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Pallet Delivery from and to the Middle East

Q: Are import duties and taxes included in the freight price?

No. Import duties and taxes are separate from the freight charge. Under DAP (the standard Incoterm for most Pallet2Ship services), the receiver in the destination country pays import duties, taxes, and any local fees on arrival. Most GCC countries operate a 5% standard import duty on commercial goods, with VAT in some countries (UAE 5%, Saudi Arabia 15%, Bahrain 10%).

Q: Do I need customs documents for shipments to the Middle East?

Yes. All shipments require a Commercial Invoice with commodity codes (HS codes), an EORI number, and the relevant Incoterms. Our booking system generates the Commercial Invoice during the booking process. See our Export & Import guide at https://www.pallet2ship.co.uk/services/export-import/.

Q: Do I need an EORI number for shipping to the Middle East?

Yes. A UK EORI number is required for all commercial international exports. The Middle Eastern importer does not need a UK EORI but will need their own customs registration with their national authority (such as the UAE Importer's Code). See our EORI guide at https://www.pallet2ship.co.uk/logistics-101/eori/.

Pallet2Ship® arranges pallet delivery to and from destinations across the Middle East by air and sea freight. Whether you are exporting goods from the UK to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or anywhere else in the region, importing into the UK from Middle Eastern suppliers, or shipping machinery, automotive parts, or commercial goods to and from major regional hubs, our platform lets you compare services, see prices instantly, and book in minutes. Get started at pallet2ship.co.uk.

We work with DHL, FedEx, and UPS for air freight, and with Maersk plus established global shipping partners for sea freight via LCL (shared container) and FCL (full container) services. Air freight to the Middle East typically takes 2-7 working days, with major hubs Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the faster end. Sea freight typically takes 3-5 weeks depending on the port pair and routing.

We deliver across the region — featured destination pages include the UAE, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon. We also arrange shipments to other Middle Eastern destinations including Iraq, Yemen, the Palestinian territories, and other regional locations. If your destination isn't shown on the destination grid, simply enter it in the quote tool or contact our team.

Air Freight to the Middle East

Air freight is the fastest option for shipments between the UK and the Middle East. Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum (DWC), and Abu Dhabi (AUH) are major regional gateways with frequent direct flights from the UK, making air freight to the UAE particularly fast — often 2-5 working days for express services.

Standard air freight through DHL handles pallets up to 160 cm in height. FedEx accepts pallets up to 178 cm on selected routes — enter your exact dimensions in the quote tool and the system will show which carriers and services are available.

Air freight services include express air freight for the fastest transit and economy air freight for cost-sensitive shipments. Major regional hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh are typically at the faster end of the transit range. See our Air Freight page for details.

Sea Freight to the Middle East

Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for heavy, bulky, or non-urgent shipments to and from the Middle East. Jebel Ali in Dubai is the largest port in the region and the main sea freight gateway for UAE shipments. Other key regional ports include Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Hamad Port in Qatar, Sohar in Oman, and Aqaba in Jordan.

LCL (Less than Container Load) lets you share container space and pay only for the volume you use. FCL (Full Container Load) gives you a dedicated 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high cube container. FCL typically becomes more economical when your shipment exceeds approximately 13-15 CBM.

Delivery options include door-to-door, door-to-port, port-to-door, and port-to-port. Transit times typically range from 3-5 weeks depending on the port pair and shipping line. See our Sea Freight page and FCL & LCL page for details.

Final Delivery in the Middle East

Once freight arrives in the destination country, final delivery to the consignee's address is handled through local carrier networks or dedicated transport depending on shipment size and destination. Deliveries can be to business or residential addresses. Business deliveries are typically kerbside or loading bay. Residential deliveries are available but may have different access requirements depending on the carrier, location, and pallet size.

A local telephone number for the consignee is required for most Middle Eastern destinations — local depots will not call UK telephone numbers. Free zone deliveries (such as JAFZA or DAFZA in Dubai) may involve different customs procedures and documentation.

