Ocean freight rates from China to Dubai range from US$1,050 to US$2,550 for a 20-foot container and US$1,450 to US$3,050 for a 40-foot container; LCL (Less than Container Load) freight costs approximately US$50 to US$150 per cubic meter; and air freight costs approximately US$4 to US$10 per kilogram. In addition, Basenton offers Duty Paid Delivery (DDP)/door-to-door services from China to Dubai to streamline the logistics process.
The global economy relies on the efficient movement of goods across borders, and one of the busiest trade routes in the world is the shipping corridor between China and Dubai. If you read this page, it is mean you are looking for one shipping agent china, to help you forward your shipment from china to UAE, we are glad to give you some useful information about international China to Dubai Shipping Cost, Air, Sea , Express shipping and Door to door shipping from China to UAE.
Explore a full guide into cargo shipping from China to UAE, witten by one of the best China freight forwarding companies, to shed lights upon China-UAE shipping method, transit time, China to Dubai Shipping Cost, what is the best way to ship, and what a freight forwarder can help with international shipping.
Shipping from China to UAE

When shipping goods from China to the United Arab Emirates, if your main purpose is saving cost and transit time doesn’t matter much to your supply chain, then you should probably choose sea freight. Sea freight comes in many forms. With container ships, we often send regular sea shipments like FCL and LCL, and sometimes for oversized cargo shipping, we’ll use flat rack container and open top container. For large projects, we are chartering bulk cargo ships or RO-RO ships.
- FCL (Full container load): shipping a container filled with goods exclusively for one client from China to UAE.
- LCL (Less than container load): Sharing a container with other clients who have cargo at the same time, to the same destination. Naturally, due to extra work (consolidation, de-consolidation, warehousing, paperwork, etc.), the final cost on each unit is higher than FCL, and shipping takes longer.
Sea freight is the most commonly used shipping method, not only because it’s the least expensive mode, but also it can accept almost every type of cargo, when other modes cannot. Shipping by sea is slow, from a Chinese port to a UAE port, the port to port transport alone takes approx. 3 weeks, and you are supposed to allow for an average of 1 month time to receive your sea shipments from China.
If you are interested in shipping cargo from China to the UAE, consult us, one of the top China freight forwarding agents. We handle sea shipments from all China main ports, Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Qingdao, Tianjin, Dalian, etc.
Major ports of United Arab Emirates
Port of Jebel Ali is a deepwater port in Dubai, the world’s ninth busiest port, the largest and busiest in Middle East.
Jebel Ali Port is a gateway hub that enables trade across the region and beyond. It is a vital link in the global trade network, connecting eastern and western markets with North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Jebel Ali’s container throughput was 13.7 million TEU, up by 1.9% year on year.

Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Port is situated between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, deepwater port, gateway to Abu Dhabi and handles all the emirates’ container traffic.
Annual container throughput: 2.5 million TEU.
(Zayed port was replaced in 2012)
Sharjah
The Port of Khalid is situated in the heart of Sharjah city. It’s one of the most important ports in the UAE.
Air freight from China to Dubai, UAE: Popular Airports and Transit Times
| China Airport | UAE Airport | Air Freight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | Dubai | 3–5 days |
| Shenzhen | Dubai | 3–6 days |
| Shanghai | Dubai | 4–6 days |
| Beijing | Abu Dhabi | 4–7 days |
| Hong Kong | Dubai | 2–5 days |
China to Dubai Shipping Cost
China to Dubai Shipping Cost can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Here, I can provide you with some general cost estimates for common shipping methods, but please keep in mind that these figures can change due to various factors like fuel prices, demand, and other market conditions.
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to UAE (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,250 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,850 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 100 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 400 for 100kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | Approx. USD 4 to 10 per kgs or approx. USD 100 – 300 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 4 to 12 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 100 to 200 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10 per Kgs |

Sea freight Cost from China to Dubai
Full Container Load (FCL): The cost of a 20-foot container (FCL) typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 or even higher, depending on factors such as the shipping route, shipping company, and type of cargo. A 40-foot container (FCL) typically costs more than a 20-foot container, roughly between $1,400 and $3,000.
| Route | Container Type | Estimated Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen → Jebel Ali, Dubai | 20GP | USD 1,000–2,200 | 18–24 days |
| Ningbo → Jebel Ali, Dubai | 40HQ | USD 1,500–3,000 | 20–28 days |
| Shenzhen → Jebel Ali, Dubai | 20GP | USD 1,000–3,500 | 22–30 days |
| Guangzhou → Jebel Ali, Dubai | 40HQ | USD 1,400–3,200 | 20–27 days |
| Qingdao → Abu Dhabi | 20GP | USD 1,100–3,900 | 24–32 days |
Learn more: 20ft & 40ft Container Cost from China to UAE
Less than Container Load (LCL): If you don’t have enough cargo to fill a full container, you can opt for LCL, where you share container space with other shippers. LCL costs vary widely but might range from $50 to $150 per cubic meter.
| Route | LCL Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shenzhen → Dubai | USD 80–150/CBM | 20–28 days |
| Guangzhou → Dubai | USD 75–145/CBM | 18–26 days |
| Ningbo → Jebel Ali | USD 85–160/CBM | 22–30 days |
| Shanghai → Dubai | USD 90–170/CBM | 24–32 days |
For less-than-container-load (LCL) shipping, the charge is usually based on volume (CBM).
Air Freight Cost from China to Dubai
Air freight is considerably more expensive than sea freight but offers significantly faster delivery times. Shipping costs can range from $4 to $9 or more per kilogram, depending on factors like cargo volume, weight, and the specific airline.
| Airport Route | Air Freight Cost | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou → Dubai | USD 4.5–8.5/kg | 3–5 days |
| Shenzhen → Dubai | USD 4.8–8.8/kg | 3–6 days |
| Shanghai → Dubai | USD 5.0–9.2/kg | 4–6 days |
| Hong Kong → Dubai | USD 4.2–8.0/kg | 2–5 days |
| Beijing → Abu Dhabi | USD 5.5–9.5/kg | 4–7 days |
Note: Prices may be higher for electronic products, sensitive goods, or special goods.
Additional Costs:
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are additional costs that importers in Dubai may need to consider. These charges are based on the value and type of goods being imported.
Seasonal and Market Factors:
Keep in mind that shipping costs can be influenced by seasonal variations and market conditions. For example, peak shipping seasons or disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic can impact prices.
Insurance:
Don’t forget to factor in insurance costs for your shipment. While it’s not technically a shipping cost, it’s essential to protect your goods during transit.

