Ocean and Air Freight from China to UAE

The strategic location of the United Arab Emirates, situated between Europe and the Far East, has played a pivotal role in establishing it as a major global commercial center. Among its cities, Dubai stands out as a focal point for economic activities and trade in the region. However, if you have been hesitant to ship freight from the Far East to the Middle East due to cost or customs concerns, worry not, as we are here to assist you.

Our aim is to simplify the process of importing goods from China to the United Arab Emirates for your company. To achieve this, we have compiled essential information about ocean and air shipping from China to the UAE, including details about costs, transit times, and customs clearance procedures, which you can find right here on this page.

What Are Your Options for Shipping Freight From China to UAE?

Ocean Freight From China to UAE:

Less than Container Load (LCL): LCL shipping allows your cargo to share a container with shipments from other shippers. You only pay for the space your freight occupies, making it cost-effective for small shipments.

Full Container Load (FCL): FCL shipping involves renting and transporting an exclusive shipping container for your goods. It may be more economical, especially for large, heavy shipments.

Air Freight From China to UAE :

If you require urgent delivery of your products to the UAE, air freight is the fastest option. However, it may come with a higher price tag.

Shipping Costs from China to UAE:

Freight rates vary depending on factors such as the nature of the goods, shipping method, volume, size, and weight of the consignment. Generally, air freight can be economical for goods under 100 kg and provides faster delivery. For heavier shipments over 100 kg that are not urgently required, ocean freight is usually more cost-effective.

Shipping Times from China to UAE:

Your shipment deadlines will influence your choice between air and ocean shipping. Air freight is faster, taking around 5 to 10 days to reach the UAE, but it comes at a higher cost. On the other hand, ocean freight takes longer, usually between 18 to 38 days, but is more economical.

Customs Clearance in China and UAE:

Navigating customs rules and regulations can be complex, which is why many businesses prefer to rely on professional freight forwarders. They can advise you on the required documents, such as the commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading or airway bill.

Choosing Between Ocean and Air Freight:

Ocean freight is the most common method for shipping commercial goods from China to the UAE. It offers options like LCL for smaller shipments and FCL for exclusive containers. LCL may take longer due to handling and consolidation, while FCL minimizes handling risks.

Air freight is ideal for perishable or time-sensitive goods. It offers faster transit times, less handling, and stricter security procedures.

Cargo Ports and Airports in China and UAE:

Cargo Ports of Origin in China

• GUANGZHOU
Guangzhou, strategically positioned on the Pearl River Delta, stands out as an economic hotspot in China. This bustling port handles a wide array of freight services, including container cargo. Exporters find Guangzhou particularly attractive due to its prime location at the convergence of the Xijiang, Beijiang, and Dongjiang Rivers.

Ownership: Guangzhou Port Group Company Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: Over 21.9 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNXSA.

• XIAMEN
The Port of Xiamen, encompassing Xiamen Island, estuaries, and a stretch of coastline, ranks among the top ten largest cargo handling centers globally. Boasting nine container terminals, it offers efficient shipment connections to over 50 destinations worldwide, including Dubai.

Ownership: Xiamen Port Authority.
Annual Container Volume: Over 10 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNXMN.

• QINGDAO
Welcoming container shipping vessels from more than 700 destinations, Qingdao is a premier port known for its capability to handle shipments from China to the UAE. If your goods are manufactured in Shandong Province, Qingdao is likely to be your closest major port.

Ownership: Qingdao Port (Group) Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: Over 18 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNTAO.

• SHANGHAI
As the world's largest port in 2019, Shanghai holds the title of the best-connected port on the planet. It boasts exceptional road and rail links, utilizing cutting-edge technology for efficient processing and loading of freight onto vessels.

Ownership: Shanghai International Port Company Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: Over 40 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNSHA.

• SHEKOU
Situated in the Dawan District of Guangdong Province, Shekou features an extensive container terminal and serves as a viable alternative to the larger and busier port of Shenzhen.

Ownership: China Merchants Shekou Port Service Company Ltd.
Annual Container Volume: Over 46,000 TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: CNSHK.

