Door to Door Cargo from China to Dubai
In the era of globalization, door-to-door freight has become an essential service for companies to expand their horizons and enter the international market. As the economic center of the UAE, Dubai is the preferred destination for Chinese exporters. China has also always been the UAE’s largest trading partner. The bilateral import and export volume of goods between China and the UAE will be US$95 billion in 2023. Shipping from China to the UAE is also needed by many companies and individuals.
This guide provides a comprehensive guide to door-to-door cargo shipping from China to Dubai to meet the needs of international customers. It also explains the transportation methods, transportation time, cost, door-to-door and international transportation that Basenton Logistics can help with from China to the UAE.

What is door to door shipping from China to Dubai
Door-to-door cargo transportation refers to the service of transporting goods directly from the shipper’s location in China to the consignee’s doorstep in Dubai. The service covers all necessary logistics operations, including packaging, loading, transportation, customs clearance and final delivery. It provides businesses with convenience and peace of mind as they don’t have to worry about the complexities of international shipping.
Door to Door Cargo from China to Dubai
There are two main modes of transportation from China to Dubai, UAE: sea freight and air freight.
Sea freight from China to Dubai
When you are shipping goods from China to Dubai UAE, if your main purpose is to save costs and shipping time has little impact on your supply chain, then you should probably choose sea shipping. Shipping by sea comes in many forms. For container ships, we often send regular ocean freight such as FCL and LCL, and sometimes for oversized cargo shipments, we use frame containers and open top containers. For large projects we charter bulk carriers or ro-ro vessels.
FCL (Full Container Load): Shipping a container filled specifically for one customer from China to the UAE.
LCL (Less Container Load): Sharing a container with other customers who have goods at the same time, shipped to the same destination. Of course, due to the extra work (consolidation, unpacking, warehousing, paperwork, etc.), the final cost per unit is higher than the full box, and the shipping time is longer.
Sea freight is the most commonly used mode of transportation, not only because it is the cheapest way, but it can accept almost all types of goods that other ways cannot. Ocean shipping is slower and takes 25 to 40 days from China port to UAE port.


Air freight from China to Dubai, UAE
Air freight is expensive, but it ensures fast delivery of goods from China to Dubai UAE. If your supply chain has ample transportation budget and your priority is saving time, then air freight is the right choice. Air freight from China to the UAE takes 3 to 5 days, and with some direct flights, the transit time can be shortened to 1 day.
Typically, customers choose air freight to ship time-sensitive goods such as perishable goods and products with tight delivery deadlines. In rare cases, when transporting high-value equipment or luxury goods, air freight is preferred because of its greater security.


Main airports in UAE
Dubai International Airport | Fujairah International Airport | Al Dhafra Air Base |
Abu Dhabi International Airport | Ras Al Khaimah International Airport | Port Rashid Heliport |
Al Ain International Airport | Al Bateen Executive Airport | Sir Bani Yas Airport |
Sharjah International Airport | Al Bateen Airport | Al Maktoum International Airport |
Dubai
Dubai International Airport (IATA code: DXB) is the main international airport serving Dubai and the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic.
The annual air cargo volume in 2023 will reach 3.52 million tons. Dubai Airport is currently the world’s third busiest air cargo hub.
Abu dhabi
Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest airport in the UAE and one of the world’s fastest growing hubs.
The final shipping cost from China to Dubai depends on several factors. Before preparing a quote, your freight forwarder may ask for the following details:
Nature of your shipment
Your preferred shipping method (FCL, LCL, air freight)
The weight and dimensions of your shipment
Origin and destination
Service type (e.g. port-to-port, door-to-door)
Container Shipping Rates From China To UAE:
These are the average prices to ship a container from China to UAE with the cheapest rates for loading and shipping containers from the major ports in China to UAE for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) with all types of cargo such as: commercial cargo, vehicles, or personal effects for international shipments from China to UAE.
Container shipping service from China to UAE | Type of container | Sea freight rates from China to UAE |
---|---|---|
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shanghai China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Shenzhen China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $4250 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Ningbo-Zhoushan China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $2650 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Hong Kong China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $2550 20FT average price from: $3850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Guangzhou China to UAE. | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Qingdao China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3050 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Tianjin China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3250 20FT average price from: $5050 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Dalian China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4850 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Xiamen China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $3150 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
How much does it cost to ship a container from Yingkou China to UAE | 20 foot container FCL 40 foot container FCL |
average price from: $2850 20FT average price from: $4550 40FT |
20ft & 40ft Container Cost from China to UAE


