Shipping from Lebanon to DubaiShipping from Lebanon to Dubai, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Lebanon to Dubai for businesses. We book air cargo from Beirut-Rafic Hariri Airport to DXB, and FCL or LCL sea freight from the Port of Beirut and Tripoli to Jebel Ali. We check the Lebanese export declaration and certificate of origin against your invoice, then clear the goods with Dubai Customs.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Lebanon to Dubai at a glance
Lebanon sends food, fresh produce and light manufactured goods to the UAE. Beirut handles most air and container cargo, with Tripoli as the northern alternative.
- Flight time
- About 4 h Beirut to Dubai
- Sea transit
- Varies, often via a transshipment hub
- Export filing
- Lebanese Customs declaration
- UAE duty
- 5% on most goods, GAFTA exemption possible
Where cargo leaves Lebanon for Dubai
Most business cargo uses Beirut. Ask us to confirm port and terminal availability at booking, because schedules and handling capacity have changed since 2020.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | BEY | Beirut-Rafic Hariri International, the only commercial airport in Lebanon | |
| Seaport | LBBEY | Lebanon's main container port, rebuilding since the 2020 explosion | |
| Seaport | LBTRI | Northern Lebanon, an alternative to Beirut for some cargo | |
| Seaport | South Lebanon | Small port for local and regional cargo |
Air or sea from Lebanon
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEY to DXB | Next day to 3 days, plus clearance | Food samples, jewellery, urgent goods | |
| Sea freight FCL | Beirut or Tripoli to Jebel Ali | Varies, often via a transshipment hub | Food, packaging, industrial goods |
| Sea freight LCL | Beirut consolidation to Jebel Ali | Varies, via consolidation | Smaller loads, from about 1 CBM |
Airlines flying direct from Lebanon to Dubai
- Middle East Airlines
- Emirates SkyCargo
- flydubai
Transit times are typical ranges from published schedules, not promises. Direct container services between Beirut and Jebel Ali are limited, so routing often uses a hub. Check the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Export rules in Lebanon
The Lebanese exporter, or its clearing agent, completes the export formalities. We ask for the documents early so the cargo is not held at the airport or port.
| Item | In Lebanon |
|---|---|
| Export declaration | Filed with Lebanese Customs, normally through a licensed clearing agent |
| Issued by the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Beirut, Tripoli and other regions | |
| Agricultural exports | Plants and fresh produce need a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture |
| Port of Beirut | The port has operated since the 4 August 2020 explosion, and its container terminal is in service |
Check current terminal and airport procedures with your agent in Beirut before booking, because they can change.
UAE duty on goods from Lebanon
Dubai Customs charges duty and VAT on the declared value. Lebanese-origin goods may qualify for a duty exemption under GAFTA.
| Item | For goods from Lebanon |
|---|---|
| UAE customs duty | 5% on most goods, set by HS code and charged on the CIF value |
| Trade agreement | Both countries belong to the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA). Lebanese-origin goods can be exempt from UAE duty with a valid certificate of origin that meets the GAFTA rules. Dubai Customs confirms eligibility at declaration |
| 5% on the CIF value plus duty | |
| Free zone option | Goods can enter JAFZA or Jebel Ali Free Zone without duty until they move to the mainland |
Airlift Logistics files the import declaration with Dubai Customs and arranges delivery to the mainland, a free zone or re-export. See customs clearance in Dubai.
Approvals for common goods from Lebanon
Lebanese goods are often food or consumer products, which need a UAE approval before they can clear. Ask your supplier for the technical files early.
- 01
Food registration
Food, olive oil, sweets and beverages need Dubai Municipality registration (Montaji) and compliant labels.
- 02
Halal certificate
Meat and meat products need a halal certificate from an accepted body.
- 03
Plants and produce
Fresh produce and plants need a phytosanitary certificate and a MOCCAE import permit.
- 04
EDE registration
Medicines and medical products are registered with the Emirates Drug Establishment.
- 05
Cosmetics
Cosmetics and personal care products need product registration with the UAE authority.
- 06
ECAS conformity
Electrical goods and appliances may need a MoIAT conformity certificate.
Documents for shipping from Lebanon to Dubai
Send these with your booking. We check that names, values and HS codes match across every document.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Customs value and duty in Dubai | |
| Packing list | Count, weights and marks for inspection |
| Lebanese customs proof that the goods have left | |
| Chamber certificate, needed for the GAFTA exemption | |
| Bill of lading or air waybill | Transport contract and cargo release |
| Product approvals | Food registration, halal or phytosanitary certificates where they apply |
A GAFTA exemption depends on the certificate. Make sure it names the right goods and exporter.
What UAE importers buy from Lebanon
Lebanon and the UAE trade mainly in food, consumer goods and light industrial products, and many Lebanese businesses have ties to Dubai.
- 01
Food and beverages
Olive oil, sweets, preserves and drinks, packed in cartons or pallets.
- 02
Fresh produce
Fruit and vegetables, usually air freight or reefer containers.
- 03
Light industrial goods
Packaging, plastics, paper and building products.
Lebanon to Dubai shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneYes, the container terminal has been in service since the 2020 explosion. Capacity and schedules have changed, though. Some sailings to Jebel Ali use a transshipment hub. We confirm current services at booking, and can route via Tripoli or by air from Beirut if timing is tight.
- Check cut-off dates with us.
- Hub routing adds time.
Some can. Lebanon and the UAE are both in GAFTA, which can exempt Arab-origin goods from duty. The goods need a valid certificate of origin issued by a Lebanese Chamber. Dubai Customs decides at declaration, so check the HS code and rules of origin first.
- Standard UAE duty is 5%.
- Import VAT of 5% still applies.
The exporter needs a commercial invoice, packing list and Lebanese Customs export declaration. A certificate of origin comes from the Chamber of Commerce. Fresh produce also needs a phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture. Missing papers are the most common reason cargo is held.
- Send drafts before the cargo ships.
- Names must match the invoice.
Yes, food products need Dubai Municipality registration through Montaji. Labels must follow UAE rules, including origin and dates. Fresh produce also needs a MOCCAE import permit. Confirm the registration before the goods leave Beirut, because cargo cannot clear without it.
- The importer holds the registration.
- Chilled goods need reefer space.