Other Ports in China

Apart from the major ports mentioned above, Shipa Freight offers dispatch services from various other container gateways in China, including Tianjin, Wuhan, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Qinzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Shantou, Shenzhen, Lianyungang, Wuhu, and Dalian.

Cargo Ports of Arrival in the UAE

• DUBAI - JEBEL ALI
Located on the Persian Gulf, approximately 35 km Southwest of Dubai, Jebel Ali is the world's largest man-made harbor. As the busiest and biggest port in the Middle East, it features extensive container facilities and serves as a pivotal trade hub.

Ownership: Dubai Ports World.
Annual Container Volume: Over 13.6 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: AEJEA.

• ABU DHABI - KHALIFA
Among the world's most modern seaports, Khalifa is equipped with high-tech facilities, including a semi-automated container terminal. Future development plans aim to further enhance its freight handling capacity.

Ownership: Abu Dhabi Ports.
Annual Container Volume: Over 14.5 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: AEKHI.

• SHARJAH - KHOR FAKKAN
Unique among the UAE's ports, Sharjah - Khor Fakkan sits outside the Strait of Hormuz. It serves as a key container hub in the region and boasts efficient transit routes for swift delivery of goods across the UAE.

Ownership: Sharjah Ports Authority.
Annual Container Volume: Over 3 million TEUs.
UN/LOCODE: AEKLF.

Airports of Origin in China

• CHENGDU
A preferred choice for suppliers based in Western China, Chengdu, located in Sichuan Province, is China's fifth-largest air cargo gateway. Its efficient facilities handled over 600,000 tonnes of freight in 2018.

UAE Airports Served: Abu Dhabi.
Cargo-Only Operators: None.
IATA CODE: CTU.

• SHANGHAI PUDONG
Ranked as the world's third-largest hub for air cargo, Shanghai Pudong is a leading cargo airport known for its advanced facilities and impressive handling capacity.

UAE Airports Served: Dubai International, Dubai Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi.
Cargo-Only Operators: DHL Aviation, Emirates Sky Cargo, FedEx Express, Etihad Cargo.
IATA Code: PVG.

• CHONGQING
Located in Western China, Chongqing boasts three terminals, with a fourth one scheduled for completion. It ranks as China's tenth-busiest airport for cargo.

UAE Airports Served: Dubai International, Abu Dhabi.
Cargo-Only Operators: Etihad Cargo.
IATA Code: CKG.

• WUHAN
Situated at the geographical center of China's air network, Wuhan serves as a vital commercial trading and air freight hub. It handles a considerable quarter-million tonnes of air cargo annually.

UAE Airports Served: Dubai International, Dubai Al Maktoum.
Cargo-Only Operators: Emirates Sky Cargo.
IATA Code: WUH.

• SHENZHEN
Part of a Special Economic Zone, Shenzhen's airport is a thriving hub that caters to electronics manufacturers in the region.

UAE Airports Served: Dubai International, Dubai Al Maktoum.
Cargo-Only Operators: UPS Airlines.
IATA CODE: SZX.

Other Airports in China

In addition to the mentioned airports, Shipa Freight facilitates air freight routes to Dubai and the UAE from various other Chinese airports, including Qingdao, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Zhengzhou, and Shanghai Hongqiao.

Airports of Arrival in the UAE

• DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
Located in the Al Garhoud District, Dubai International ranks as the world's sixth-busiest cargo hub. It features advanced cargo processing facilities, including a specialized flower center for delicate and perishable goods from China.

Connected Airports in China: Chongqing, Beijing-Capital, Shanghai-Pudong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chengdu.
Cargo-Only Operators: FedEx Express, UPS Airlines.
IATA Code: DXB.

• DUBAI AL MAKTOUM
Opened in 2010, Dubai Al Maktoum is situated in Jebel Ali and has grown from a cargo-only airport to include passenger flights. It is linked to Dubai International Airport by an expressway.

Connected Airports in China: Guangzhou, Shanghai-Pudong, Wuhan.
Cargo-Only Operators: Emirates Sky Cargo.
IATA Code: DWC.

