Shipping from China to UAE
Ubest Shipping directly connects China with the world hub, the UAE, to provide you with a one-stop logistics solution. We focus on Shipping from China to UAE, covering major ports such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Whether it is the busy Dubai Port or other important logistics nodes, we can ensure that your goods arrive on time.
We are well aware of the importance of price, time and service quality to you. Therefore, we are committed to providing transparent and reasonable freight rates to ensure that you enjoy the most competitive prices. At the same time, we work closely with top carriers and promise to provide accurate shipping time estimates so that you have a clear grasp of the logistics progress.
Finally, when you choose the Shipping from China to UAE service, Ubest Shipping will be your reliable logistics partner, accompanying you throughout the journey to ensure that your goods arrive at the destination safely and on time. Our professional team is on call at any time to provide you with comprehensive logistics support and excellent customer service.
What can we do when shipping from China to UAE?
Sea freight FCL from China to UAE
- Shipping from China to Dubai, Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman,
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to UAE
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to UAE
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to UAE
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to airfreight from China to Dubai, UAE
Express delivery service from China to UAE
- Express delivery from China to any city in UAE
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to UAE
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to UAE
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in the UAE
- Including UAE customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to UAE
- Provide one-stop service from China to UAE warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
How to Ship from China to UAE
UAE is a federation of seven emirates on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. UAE is China’s most important trading partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade between China and the UAE reaching $94.98 billion in 2023. There are many individuals and businesses that need to ship goods from China to UAE.
You have 2 ways to ship from China to the UAE: air and sea.
- Sea Freight from China to UAE
Sea freight is an affordable option, especially for large, heavy, or non-urgent goods. With sea freight, you can choose between less-than-container load (LCL) or full container load (FCL) shipping from China to the UAE, depending on the volume of your cargo. - Air Freight from China to the UAE
If your products need to be shipped from China to the UAE urgently, air freight is the best way to ship your goods. However, be prepared to pay more for this fast and flexible service.
Sea Freight from China to UAE
When you ship goods from China to the United Arab Emirates, if your main purpose is to save costs and the transit time is not important for your supply chain, then you should probably choose ocean shipping. Ocean shipping comes in many forms. Using container ships, we usually send regular ocean freight such as FCL and LCL, and sometimes for oversized cargo shipments, we use flatbed containers and open top containers. For large projects, we charter bulk carriers or ro-ro vessels.
- Full Container Load (FCL): Full container load refers to the transportation of containers from China to the UAE for one customer, usually 20ft containers and 40ft containers. This can be cheaper than LCL shipping, especially if you are shipping a large amount of goods, and the transit time is generally 20 to 30 days.
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Sharing a container with other customers who have goods at the same time, shipping to the same destination. The advantage of this is that you only pay for the space occupied by the goods, not the cost of the entire container.
If you plan to ship a small amount of goods (1 to 10 cubic meters) from China to the UAE, then LCL shipping may be the most affordable option. Shipping takes longer, generally 25 to 35 days, due to the extra work (consolidation, splitting, warehousing, paperwork, etc.).
When choosing between FCL or LCL for shipping from China to UAE, you can refer to a basic rule:
- If 1cbm~8cbm, choose LCL.
- If 8cbm~15cbm, please choose FCL or LCL according to the actual situation.
- If it exceeds 15cbm, please choose FCL without hesitation.
- The minimum billable weight and volume for sea freight is 1 cubic meter or 1 ton.
Ocean freight is the most commonly used mode of transportation, not only because it is the cheapest mode of transportation, but also it can accept almost all types of goods, while other modes of transportation cannot.
