Stay informed. Sign up for our emails.
How-to Ship to the United Arab Emirates Guide
Your guide to shipping to United Arab Emirates
Overview
The largest export market for U.S. goods in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven Emirates, including Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi. Though known as an oil exporter, the UAE has developed a diverse economy, and today is ranked by the World Bank as the easiest country to do business with in the Middle East. Its 20 designated Free Trade Zones, use of English as a business language and some of the world’s leading ports have made the UAE an attractive destination for U.S. businesses.
Capital: Abu Dhabi
Population: 9,701,315 (July 2018 est.)
Area: 83,600 sq km
Language: Arabic (official)
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (DH)
Major industries include petroleum and petrochemicals, fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, commercial ship repair, construction materials, handicrafts, textiles.
Source: CIA World Factbook
Your primer on entering this market begins with a few insights on how business is done.
Online Shopping
More than 60 percent of consumers from the UAE have shopped online from other countries, with the U.S. being the top origin for online cross-border shoppers at 30 percent due to the perception of better quality, pricing and variety.
World Export 2020
You’ll want to be ready when World Expo 2020 Dubai arrives. This worldwide event is expected to have the participation of over 180 countries and hundreds of thousands of visitors. With UPS, Official Logistics Partner of World Expo 2020 Dubai, your UAE logistics plan will already be in place.
Getting Started
Visit our international shipping section for step-by-step instructions on how to ship, including:
- Select a shipping service
- Choose a billing option
- Prepare your shipping label
- Create required documentation
- Entrust it to UPS for delivery
- Track your shipment
Need Help?
UPS in United Arab Emirates
Established: 1995 (Dubai)
Employees: 500 (Dubai)
Flights: 42 connecting dedicated flights weekly connecting US, EU and Asia through the Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Air Hubs: 2 (DXB, SHJ)
Delivery Fleet: 126 (SP only)
Operating Facilities: 6
Essential Information
-
Import/Export
Use this UPS Country or Territory Regulations tool to find all of the specific documentation and regulations that may affect your international shipments.
• Import and export forms
• Customs clearance information and duties and taxes
• Areas served
• Billing options
• Gift exemptions
• Invoice requirements
• Items classified as documents
• Prohibited or restricted items
• Transportation options
• Special clearance requirements
• Value limits
• Weight and size limits -
Customs Brokerage
Our expertise with UAE’s unique documentation and customs requirements may help to reduce the chance of delays and extra fees. We offer 24/7 customs services with commodity and security inspections, smooth entry into the country and clearance procedures that begin before our planes land.
-
UPS® Services
With UPS, your shipments will arrive when they’re needed, wherever they’re needed around the world.
• Package and freight transportation
• Calculate time and cost -
UPS Capital®
UPS Capital offers a suite of financial and insurance services to help protect your bottom line and grow your top line. Options for exporters can include cargo insurance and trade credit insurance which can help mitigate the risks of selling globally.
Email Examples
Sign up for email offers, insights, and industry news that can help improve your shipping. You can manage your preferences at any time.
News and Insights to help you ship smarter
Service Updates to alert you to severe weather and events impacting operations
Promotions and Offers to help you get the most for your money
Product News to keep you up-to-date on new services, tools, and features