• ABU DHABI
As the second-busiest air cargo hub in the Emirates, Abu Dhabi boasts modern cargo facilities among the world's international airports. It handles close to one million tonnes of freight annually.

Connected Airports in China: Chengdu, Beijing-Capital, Shanghai-Pudong.
Cargo-Only Operators: Etihad Cargo.
IATA Code: AUH.

• SHARJAH
Located southeast of Sharjah, this modern cargo hub has five cargo terminals and can handle various types of air freight, including livestock and temperature-sensitive goods.

Connected Airports in China: None.
Cargo-Only Operators: Lufthansa Cargo.
IATA Code: AUH.

Why Ship Freight From China to UAE With PDS?

When shipping from China to the UAE, PDS offers a digital-first approach to freight forwarding, making the process fast and convenient. With our online platform, you can obtain quotes, book shipments, complete shipping documents, and manage your entire supply chain in one place. Our team provides 24/7 support and ensures compliance with local and international shipping regulations, reducing customs complexity for you.

FAQs

1) How much is the shipping cost from China to UAE?
The shipping cost from China to the UAE can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the type and size of the shipment, the chosen shipping method (air freight or ocean freight), the weight, and the volume of the goods. Generally, air freight is more expensive but offers faster delivery, while ocean freight is more cost-effective for larger and heavier shipments. To get an accurate shipping cost, it is advisable to contact a reliable freight forwarding company or shipping carrier for a customized quote based on your specific shipment requirements.

2) How much is air cargo from China to Dubai?
The cost of air cargo from China to Dubai depends on various factors, including the weight, volume, and nature of the goods being shipped, as well as the chosen airline and specific service options. Air freight is generally more expensive than ocean freight due to the faster transit times it offers. To get an exact quote for air cargo from China to Dubai, it is best to consult with an experienced freight forwarding company like PDS International Pvt. Ltd.

3) How long does sea freight take from China to UAE?
The duration of sea freight from China to the UAE depends on the specific ports of origin and arrival, as well as the shipping route. On average, sea freight from major ports in China to the UAE takes approximately 18 to 38 days. However, this time frame can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, port congestion, and the type of shipping service selected (LCL or FCL). It is recommended to consult with a reputable freight forwarder like PDS International Pvt. Ltd. for more accurate and up-to-date transit time estimates.

4) How much does it cost to ship from China to Dubai?
The cost of shipping from China to Dubai depends on the chosen mode of transportation (air or sea), the weight and volume of the shipment, any additional services required (such as customs clearance), and the specific route taken. Air shipping is generally more expensive but faster, while sea freight is more cost-effective for larger shipments. To obtain an accurate shipping cost, it is advisable to seek quotes from freight forwarding companies like PDS International Pvt. Ltd.

5) What are the shipping options from China to UAE?
When shipping from China to the UAE, you have two main options: Air freight and Ocean freight. Air freight is the faster option, suitable for time-sensitive shipments, but it comes at a higher cost. Ocean freight, on the other hand, is more economical and appropriate for larger shipments that are not time-sensitive. Within ocean freight, you can choose between Less than Container Load (LCL) for smaller shipments sharing a container and Full Container Load (FCL) for the exclusive use of a container.

6) How to get the cheapest shipping from China?
To secure the cheapest shipping from China, consider the following strategies:

Opt for ocean freight: Sea freight is generally more cost-effective than air freight for larger shipments.
Choose LCL over FCL: If your shipment is relatively small, sharing a container through LCL can be more economical.
Consolidate shipments: If possible, consolidate multiple smaller shipments into one larger shipment to benefit from better rates.
Compare quotes: Obtain shipping quotes from different freight forwarding companies and carriers to find the most competitive offer.
Plan ahead: Booking shipping services well in advance can often result in better rates.

7) How long does it take to ship from China to Dubai by air?
The transit time for air shipments from China to Dubai is generally around 5 to 10 days. However, the exact duration can vary depending on factors such as the specific airports of origin and arrival, any layovers, and the airline's schedule. Air freight is the fastest option for shipping goods between the two locations, making it ideal for time-sensitive or urgent shipments.

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