The cost of shipping from China to UAE depends on the nature of the goods you are transporting. Perishable goods may require refrigeration. For example, oversized goods may require an oversized container. The cost of a 20ft container is generally between $1,500 and $3,000. The following table is a more detailed cost introduction:
| Original Port | Destination Port | LCL cost/cbm | 20ft container cost | 40ft container cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Dubai | $50–$105 | $1250-$2200 | $2200-$3200 |
| Shenzhen | Dubai | $70–$120 | $1200-$2100 | $2100-$3000 |
| Ningbo | Dubai | $80–$130 | $1350-$2500 | $2250-$3250 |
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | $60–$100 | $1500-$2700 | $2450-$3600 |
| Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | $65–$120 | $1650-$2850 | $2350-$3600 |
| Ningbo | Abu Dhabi | $70–$130 | $1600-$2800 | $2200-$3200 |
| Shanghai | Sharjah | $70–$100 | $1800-$2800 | $2550-$3200 |
| Shenzhen | Sharjah | $75–$120 | $1900-$2850 | $2450-$3250 |
| Ningbo | Sharjah | $80–$130 | $1950-$2950 | $2400-$3100 |
Learn more: Shipping Costs for 20ft And 40ft Containers from China to UAE
Sea Freight Time from China to UAE
| POL (port of loading) | POD (port of discharge) | Transit time |
| Shanghai | Jebel Ali | 20-25 days |
| Shenzhen | Jebel Ali | 18-23 days |
| Qingdao | Jebel Ali | 25-30 days |
For reference only: The data of Shanghai in East China, Shenzhen in South China and Qingdao in North China are sufficient to illustrate the shipping time from China to UAE.
Major ports in China
- Shanghai Port
Location and Capacity: Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, Shanghai Port is the world’s largest port in terms of cargo throughput, handling more than 47.3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: As a deepwater seaport, it plays a vital role in the transportation of cargo between East Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Major trading partners include the United States, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany, and Japan. - Ningbo-Zhoushan Port
Location and Volume: Located in the eastern Zhejiang province, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is one of the most active ports, handling more than 15 million TEUs per year.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: The port is known for its connections to more than 600 ports in 100 countries around the world. It is strategically important for the transportation of iron ore, crude oil, and liquid chemical products. - Shenzhen Port
Location and Volume: Shenzhen Port is located in Guangdong Province in southern China and handles more than 13.5 million TEUs per year.
Major trading partners and strategic importance: Shenzhen has shipping routes to more than 300 ports in 100 countries and regions, and is the main gateway for international trade in southern China. - Port of Hong Kong
Location and volume: The Port of Hong Kong, located in the South China Sea, has long been an important international shipping hub, accommodating approximately 17 million TEUs per year. - Guangzhou Port
Location and Quantity: Guangzhou Port is located at the mouth of the Pearl River in Guangdong Province, with an annual throughput of more than 25.5 million TEUs. - Qingdao Port
Location and Quantity: The port is located in the Yellow Sea near Qingdao, Shandong Province, with an annual throughput of more than 18.5 million TEUs.
Major ports in UAE
- Jebel Ali Port
Location and Volume: Located in Dubai, Jebel Ali is the largest port in the UAE and the ninth busiest port in the world, with a throughput of 19.3 million TEUs.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: The port primarily serves the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Middle East. The port is known for its technologically advanced facilities, including an automated container terminal. - Khalifa Port
Location and Volume: Khalifa Port is located in Abu Dhabi and handles approximately 7.8 million TEUs per year. Strategically located midway between Dubai and the Saudi Arabian border, the port is emerging as a regional hub.
Major Trading Partners and Strategic Importance: Major trading partners include India, China, Japan, and neighboring Gulf countries. It is an important part of the UAE’s logistics strategy, connecting major markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. - Zayed Port
Location and Volume: Zayed Port is located in the city of Abu Dhabi and is one of the UAE’s major maritime gateways. Although its throughput is lower compared to Jebel Ali Port and Khalifa Port, handling approximately 1 million tons of cargo per year, it plays a vital role in the UAE’s shipping sector. - Fujairah Port
Location and Capacity: Located on the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah Port handles more than 720,000 TEUs and over 60 million tonnes of general cargo and bulk cargo annually. - Rashid Port
Location and Capacity: Located in the heart of Dubai, Rashid Port is a premier gateway for more than 1.5 million TEUs per year, servicing both cargo and passenger vessels. - Sharjah Container Terminal
Location and Capacity: Sharjah SCT is the first container terminal in the UAE and is located in Sharjah. Despite being smaller in size compared to terminals such as Jebel Ali, its throughput easily exceeded 400,000 TEUs in 2020.