ISPM-15 Across the Middle East

ISPM-15 regulations apply across the Middle East. All wooden pallets, crates, and dunnage must be heat-treated and carry the ISPM-15 stamp. Saudi Arabia and the UAE enforce strictly. Non-compliant wood packaging may be rejected at the border, causing delays, additional costs, and potential destruction of the packaging at the shipper's expense.

Plastic pallets do not require treatment.

See our ISPM-15 guide.

Customs & Documentation

All shipments between the UK and the Middle East require customs documentation. When you book through Pallet2Ship, our system generates the Commercial Invoice during the booking process. You will need commodity codes (HS codes) for each product, EORI numbers, the relevant Incoterms, and Importer of Record details for the destination country.

Most Pallet2Ship exports to the Middle East operate under DAP (Delivered at Place) — the seller arranges delivery, and the receiver handles import customs clearance, duties, and taxes in the destination country.

UAE is one of the most efficient customs environments in the region. The Emirati importer must hold a current, valid Importer's Code, and the exact company name on the Importer's Code must appear on the Commercial Invoice. Pro forma invoices are not accepted for commercial shipments. UAE air freight is commonly cleared through Dubai (DXB), while sea freight is commonly routed via Jebel Ali. Free zones (JAFZA, DAFZA, KEZAD) have separate procedures.
Saudi Arabia has strict customs requirements. A Certificate of Origin attested by a Saudi-recognised Chamber of Commerce is required, along with a Commercial Invoice attested by a Chamber of Commerce on official company letterhead. Documentation must include HS codes, item-level values, and weights, and details must match exactly across all documents. Saudi Arabia's SABER system applies to certain regulated product categories.
Qatar requires a Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice attested by a Chamber of Commerce. The Qatari importer must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Kuwait has strict customs procedures. The Kuwaiti importer must be registered with the customs authority. Documentation accuracy is critical.
Documentation language: Arabic is widely required across the Gulf states for commercial documentation, alongside English. Some countries require Arabic translations for specific product categories or for customs clearance.
Restricted products: The UAE imposes additional approvals for printed matter and artwork (National Media Agency), telecommunications equipment (Government and Police Department), medical equipment (Ministry of Health), and food and non-alcoholic drinks (which may require municipality or food-control approvals). Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait have similar regulated product categories.

For guidance on customs requirements, see our Export & Import guide, Commodity Codes guide, EORI guide, and Incoterms guide. If you need alternative terms such as CIF or DDP, contact our team. We can explain options but do not provide legal or tax advice.

Who Ships to the Middle East?

Manufacturers exporting industrial components and machinery, oil-and-gas equipment suppliers, construction companies shipping building materials and equipment, automotive suppliers shipping parts and accessories, e-commerce businesses fulfilling orders from Middle Eastern markets, exhibition and event companies sending equipment to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, food technology and pharmaceutical exporters, fashion and luxury goods retailers, and businesses importing goods from Middle Eastern suppliers — particularly from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — into the UK.

Countries We Deliver Pallets to and from the Middle East

Abu Dhabi

Bahrain

Dubai

Egypt

Israel

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Oman

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

UAE

These destinations have dedicated pages with detailed shipping information. However, Pallet2Ship arranges freight services across the entire region, including Iraq, Yemen, the Palestinian territories, and other locations not shown above.

Use the quote tool above for any destination. If it is not in the system, contact our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

about our shipping services to the Middle East

Quotes & Pricing

Pricing depends on the transport mode (air or sea), pallet size, weight, dimensions, destination country, and service type. Air freight to the UAE is among our most competitive routes due to high frequency of direct flights to Dubai. Use the Instant Quote & Book system at the top of this page for accurate, live pricing.

Sea freight is significantly cheaper for heavy or bulky shipments. Air freight is more expensive but much faster — typically 2–7 working days versus 3–5 weeks for sea freight. For UAE in particular, the air freight cost premium is often justified by transit times of just 2–5 working days on express services.

Yes, provided your shipment details are accurate. Additional charges may apply if dimensions, weight, or cargo type are under-declared, or if customs issues arise from incorrect documentation.

