How Long Does It Take For Shipping From China To UAE?
Your delivery time may influence the method you choose to ship your goods from China to the UAE. If you are in a hurry, air freight will be faster, and generally takes 3 to 5 days to ship from China to the UAE. However, you should still allow at least two days for your goods to arrive and receive import customs clearance.
This speed comes at a price. So if your deadline is not very tight, or you are on a limited budget, waiting 15-30 days for your goods to ship from China to the UAE is almost certainly your most economical option.
How long does it take for goods to be shipped from China to the UAE by sea?
As shown in the following example, ocean shipping between China and the UAE takes 15 to 33 days:
| Origin | Dubai | Sharjah | Abu Dhabi |
| Port of Shanghai | 22 | 25 | 25 |
| Port of Nansha | 16 | 17 | 17 |
| Port of Xiamen | 25 | 26 | 26 |
| Port of Qingdao | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Port of Shenzhen | 15 | 16 | 16 |
| Port of Ningbo | 23 | 25 | 25 |
| Port of Chung Ching | 31 | 31 | 32 |
| Port of Zhongshan | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Port of Wuhan | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Port of Lianyungang | 29 | 29 | 30 |
- Shanghai to Jebel Ali – 20 days for FCL, 23 days for LCL
- Guangzhou to Jebel Ali – 24 days for FCL, 26 days for LCL
- Xiamen to Jebel Ali – 25 days for FCL, 30 days for LCL
- Qingdao to Jebel Ali – 26 days
- Shekou to Jebel Ali – 18 days for FCL, 22 days for LCL
- Shanghai to Abu Dhabi – 26 days for FCL, 28 days for LCL
- Ningbo or Shanghai to Sharjah – 26 days for FCL
- Guangzhou to Sharjah – 24 days for FCL, 27 days for LCL
- Chongqing to Jebel Ali – 30 days
- From Dalian to Abu Dhabi or Jebel Ali – 28 days for FCL
- Fuzhou or Nanjing to Jebel Ali – 26 days for FCL
- Huangpu to Sharjah – 25 days for FCL
- Lianyungang to Jebel Ali – 30 days for FCL
- From Ningbo or Tianjin to Jebel Ali – 28 days for FCL
- From Nansha to Sharjah – 26 days for FCL
- Shekou to Sharjah – 18 days for FCL
- Wuhan to Jebel Ali – 29 days for FCL
- Xiamen to Sharjah – 26 FCL per day
How long does it take to ship cargo from China to the UAE by air?
While the flight from China to the UAE takes several hours and arranging cargo transportation between the two countries is a more complicated matter, it is still much faster than shipping by sea.
It takes time to transport cargo by land from your chosen departure and destination airports. The same goes for loading and unloading cargo. In addition, there will be customs and security checks in China and Dubai. Taking all these factors into account, here are some estimated shipping times:
| Origin | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah |
| Shanghai | 3-5 | 3-6 | 3-6 |
| Guangzhou | 3-5 | 3-6 | 4-7 |
| Beijing | 4-6 | 4-8 | 3-8 |
| Shenzhen | 4-6 | 3-7 | 3-5 |
| Yiwu | 3-8 | 3-6 | 4-7 |
- Shanghai Pudong to Dubai International Airport – 3 days
- Guangzhou to Dubai International Airport – 4 days
- Xiamen or Beijing to Dubai International Airport – 5 days
- Chengdu to Dubai International Airport – 10 days
- Qingdao to Dubai International Airport – 6 days
- Shenzhen to Dubai Al Maktoum – 3 days
- Shanghai to Abu Dhabi – 5 days
- Guangzhou to Sharjah or Dubai Al Maktoum – 5 days
- Shenzhen to Abu Dhabi – 5 days
- Shenzhen to Dubai International Airport – 5 days
- Zhengzhou to Dubai International Airport – 6 Days
Factors Affecting Shipping Time from China to UAE
Shipping time from China to UAE can vary greatly depending on several key factors. Understanding these factors can help businesses deliver goods in a timely manner.
- Mode of Transportation: The choice of sea and air freight plays a crucial role in shipping time. Air freight generally offers faster shipping speeds, generally 3 to 7 days, while sea freight is slower, generally 15 to 30 days, but is more economical for bulk goods.
- Shipping Routes: The availability of direct shipping routes versus indirect shipping routes can affect shipping time. Direct routes are generally faster, but can be more expensive. Indirect routes may involve multiple stops or transshipments, resulting in longer delivery times.
- Port and Airport Congestion: Congestion at major ports and airports can delay the loading and unloading process, thereby extending overall shipping time. Congestion is more likely to occur during peak seasons such as holidays or large trade events.
- Customs clearance time: Customs clearance efficiency at both the origin and destination will affect shipping time. Delays in customs inspection, paperwork, or regulatory compliance can all lead to longer shipping times, which usually take 1 to 3 days.
- Weather conditions: Severe weather conditions, such as storms or typhoons, can disrupt shipping plans, especially for ocean freight. While air freight is less affected by weather, severe weather conditions can still cause delays.
Shipping costs from China to the UAE
Shipping costs from China to the UAE can vary depending on the type of shipping company you choose, the weight and size of your shipment, and the destination. But generally speaking, ocean freight costs are cheaper than air freight.
As of 2024, the cheapest ocean freight costs from China to the UAE will average about $1,050 to $2,250 for a 20-foot container, while a 40-foot container may cost between $1,800 and $3,000, depending on the above factors. It is worth noting that these costs can fluctuate due to changes in fuel prices, demand, and other market dynamics.
| Cost Component | 20ft Container | 40ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Freight Charges | $1,050 – $2,200 | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| Terminal Handling Charges | $200 – $500 | $300 – $600 |
| Documentation Fees | $50 – $100 | $50 – $100 |
| Insurance | 0.5% – 2% | 0.5% – 2% |
| Customs Clearance Fees | $100 – $300 | $150 – $400 |
If you are time-conscious, it is recommended to give priority to air freight or express delivery. For large goods or non-urgent transportation needs, sea freight can help you save costs. If you need a comprehensive logistics solution, a professional freight forwarding company can provide you with a tailor-made solution.
The shipping time from China to the UAE depends on the specific situation. Choosing the right mode of transportation is an important step to ensure that the goods are delivered on time. Whether it is air freight, sea freight or express delivery, each method can be flexibly adjusted according to your needs and budget.