Air Freight from China to UAE
Air freight refers to the transportation of goods through air cargo companies. It is a safe and fast mode of transportation, although it is expensive. Air freight is a very viable mode of transportation between China and the UAE because both countries have well-established cargo airports to receive goods. These airports include Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.
Importers from China to the UAE rely on air freight to deliver urgently needed goods or high-value products, such as electronic products, medical products and other high-value products. Air freight can also be chosen for those who have requirements for timeliness. It takes 3 to 5 days to air freight from China to the UAE. With some direct flight services, the transportation time can be shortened to 1 day.
When shipping goods by air freight, the volumetric weight and gross weight of the goods are calculated. Then, you will be charged by gross weight or volumetric weight.
Air routes from China to major cities in UAE:
- Air freight from China to Dubai
- Air freight from China to Abu Dhabi
- Air freight from China to Sharjah
- Air freight from China to Ajman
- Air freight from China to Al Ain
Air freight cost from China to UAE per kilogram
The cost of air freight from China to the UAE is generally around US$3 to US$8 per kilogram, which is affected by the weight, volume and market demand of the goods. For detailed costs, please refer to the table below.
| China to UAE | 45Kg/USD | 100Kg/USD | 500Kg/USD | 1000Kg/USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chongqing to Abu Dhabi | 7.6 | 6.2 | 5.1 | 4.8 |
| Hongkong to Abu Dhabi | 7.1 | 6.9 | 5.8 | 4.6 |
| Dongguan to Abu Dhabi | 7.5 | 6.2 | 5 | 4 |
| Chengdu to Abu Dhabi | 7 | 6.4 | 5.2 | 3.8 |
| Hangzhou to Abu Dhabi | 7 | 5.7 | 5.1 | 3.9 |
| Beijing to Abu Dhabi | 7.5 | 6.2 | 5.0 | 3.8 |
| Shanghai to Abu Dhabi | 7.6 | 6.4 | 5.2 | 3.6 |
| Guangzhou to Abu Dhabi | 7.2 | 6.9 | 5.7 | 3.5 |
| Shenzhen to Abu Dhabi | 6.8 | 6.4 | 5.1 | 4 |
| Chongqing to Dubai | 7.2 | 6.7 | 5.4 | 3.6 |
| Hong Kong to Dubai | 7.4 | 6.9 | 5.8 | 3.8 |
| Yiwu to Dubai | 7.4 | 6.4 | 5.1 | 3.9 |
| Dongguan to Dubai | 6.9 | 6.5 | 5.2 | 4 |
| Chengdu to Dubai | 7.1 | 5.8 | 5.7 | 3.5 |
| Wuhan to Dubai | 7 | 5.7 | 5.1 | 3.9 |
| Hangzhou to Dubai | 6.5 | 6.2 | 5.1 | 4 |
| Beijing to Dubai | 6.4 | 5.9 | 5.8 | 3.5 |
| Shanghai to Dubai | 6.6 | 6.2 | 5.1 | 3.9 |
| Guangzhou to Dubai | 6.4 | 6 | 5.9 | 3.9 |
| Shenzhen to Dubai | 6.5 | 6.2 | 5.0 | 4.2 |
Air freight Time from China to UAE
The shipping time from China to UAE by air depends on the airline’s flight schedule, cargo handling and customs clearance. Generally, it takes about 2 to 5 days.
| Origin | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah |
| Shanghai | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Guangzhou | 1-2 | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| Beijing | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 |
| Shenzhen | 1-3 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
| Yiwu | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 |
Major airports in the UAE
- Abu Dhabi International Airport – OMAA/AUH
- Dubai International Airport – DXB/OMDB
- Dubai World Central – DWC/OMDW
- Sharjah International Airport – SHJ
- Ras Al Khaimah International Airport – RKT/OMRK
Express delivery from China to UAE
Express delivery from China to UAE has significant advantages such as speed, reliability and traceability. It is very suitable for urgent shipments. Major couriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS provide air express services.