No. Import duties and taxes are separate from the freight charge. Under DAP (the standard Incoterm for most Pallet2Ship services), the receiver in the destination country pays import duties, taxes, and any local fees on arrival. Most GCC countries operate a 5% standard import duty on commercial goods, with VAT in some countries (UAE 5%, Saudi Arabia 15%, Bahrain 10%).

Coverage & Destinations

We deliver across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, the Palestinian territories, and other destinations across the region.

Contact our team. We can often arrange shipments to destinations not shown in the system through our carrier networks. The Middle East has many destinations served via consolidation through major hubs such as Dubai and Jebel Ali.

Yes. Pallet2Ship handles deliveries to UAE free zones including JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone), DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone), KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi), and others. Free zone deliveries may involve different customs procedures and documentation — confirm with our team before booking.

Yes, but transit times within the destination country can vary depending on the distance from the port of entry and local infrastructure. Major cities are typically faster than rural or remote regions.

Transit Times & Freight Services

Air freight typically takes 2–7 working days depending on the destination. The UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) is at the faster end — often 2–5 working days for express services due to frequent direct flights. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait typically take 3–5 working days. Other destinations may take longer depending on routing.

Sea freight typically takes 3–5 weeks depending on the port pair and shipping line. Jebel Ali (UAE) has frequent direct sailings from major UK ports. Jeddah and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) and Hamad Port (Qatar) also have regular services. Less direct routes may take longer.

Air freight (express and economy) through DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Sea freight through LCL (shared container) and FCL (full container) via Maersk and established global shipping partners. Oversized pallet services for goods exceeding standard dimensions. See our Air Freight, Sea Freight, and FCL & LCL pages.

Standard air freight through DHL handles pallets up to 160 cm in height. FedEx accepts pallets up to 178 cm on selected routes. Enter your exact dimensions in the quote tool and the system will show which carriers are available for your shipment.

Customs & Documentation

Yes. All shipments require a Commercial Invoice with commodity codes (HS codes), an EORI number, and the relevant Incoterms. Our booking system generates the Commercial Invoice during the booking process. See our Export & Import guide.

Yes. A UK EORI number is required for all commercial international exports. The Middle Eastern importer does not need a UK EORI but will need their own customs registration with their national authority (such as the UAE Importer’s Code). See our EORI guide.

English is widely accepted across the Middle East for commercial documentation, particularly in the GCC states. Arabic translations may be required for specific product categories or for customs clearance in certain countries — particularly Saudi Arabia. Our team can advise on translation requirements for your specific destination.

The UAE has one of the most efficient customs environments in the region. The Emirati importer must hold a current, valid Importer’s Code, and the exact company name on the Importer’s Code must appear on the Commercial Invoice. Pro forma invoices are not accepted for commercial shipments. UAE air freight is commonly cleared through Dubai (DXB), while sea freight is commonly routed via Jebel Ali. Free zones such as JAFZA, DAFZA, and KEZAD have separate procedures.

Saudi Arabia has strict customs requirements. A Certificate of Origin attested by a Saudi-recognised Chamber of Commerce is required, along with a Commercial Invoice attested by a Chamber of Commerce on official company letterhead. The Commercial Invoice must include HS codes, item-level values, weights, and total values, and must match the Certificate of Origin exactly. Saudi Arabia’s SABER system applies to certain regulated product categories.

Both countries require Certificates of Origin and Commercial Invoices attested by a Chamber of Commerce. The local importer must be registered with the national customs authority. Documentation accuracy is critical — small inconsistencies between documents commonly cause delays.

Yes. Common restrictions include printed matter and artwork (UAE National Media Agency approval), telecommunications equipment (Government and Police Department approval), medical equipment (Ministry of Health import permit), and food and non-alcoholic drinks (which may require municipality or food-control approvals). Always confirm requirements before shipping regulated products.

ISPM-15 & Packing

Yes. All wooden pallets, crates, and dunnage must be heat-treated and carry the ISPM-15 stamp. Saudi Arabia and the UAE enforce strictly. Non-compliant wood packaging may be rejected at the border, causing delays and additional costs. Plastic pallets do not require treatment. See our ISPM-15 guide.

