Container Shipping to Dubai — Get Instant Quotes
Why Choose iContainers for Shipping to Dubai?
Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port (AEJEA) handled 15.5 million TEU in 2024, cementing its status as the Middle East’s busiest container gateway. (logistics-manager.com) At the same time, Dubai’s airports (DXB + DWC) processed 2.8 million tonnes of air-cargo in 2024, a jump of 18 % year-on-year. (stattimes.com)
iContainers connects you to this hub with:
- Real-time FCL & LCL rates to Jebel Ali (plus Port Rashid for break-bulk)
- Integrated guidance on UAE customs (5 % CIF duty) and GCC VAT so clearance is smooth (u.ae)
- Door-to-door tracking and bilingual (English–Arabic) customer support
- Air-freight upgrades via DXB or DWC for urgent replenishment
Our Container Shipping Services to Dubai
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
High-volume shippers—automotive spares, electronics, building materials—choose FCL to land sealed containers directly at Jebel Ali’s Terminal 2 or 3, tapping on-dock rail and bonded trucking to the wider GCC.
Less-than-Container Load (LCL) Shipping
For consignments under 15 m³, weekly LCL consolidations sail from Asia, Europe and North America into Jebel Ali, then de-van inside the free-zone—ideal for SMEs and e-commerce sellers.
Popular mode: FCL dominates industrial imports, but LCL demand is rising among retail brands.
Major port / airports served: Jebel Ali Port; urgent cargo via Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). (stattimes.com)
Typical cargo: Electronics, aluminum products, fashion apparel, industrial machinery.
Transit-time guide:
Shanghai → Jebel Ali: ~27–33 days (direct Middle-East loop)
Rotterdam → Jebel Ali: ~28–35 days via Red Sea or Cape routing (cma-cgm.com)
Country-specific note: Standard 5 % customs duty on CIF value; alcohol 50 %, cigarettes 100 %. (u.ae)
Alternative option: Air freight cuts door-to-door to 3–7 days for high-value electronics and AOG parts. (stattimes.com)
Container shipping rates to Dubai
How much does it cost to ship a container to Dubai?
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Container to Dubai?
- East Asia → Jebel Ali: 27–33 days port-to-port
- North Europe → Jebel Ali: 28–35 days
- U.S. East Coast → Jebel Ali: 25–32 days (Med trans-shipment)
Air freight reduces door-to-door to 3–7 days via DXB/DWC. (stattimes.com)
Popular Routes and Ports for Shipping to Dubai
Weekly Far East–Gulf services link Shanghai, Ningbo and Shekou directly to Jebel Ali, while Asia–Europe and trans-Red-Sea loops route cargo from North Europe and the U.S. East Coast. Over-land trucking via the GCC customs union reaches Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman within 24–48 hours.
Steps to Book Your Container Shipment with iContainers
- Quote: Enter origin, destination and cargo specs for an instant rate.
- Docs: Upload commercial invoice, packing list and HS codes.
- Book & Pay: Confirm sailing and pay securely online.
- Track: Monitor vessel milestones and customs status in real time.
- Clear: Complete Dubai Customs & duty payment (DIY or via our broker).
- Deliver: Arrange last-mile trucking into JAFZA, Dubai Industrial City or any GCC destination.
What Can You Ship in a Container to Dubai?
Common Commodities
- Consumer electronics
- Aluminium coils
- Construction materials
- Fashion apparel
- Foodstuffs
Restricted / Prohibited Goods
Alcohol (50 % duty), tobacco (100 % duty), counterfeit brands, narcotics, and hazardous chemicals without MoI approval.
FAQs About Shipping Containers to Dubai
Add 5 % duty to the CIF value plus port and clearance fees—our quote tool provides an estimate. (u.ae)
Yes—under 15 m³, LCL typically costs 40–60 % less than paying for unused FCL space.
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended—add door-to-door coverage at checkout.
Reserve space 6–8 weeks ahead of the pre-Ramadan peak to avoid rate hikes and equipment shortages.