Transit time: 1-3 days
Price: 8 to 12 USD per kg, depending on weight and destination within the UAE.
This service is particularly suitable for:
- Time-sensitive goods: Suitable for urgent goods that must arrive within a specific time frame.
- High-value products: Provide safe and fast transportation for expensive items.
Door to Door Shipping from China to UAE
Door-to-door service is a comprehensive logistics solution that handles all aspects of the shipping process from origin to final destination.
This service simplifies the shipping process, ensuring that the goods are picked up from the supplier in China and delivered directly to the consignee’s location in the UAE. The entire process is managed by a single logistics provider, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries and reducing the complexity of coordinating the different stages of transportation. It provides greater transparency and tracking capabilities, allowing for real-time monitoring of the goods.
Within the scope of door-to-door service, there are several different options to suit different shipping needs:
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under this arrangement, the seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the buyer’s doorstep, but the buyer is responsible for paying any import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive in the UAE.
- Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): Under a DDP arrangement, the seller covers all costs of delivering the goods to the buyer’s location, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This option provides the greatest convenience for the buyer as all costs are paid upfront.
- Less Than Container Load (LCL) Door-to-Door: This service is ideal for businesses with smaller quantities of goods that do not require a full container. Multiple shipments will be consolidated into one container, and the logistics provider will ensure that each shipment is delivered to its final destination.
- Full Container Load (FCL) Door-to-Door: For larger shipments that can fill an entire container, the FCL Door-to-Door service provides exclusive use of the container, reducing the risk of damage and contamination. The goods are picked up from the supplier, loaded into the container, and then shipped directly to the consignee.
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: This service is suitable for businesses that need to deliver goods quickly. Air Freight Door-to-Door ensures that the goods are picked up, airlifted, and delivered to the recipient’s door within a few days, making it an ideal choice for time-sensitive shipments.
DDP Shipping from China to UAE
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is one of the international trade terms, which means that the seller delivers the goods at the buyer’s designated location and bears all costs and risks, including transportation costs, insurance premiums, import duties and taxes, etc. Under DDP terms, the seller is responsible for all logistics and costs from the place of origin (such as China) to the final destination.
DDP Shipping Process from China to UAE
- Contract Signing: The buyer and seller confirm the use of DDP terms and sign the contract.
- Shipping Arrangement: The seller chooses an appropriate mode of transportation (such as sea or air) and bears all transportation costs and risks.
- Export customs clearance: The seller handles export customs clearance procedures in China.
- International Transportation: The goods are transported to the UAE by sea or air.
- Import customs clearance: The seller handles import customs clearance procedures in the UAE and pays all duties and VAT.
- Domestic Delivery: The seller delivers the goods to the final destination specified by the buyer.
DDP Air & Sea Freight from China to UAE Prices and Times
DDP Air Freight
With DDP Air Freight from China to UAE, get your goods shipped from China to UAE by air. This is especially beneficial for importers who have the necessary UAE import licenses or who want completely stress-free shipping. We will take care of customs clearances, ensuring your goods are delivered within 7-10 days. Flight transit takes only two days, but other procedures take time, such as aircraft booking, export, import clearance, disassembly, and last-mile delivery.
| Weight (kg) | Cost (Standard) | Cost (Express) | Cost (DDP Service) |
| 0 – 100 | $7/kg | $12/kg | $10/kg |
| 101 – 500 | $5/kg | $11/kg | $9/kg |
| 500+ | $4/kg | $10/kg | $8/kg |
DDP Sea Freight
Our DDP Sea Freight option is one of the cheapest shipping options you can get from China to UAE, as we handle every aspect of shipping for you at an affordable price. After shipping via LCL, we promptly clear your products at the port and deliver them directly to your location in the UAE.
