How to Ship from the US to UAE and Dubai: Complete 2026 Guide

Dubai is one of the easiest international shipping destinations you will encounter. The UAE has invested billions in logistics infrastructure — Jebel Ali Port is the largest in the Middle East, Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest cargo hubs in the world, and the country's free trade zones are specifically designed to make imports flow smoothly. If you have hesitated about shipping to the Middle East because you assumed it would be complicated, the UAE will change your mind.

That said, there are customs rules, cultural considerations, and carrier-specific details worth knowing before you ship. This guide covers the practical information that actually matters.

Carrier Options and What They Cost

Express Shipping: 2 to 5 Business Days

DHL Express is the standout carrier for UAE shipments, and it is not even close. Dubai is a major DHL hub — the company operates one of its three global hubs at Dubai International Airport, which means packages routed through DHL get priority handling and customs clearance at the destination. Transit times of two to three business days are standard, and DHL's door-to-door delivery covers virtually every address in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the smaller emirates.

FedEx International Priority delivers in three to four business days to the UAE, and UPS Worldwide Express takes a similar timeline. Both offer reliable service, but neither has the hub advantage that DHL enjoys in Dubai. USPS Priority Mail Express International takes four to six business days and costs significantly less, though tracking visibility within the UAE is limited once the package enters Emirates Post's system.

For a one-pound package, express rates range from 45 to 75 dollars depending on the carrier and your negotiated pricing. DHL and FedEx sit at the higher end but provide better last-mile service within the UAE.

Standard and Economy Options

USPS Priority Mail International costs roughly 35 to 50 dollars for a one-pound package and delivers in 8 to 14 business days. This is a reasonable option for non-urgent personal shipments, but the extended timeline and limited in-country tracking make it less suitable for e-commerce orders where customers expect visibility into their delivery.

FedEx International Economy and DHL eCommerce offer middle-ground options at 25 to 45 dollars with delivery in 5 to 10 business days. For lightweight packages under four pounds, USPS First-Class Package International Service starts at 12 to 16 dollars with delivery in 14 to 25 business days — the budget choice when time is not a factor.

Customs and Import Rules

The UAE charges a 5 percent customs duty on most imported goods, which is among the lowest rates in the world. There is no income tax or sales tax in the UAE, though a 5 percent Value Added Tax was introduced in 2018 and applies to imports.

Personal shipments valued under AED 1,000 (approximately 270 US dollars) are generally exempt from duty, which makes the UAE one of the more generous countries for personal imports. Commercial shipments face the standard 5 percent duty regardless of value.

The UAE prohibits the import of pork products, pornographic materials, gambling equipment, and any items that conflict with Islamic values or UAE law. Electronic cigarettes and vaping products have their own regulatory requirements. Medications require a prescription from the recipient's doctor, and some medications that are legal in the US — including certain painkillers and ADHD medications — are controlled substances in the UAE. Check the UAE Ministry of Health's controlled substance list before shipping any pharmaceutical products.

Alcohol cannot be shipped to the UAE by regular carriers. DHL, FedEx, and UPS all prohibit alcohol in international shipments, and UAE customs will confiscate any alcohol found in packages.

Documentation Requirements

Every commercial shipment to the UAE needs a commercial invoice listing the sender and recipient with full addresses and phone numbers, a detailed description of each item, the quantity and value of each item in US dollars, the country of origin, and the HS tariff code. Arabic translation is not required — English documentation is accepted throughout the UAE's customs system.

The recipient's Emirates ID number or passport number can speed up customs clearance, especially for personal shipments. Including a local UAE phone number for the recipient is important because delivery drivers in the UAE frequently call ahead to coordinate drop-off times and locations.

For shipments to Dubai's many free trade zones — such as Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai Internet City, or Jebel Ali Free Zone — customs procedures may differ from standard imports. Free zone businesses often have their own customs clearance processes and may require additional documentation. If your recipient is in a free zone, confirm their import requirements before shipping.

Packaging and Practical Tips

The UAE gets extremely hot — summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and packages sitting in delivery vehicles or warehouses can reach even higher internal temperatures. Heat-sensitive items like chocolate, cosmetics, candles, and certain electronics should include thermal protection or be shipped during cooler months (October through March).

Address formatting in the UAE can be confusing for US shippers. Many areas use a combination of building names, street numbers, and landmarks rather than standard street addresses. If the recipient provides an address that seems incomplete or unusual, it probably is not — UAE delivery drivers navigate using building names and area names more than street numbers. Include whatever address the recipient provides, and make sure their phone number is on the label.

During Ramadan, business hours and delivery schedules shift significantly. Government offices and many businesses operate on reduced hours, and customs processing may slow down. If you are shipping commercial goods during Ramadan, build in extra time for clearance and delivery.

Shipping platforms like atoship let you compare real-time rates across carriers for UAE shipments and generate customs documentation automatically, making it straightforward to find the best combination of speed and price for each package.