Price of door-to-door air freight from China to Dubai, UAE
Although air freight is much faster than sea freight, it is also much more expensive. The cost of air freight from China to Dubai, UAE is mainly determined by the weight and volume of the goods. Prices range from $6 to $12 per kilogram or more. Due to its higher cost, air freight is often used for time-sensitive or high-value shipments, such as electronics or perishable goods.
Load | Transit time | Price |
---|---|---|
100 kg | 3-7 days | $919-$1225 |
300 kg | 3-7 days | $1846-$2461 |
500 kg | 3-7 days | $2513-$3351 |
If you want to know the price of shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, you can read the post: Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia
Door to door cargo time from China to Dubai
Sea shipping from China and UAE takes 15 to 30 days, and air shipping takes 3 to 6 days. Door-to-door adds about 3 days to this basis. The actual shipping time may vary slightly due to a variety of factors, such as shipping method, departure/destination terminal, selected service and route, weather, and season of the shipping market. changes etc.
If the goods are shipped from Shenzhen, China, it will take 12 to 18 days to arrive in Dubai. If you choose Guangzhou Port, it will take 13 to 20 days to get to Dubai. Of course, depending on the situation, the actual arrival time needs to prevail
If you want to know more detailed shipping time from China to UAE, you can read the post:
Customs clearance documents for shipping goods from China to UAE
Customs clearance is a crucial step in the shipping process. Your shipping company should handle the necessary paperwork and ensure that your shipment complies with all customs regulations in China and Dubai. Generally speaking, the following documents are usually required for customs clearance in the UAE:
- Commercial Invoice: Includes the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, a description of the goods being shipped, and the price of the goods.
- Bill of Lading: Issued by the shipping company, showing proof of ownership and confirming that the goods have been loaded onto the ship for shipment.
- Packing List: A list of all items being shipped, including the quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item.
- Certificate of Origin: Confirms the country in which the item was produced or manufactured.
- Import and Export Licenses: Depending on the type of goods being imported or exported, an import or export license may be required.
- Proof of Insurance: Provide proof of insurance for the goods being transported.
- Other documents: Depending on the type of goods being imported or exported, other documents may be required, such as health or safety certificates, permits or licenses.
It is important to note that specific requirements for customs clearance in the UAE may vary depending on the nature of the shipment, country of origin/destination and other factors. Therefore, it is best to consult you or us (Basenton Logistics) to ensure that you have all the necessary documents for your specific shipment.
Best Freight Forwarder Shipping from China to UAE
Should I choose China or UAE freight forwarder?
If your supplier is in China, it is best to choose a freight forwarder from China because you will also need a warehouse in China for storage and preparation. When factors such as geography, language, etc. are taken into consideration, Chinese freight forwarders become the best choice for overseas transporters. Basenton Logistics can provide UAE door-to-door delivery, local trucking, pickup, customs clearance services, and even import licenses because we have many agents in the UAE who can provide us with competitive prices and services.


If you choose a local freight forwarder in the UAE, you need to contact the Chinese agent, who is responsible for picking up, warehousing and customs clearance in China. Therefore, you should consider whether you are willing to incur the time and expense of multiple turnarounds.
Case sharing of Basenton Logistics transportation to Dubai, UAE
In conclusion
Door-to-door freight services from China to Dubai provide a seamless and efficient way for businesses to expand into international markets. By choosing a reliable shipping company, properly preparing your shipment, and ensuring smooth customs clearance, you can ensure your shipment arrives successfully and on time. With the right partner, door-to-door shipping can be a simple and cost-effective solution to your international logistics needs.