Shipping goods from the United States to the United Arab Emirates is relatively simple. The process of importing goods into Dubai and moving to Abu Dhabi requires knowledge of air and sea freight operations to reduce costs and save time.
This article provides information regarding air and sea freight as well as their transit times from US to UAE ports, costs associated with it and required documents.
Sea freight from US to UAE
Sea freight is ideal for any volume of shipments or anything not time-sensitive. You can choose from:
- FCL (Full Container Load): Best for large volume of shipments, shipments that has a larger dimension, or for invaluable shipments. An entire container would be reserved for a single shipper.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): Container space will be shared along with other shippers. Great for smaller volume of shipments.
Sea transit times (2025)
| From (US Port) | To (UAE Port) | Estimated Transit Time |
| New York, NY | Jebel Ali | 31 days |
| Charleston, SC | Khalifa Port | 28 days |
| Los Angeles, CA | Abu Dhabi | 51 days |
| Houston, TX | Sharjah | 38 days |
| Oakland, CA | Dubai | 44 days |
| Savannah, GA | Jebel Ali | 35 days |
| Norfolk, VA | Abu Dhabi | 33 days |
| Mobile, AL | Khalifa Port | 40 days |
Air freight from US to UAE
Air freight is mostly for time-sensitive or high-value cargo. Expect faster deliveries and tighter schedules.
Air transit times (2025)
| From (US Airport) | To (UAE Airport) | Estimated Transit Time |
| Chicago ORD | Dubai DXB | 2–4 days |
| Atlanta ATL | Abu Dhabi AUH | 3–5 days |
| Los Angeles LAX | Sharjah SHJ | 4–6 days |
| Miami MIA | Dubai DXB | 3–6 days |
| Dallas DFW | Abu Dhabi AUH | 3–5 days |
| New York JFK | Dubai DXB | 2–4 days |
Cost Factors: What determines your shipping rate?
Shipping costs vary widely based on the following factors:
- Type of freight (Air vs Sea)
- Total volume and weight of shipments
- Origin & destination ports
- Scope of service: port-to-port or door-to-door
- Customs & duties in both countries
- Fuel surcharges and security fees
Cost Tip:
For small shipments (<100 kg), air freight can sometimes be cheaper than LCL sea freight once you include all fees.
US ports that handle UAE shipments
Here are some US ports commonly used for shipping to the UAE:
East Coast:
- New York, NY
- Charleston, SC
- Savannah, GA
- Norfolk, VA
- Port Everglades, FL
- Baltimore, MD
- Philadelphia, PA
Gulf Coast:
- Houston, TX
- Mobile, AL
- New Orleans, LA
West Coast:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Oakland, CA
- Seattle, WA
UAE ports to receive the US shipments
- Jebel Ali Port (Dubai): Largest man-made harbour and port in the GCC. It has 67 berths and 134.68 square Kms, plenty enough to handle most US cargo
- Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi): Modern, fast, well-connected
- Port of Sharjah: Useful for shipments to central/northern UAE
- Port Rashid: Less commercial, but used for special cargo
Required Documents
When shipping from the US to the UAE, you’ll need:
- Commercial Invoice: Shows transaction details
- Packing List: Lists contents, weights, and dimensions
- Bill of Lading (Sea) or Air Waybill (Air)
- Certificate of Origin
- Import/Export Licenses (if applicable)
- Customs Declaration Forms
US to UAE trade stats (2025)
According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, total goods trade between the US and UAE reached $37.4 billion in 2024. The UAE continues to be the top export destination for US goods in the Middle East region. The main export products include:
- Aircraft & parts
- Vehicles
- Industrial machinery
- Medical instruments
- Electronics
Over 1,500 US businesses operate in the UAE, making it an important commercial hub.
Air vs. Sea Freight: Which one should you go for?
Your requirements would ultimately reflect the choice of mode of transport. If speed is your priority then air freight would be your best option. The transit time would range anywhere from 2 to 6 days. If budget is your concern then you should go for sea freight. If you’re dealing with luxury goods or anything fragile then air freight is a safe bet as it goes through less handling and would be faster. If you’re dealing with a large volume of shipments, then reserving a full container through FCL would be better since the cost involved per container would be fixed. If the volume is relatively small then depending upon the value of the item it can either be LCL or air freight.
Shipping Tips
- Plan early: Booking at least 2 weeks in advance would be better especially in case of sea freight.
- Understand Incoterms: Terms like FOB and CIF clearly defines who pays for what.
- Get insured: Never skip on this.
- Double-check documentation: Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork causes delays.
- Track shipments: Use a freight forwarder that offers real-time tracking.
Final Thoughts
The decision between air freight from the US to the UAE for speed or sea freight from US to UAE for lower costs depends on your shipping needs. The numerous ports and services available enable you to select shipping options that match your needs regarding timing, budget and cargo type.
Do you need assistance in selecting the right mode of freight or determining shipping costs? We can assist you with price comparison as well as estimated transit times. Get your quote now.
FAQs
Can I send my personal belongings from the United States to the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, many freight forwarders offer this. Your items need proper packaging and compliance with UAE customs regulations.
Is door-to-door shipping available?
Yes. The service includes collection in the US followed by customs clearance before final delivery in the UAE.
What are the items that are prohibited to be shipped to the UAE?
The UAE prohibits the shipment of weapons together with narcotics and pork products and any material that offends Islamic beliefs.
Is a customs broker something that I need?
Using a customs broker is not mandatory but it helps save time and prevent compliance problems particularly when shipping for business purposes.