It takes 25-30 business days to get your goods to your doorstep using DDP Sea Freight from China to UAE. Shipping time from major Chinese ports such as Shanghai and Shenzhen to Dubai Jebel Ali Port is usually around 20 to 25 days. But other procedures take time, such as container loading, unloading, export and import customs clearance, devanning and last-mile delivery.
| POL | POD | DDP 20ft Container | DDP Cost (LCL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen | Dubai | 2500 to 4000 USD | $80/CBM |
| Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | 2800 to 4200 USD | $90/CBM |
Documents Required to Import from China to UAE (Dubai)
To import any goods from UAE Customs, you should provide some documents to UAE Customs.
The main documents include:
- Bill of Lading/Airway Bill (depending on the mode of transport).
- Original invoice from the exporter to the authorized importer in the country, detailing the total quantity, description and total value of each item.
- Certificate of Origin approved by the Chamber of Commerce of the country of origin.
- Proof of Transport.
- Customs Entry Declaration.
- Detailed packing list of each item contained in the goods, weight, packaging method and HS code.
- Shipping documents required for import customs clearance
Duties and Taxes in the UAE
The UAE generally has low or no taxes on many goods, and if the value of the goods you import is less than AED 1,000, you will not have to pay any duties or taxes.
Import Duties:
The UAE has a standard import duty rate of 5% on most goods.
Value Added Tax (VAT):
In the UAE, a standard VAT rate of 5% applies to most goods and services. For example, if you import electronics with a total customs value of $10,000, a 5% VAT will be charged, which is equivalent to $500.
| Product Category | Customs Duty (%) | VAT (%) | Estimated Tax on $10,000 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0 | 5 | $500 |
| Clothing | 5 | 5 | $1,000 |
| Machinery | 5 | 5 | $1,000 |
| Food Products | 0 | 5 | $500 |
| Toys | 5 | 5 | $1,000 |
| Furniture | 5 | 5 | $1,000 |
| Automotive Parts | 5 | 5 | $1,000 |
Freight forwarders are important intermediaries in international shipping, facilitating the transportation of goods from China to the UAE by coordinating various transportation services. Their main responsibilities include:
- Document handling: ensuring that all shipping documents are accurate and comply with international regulations.
- Customs clearance: following customs protocols to avoid delays and additional costs.
- Cargo tracking: providing visibility into the progress of cargo transportation, improving transparency and security.
Ubest Shipping specializes in freight forwarding services from China to the UAE, providing seamless and efficient logistics solutions tailored to your specific needs. With years of experience in the industry, we ensure that your goods are transported safely, quickly, and cost-effectively.
Guide to Shipping from China to UAE
Here’s the process for shipping from China to UAE:
- Evaluate logistics partners: Choose a reputable logistics company with extensive experience in shipping from China to UAE. They should provide a reliable tracking system and understand local and international shipping regulations.
- Prepare a comprehensive packing list: Clearly list the items on the packing list to allow for smooth customs clearance. Make sure the packing list is detailed, accurate, and matches the accompanying invoice.
- Pack your cargo securely: Use quality materials and secure packaging methods to protect your cargo during transportation. This is critical for both air and sea freight to ensure your products arrive safe and intact.
Choose the right freight option: Depending on urgency and budget, choose air freight (which can be delivered faster) or sea freight (which can deliver larger and less time-sensitive cargo). Consider the shipping time and cost of each option. - Understand shipping times: Understand the typical time from pickup to delivery. Shipping times vary; air freight takes about 3-5 days, while sea freight can take 15-30 days to reach the UAE from China.
Choose door-to-door delivery service: Whenever possible, choose door-to-door delivery service for convenience and efficiency. The service includes local handling and delivery from the pickup point in China to the final destination in the UAE. - Stay updated with delivery: Track the progress of your shipment and be prepared to handle any customs or delivery issues. Effective tracking minimizes the risk of delays and ensures a smoother delivery process.
- Ease customs formalities: Familiarize yourself with UAE customs regulations. Accurate documentation and adherence to import and export guidelines are essential to avoid delays when importing from China to the UAE.