Use a sturdy pallet with intact boards and 4-way entry. Shrink-wrap the entire pallet including the base. Use heavy-duty boxes, keep heavy items at the bottom, and add ratchet straps for heavier loads. For sea freight, packing must withstand longer transit and multiple handling points. See our Pallet Packing Guide.

Standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm), Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), and 120 × 120 cm pallets are accepted. For sea freight services, oversized pallets up to approximately 584 × 232 × 228 cm and 2,500 kg per pallet can be accommodated depending on route, container configuration, and handling requirements. Air freight has its own height limits (160 cm DHL, 178 cm FedEx on selected routes). See our Oversized Pallets page.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

No. Pallet2Ship does not handle alcohol shipments on any service. Alcohol restrictions are particularly strict across most Middle Eastern countries.

Yes. Personal effects require a detailed inventory list, correct customs documentation, and professional packing. For air freight, personal effects are handled via DHL only. For sea freight, FCL and LCL services can be used. Customer-packed personal effects are not accepted. For UAE deliveries, personal effects shipments require a valid Dubai Residence Visa and Emirates ID for the named consignee.

New furniture in original manufacturer packaging can be shipped as standard freight. Used furniture is treated as personal effects and must be professionally packed by a removal company. Customer-packed used furniture is not accepted.

Yes. Engines must be fully drained of all fluids, professionally cleaned, and securely bolted or strapped to the pallet. Collection must be from a business address. Machinery must be properly secured and declared accurately.

Some dangerous goods can be shipped with correct documentation, compliant packaging, and carrier approval. Not all carriers accept all classes, and Middle Eastern countries have strict regulatory requirements. See our Dangerous Goods page.

Insurance & Protection

Yes. Insurance can be added during booking for goods valued between £100 and £50,000. For higher values, contact our team for tailored cover.

Only limited carrier liability applies — usually calculated per kilogram and significantly lower than the actual value of the goods.

Booking & Practical Considerations

Enter your collection and delivery details in the Instant Quote & Book system at the top of this page, input accurate pallet dimensions and weight, compare available air and sea services, and book online. No account, no contract, and no minimum volume required.

Yes. Local depots in the Middle East will not call UK telephone numbers. You must provide a valid local telephone or mobile number for the consignee at the delivery address.

For air freight, 2–3 working days before required collection is usually sufficient. For sea freight, 5–10 days depending on whether FCL or LCL. During Ramadan and major holidays such as Eid, allow extra time as customs and delivery operations may be slower.

Yes. Pallet2Ship handles both UK exports to the Middle East and imports from the region into the UK. Imports from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are particularly common. The same customs documentation requirements apply in both directions.

Missing or incorrect customs documentation, mismatched details across the Commercial Invoice and Certificate of Origin (particularly for Saudi Arabia), missing UAE Importer’s Code references, non-compliant wood packaging, missing local telephone numbers for delivery, and seasonal disruption around Ramadan and major holidays.

Our UK-based operations team is available Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:30, by phone, email, or live chat — before and after booking.

Why Businesses Use Pallet2Ship for Middle Eastern Freight

Instant online quotes — compare air and sea freight options and book in minutes
Coverage across the Middle East — not limited to popular routes
Fast UAE air freight via Dubai (DXB), Al Maktoum (DWC), and Abu Dhabi (AUH) gateways
Competitive sea freight rates via Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Dammam, and other major regional ports
DHL, FedEx, and UPS for air freight — sea freight via Maersk and established global shipping partners
Door-to-door delivery as standard
Customs documentation generated automatically during booking
Country-specific guidance for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other regulated markets
Insurance available for goods valued between £100 and £50,000
Real-time tracking on most services
UK-based operations team available Monday-Friday, 09:00–17:30

Services to Middle East

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Ship with confidence. Ship with Pallet2Ship®

Pallet Delivery from and to the Middle East

Air Freight to the Middle East

Sea Freight to the Middle East

Final Delivery in the Middle East

ISPM-15 Across the Middle East

Customs & Documentation

Who Ships to the Middle East?

Countries We Deliver Pallets to and from the Middle East

Frequently Asked Questions

about our shipping services to the Middle East

Quotes & Pricing

Coverage & Destinations

Transit Times & Freight Services

Customs & