Sajan Thomas, Regional Head E-Customs, DB Schenker
Mr. Umur Delibay, Senior Global Trade Specialist, Tesla
- Mr. Farhan Sharif, Export Control & Customs Officer MEA, Siemens Healthineers
Should you wish to join our esteemed speaker panel at this event, please contact Miss Isra Mahmoud on isra.mahmoud@nielsonsmith.com
The agenda for the Customs Compliance in the Middle East Conference is prepared by and for industry professionals, and includes the most interesting topics, currently pertinent to the field.
Day One
08:15 – 09:00 Registration opens with early morning refreshments
09:00 – 09:25 Chairman’s welcome and opening address
09:25 – 10:25 Overview of Middle East Customs & Trade Framework
10:25 – 11:25 Free Trade Agreements: A Middle East Perspective
11:25 – 11:55 Morning refreshments and networking
11:55 – 12:55 Dubai’s Free Zones – Compliance Opportunities & Risks
12:55 – 14:10 Networking lunch
14:10 – 15:10 Customs Valuation and the Link to Transfer Pricing
15:10 – 16:10 Trade Compliance Investigations & Audits
16:10 – 16:30 Afternoon refreshments and networking
16:30 – 17:30Panel Discussion: The Political Economy of Trade
17:30 – 17:35Chairman’s closing remarks
17:35 – 18:35 Conference Drinks reception
Day Two
08:30 – 08:55 Early morning refreshments and networking
08:55 – 09:00 Chairman’s opening remarks
09:00 – 10:00 Decoding Non-Preferential Rules of Origin in the GCC: The Keystone of Customs Compliance and Trade Defence
10:00 – 11:00 AEO Programs & Trusted Trader Frameworks
11:00 – 11:20 Morning refreshments and networking
11:20 – 12:20 Strategic Use of Technology in Customs Management
12:20 – 13:30 Networking lunch
13:30 – 14:30Compliance Risks in E-commerce
14:30 – 15:30 Topic Suggestions:
- Navigating Compliance Beyond the GCC: Customs Challenges in Egypt, Jordan & Beyond
- Updates on UNCTAD ASYCUDA implementations
- Reforming Border Clearance in the Middle East: Corruption, Compliance, and Customs Modernisation
15:30 – 15:50 Afternoon refreshments and networking
15:50 – 16:50 Interactive Roundtables on topics brought up by delegates
(Round table topics to be chosen by the Speakers & Delegates from questions and answers during the presentations. An opportunity to talk informally peer to peer.)
16:50 – 17:00 Chairman’s remarks
End of Conference
Please contact your NielsonSmith representative to discuss the programme in more depth.
If you are interested in speaking at this conference, please contact Mr. Alex Terry on alex.terry@nielsonsmith.com
The Middle East & Africa Compliance Association (MEACA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a more ethical and just world. We achieve this by empowering compliance professionals, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to uphold integrity in business and governance. At the same time, we help business leaders recognize the true value of good governance, ethical leadership, and compliance with established laws and regulations.
Our Vision
To be the foremost professional association in the Middle East and Africa, championing transparency, accountability, and a culture of integrity across both the public and private sectors. Our goal is to establish a presence in every country within our remit, ensuring that compliance and ethical business practices become the standard, not the exception.
Our Mission
We are committed to empowering compliance professionals with the skills, resources, and expertise needed to serve as effective ambassadors of integrity within their organizations and communities. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we aim to cultivate a business environment where good governance, adherence to laws, ethical decision-making, and transparency are not just encouraged but are universally embraced as the global standard.
Should you wish to become our Partner at this event, please contact Mr. Reyhan Perera on reyhan.perera@nielsonsmith.com
1 physical 2-Day pass and the Company-wide Post-Event Microsite license for 1 year – 699 USD
The event in Dubai includes sessions, lunch, refreshments and available documentation. Please contact us for Groups. Please note: “Vendor” companies may attend as sponsors only.
Conference Venue
The St. Regis Downtown Dubai
Marasi Dr – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Accommodation Allotment
Conference participants get a 10% discount on the hotel’s published rate. Please contact us for assistance.
Information
Delegate tickets are for in-house participants only. Compliance vendors may only attend by becoming a sponsor, please request a prospectus via the button below. Vendors purchasing tickets will not gain access to the event and will receive only a 70% refund.