DDP Shipping Cost from China to UAE
| Shipping Method | Estimated DDP Cost |
|---|---|
| Air DDP | USD 5–12/kg |
| Sea DDP (LCL) | USD 120–260/CBM |
| Sea DDP (FCL) | Based on container type |
| Door-to-Door Delivery | Included in quotation |
DDP shipping costs from China to Dubai typically include:
- Freight Charges
- Export Customs Clearance
- Import Customs Clearance
- Duties & Taxes
- Final Delivery
Therefore, it’s easier for customers without import experience to control overall logistics costs.
Basenton usually provides more suitable shipping and customs clearance solutions based on the customer’s cargo situation, helping them reduce unnecessary additional costs.
What factors affect the China to Dubai Shipping Cost
The cost of shipping goods from China to Dubai can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of goods being shipped, the shipping method chosen, the volume and weight of the cargo, and the shipping company or freight forwarder you use. Here are some of the key factors that can influence the shipping cost:
1. Shipping Method: The choice of shipping method plays a significant role in determining the cost. There are several options, including air freight, sea freight, and land transportation. Air freight is faster but usually more expensive than sea freight.
2. Cargo Type: The nature of your cargo can affect the cost. For example, hazardous materials or items that require special handling may incur additional fees.
3. Volume and Weight: The size and weight of your cargo will impact the cost. Larger and heavier shipments will generally cost more to transport.
4. Distance and Route: The distance between the origin in China and the destination in Dubai, as well as the specific route taken, will affect the cost. Some routes may be more cost-effective than others.
5. Customs and Duties: Import duties and customs clearance fees may apply to your shipment. These charges are typically the responsibility of the recipient (importer) in Dubai but should be considered when calculating the total cost.
6. Seasonal and Market Factors: Shipping costs can fluctuate based on market conditions, fuel prices, and other factors. It’s a good idea to check for any seasonal variations or current market conditions when planning your shipment.
To get accurate shipping rates from China to Dubai, you can contact Basenton Shipping directly and we can provide specific details about your shipment. And provide you with a quote based on your unique requirements.
China to Dubai Shipping Cost, Additionally, consider factors like shipping time, reliability, and the quality of service when choosing a shipping provider, as the lowest cost option may not always be the most reliable or suitable for your needs.

Necessary documents for import to UAE (Dubai)
To import any goods from UAE customs, you should provide some documents to UAE customs.
Customs Clearance from China to Dubai, UAE
The main document includes:
· Delivery order from a shipping agent addressed to a company licensed in the UAE;
· Original bill of loading (for seaports) or original Air waybill for air cargo;
· Original invoice from the exporter addressed to a licensed importer in the country detailing total quantity, goods description, and total value for each item;
· Copy of the trade license of buyer and seller;
· Certificate of origin approved by the Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin detailing the origin of goods;
· Transport certificate;
· The customs entry declaration;
· Detailed packing list: weight, method of packing and HS code for each individual article contained in the shipment;
· Transport documents that are required for import clearance
Freight forwarding from China to Dubai
If you are new to this field, it’s not a very complicated procedure. You just need to know a few points and work with reliable freight forwarders. Here is what you need to know in every step of the way :
The best Basenton freight forwarder you can choose has the following qualities :
> Competitive prices
> Reliable
> Fast Services
> Smooth Operation Process With The Less Complications
Use Proper Packaging; sometimes the forwarder does this, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that it is done in the best way possible, since the packaging makes your product appealing to the customers and the market.
Insurance; There are a lot of companies that offer insurance for cargo. Whether you are buying or selling, it is the responsibility of the owner of the goods to make sure the goods are covered.
Incoterms Choice; Shipping companies who are experts in their field know the right Incoterms for their customers. So, staying in touch with a reliable freight forwarder would help you add a useful Incoterms contract.

China to Dubai Shipping Cost, To obtain accurate shipping rates for your specific shipment from China to Dubai, contact Basenton International Freight Forwarding. You can be provided with a tailor-made quote based on the specific requirements of your cargo including volume, weight, type and any special handling needs. Additionally, you can be guided through the entire shipping process, including customs clearance and any documentation requirements.
