Shipping from the UK to DubaiShipping from the UK to Dubai, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from the UK to Dubai for businesses. We book air cargo from London Heathrow and Manchester to DXB, and FCL or LCL sea freight from Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe to Jebel Ali. We check the UK export declaration and any licence, then handle Dubai Customs clearance and delivery.
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.
UK to Dubai at a glance
UK exporters usually send urgent and high-value goods by air from Heathrow, while machinery, materials and stock go by sea from the south and east coast ports.
- Flight time
- About 7 h London to Dubai
- Sea transit
- Roughly 3 to 5 weeks, varies by service
- Export filing
- Declaration on CDS with an EORI
- UAE duty
- 5% of CIF value on most goods
Where cargo leaves the UK for Dubai
Pick the gateway closest to the shipper. Cargo from the Midlands and the north is often trucked to Heathrow or to Felixstowe.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | LHR | The UK's largest air cargo airport, with daily flights to Dubai | |
| Airport | MAN | Northern England and Scotland cargo | |
| Seaport | GBSOU | Container port on the south coast | |
| Seaport | GBLGP | Deep-water container port on the Thames estuary | |
| Seaport | GBFXT | The UK's largest container port, in Suffolk |
Air or sea from the UK
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| LHR or MAN to DXB | About 1 to 3 days including clearance | Samples, spare parts, high-value and urgent goods | |
| Sea freight FCL | UK port to Jebel Ali | Roughly 3 to 5 weeks port to port | Full containers of machinery and stock |
| Sea freight LCL | UK consolidation to Jebel Ali | Varies, via consolidation and a transshipment hub | Smaller loads, from about 1 CBM |
Airlines flying direct from the UK to Dubai
- Emirates SkyCargo
- British Airways
Timings are typical ranges, not promises. Air rates per kg depend on the chargeable weight. Check the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Export rules in the UK
The UK exporter is responsible for the export declaration and any licence. We work from the details your supplier provides.
| Item | In UK |
|---|---|
| Export declaration | Filed on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) |
| EORI number | A GB EORI number from HMRC is needed to make the declaration |
| Export licences | Issued by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) for military, dual-use and other controlled goods |
| Issued by an accredited UK chamber of commerce, if the buyer asks | |
| Check before booking | Sanctions screening and the UK strategic export control lists |
UAE duty on goods from the UK
Dubai Customs charges duty on the CIF value of the goods. Check current rates against your HS code.
| Item | For goods from UK |
|---|---|
| UAE customs duty | 5% of the CIF value on most goods, set by HS code; some goods are exempt or higher |
| Trade agreement | No UAE trade agreement with the UK in force that we can confirm |
| 5% on the CIF value plus duty | |
| Free zone option | Goods can move into JAFZA or another free zone without duty until they leave for 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 the UK
Some UK-origin goods need a UAE approval before they clear. Ask your buyer to confirm these early.
- 01
Electrical and electronic products often need an ECAS certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
- 02
Medicines and devices
Pharmaceuticals and medical products go through the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE).
- 03
Food registration
Food products are registered with Dubai Municipality (Montaji) and must meet UAE label rules.
- 04
Halal certificate
UK meat and poultry need a halal certificate from a body the UAE recognises.
- 05
TDRA type approval
Radio and telecom equipment needs type approval from the TDRA.
- 06
Vehicle parts
Automotive parts and tyres may need conformity certificates and correct labelling.
Documents for shipping from the UK 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 the UAE | |
| Packing list | Count, weights and marks for inspection |
| Air waybill or bill of lading | Transport contract and cargo release |
| Proves UK origin when the buyer or bank asks | |
| Exit proof from the UK, with the MRN | |
| ECAS, EDE or Montaji where they apply |
Licensed goods also need the ECJU licence number on the shipping documents.
What UAE importers buy from the UK
The UK sells the UAE a wide range of machinery, vehicles, medicines and professional equipment, though the mix changes by year.
- 01
Machinery and parts
Engineering equipment, generators and spare parts, by sea or air.
- 02
Pharmaceuticals and medical
Medicines and devices, often temperature controlled and by air.
- 03
Vehicles and parts
Automotive components and specialist vehicles, usually by sea.
UK to Dubai shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneYes, UK exporters need a GB EORI number. HM Revenue and Customs issues it free of charge. It is used on the export declaration filed on the Customs Declaration Service. Without it the declaration cannot be made, and the goods will not be released to leave the UK.
- Apply on GOV.UK before booking.
- Your forwarder can file on your behalf.
Military items, dual-use goods and some restricted items need a licence. The Export Control Joint Unit issues them. Many ordinary commercial goods need none. Check the UK strategic export control lists for your product before booking, because shipping without a required licence is an offence.
- Ask your supplier for the control rating.
- Licensed goods need the licence number.
Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe are the main UK ports for Gulf cargo. Choose the port nearest the shipper, then compare sailings and any transshipment point. Northern shippers often truck to these ports. LCL cargo is consolidated before sailing, so allow extra days for cut-off.
- We compare sailings from each port.
- Ask for the cut-off date.
Air rates use the greater of actual or volumetric weight. Cargo from Heathrow to Dubai is quoted per kg, with fuel, security and handling surcharges added. A minimum charge applies to small consignments. Send weights and dimensions so we can confirm the chargeable weight.
- Volumetric weight is length x width x height / 6000.
- Sea freight is charged per container or CBM.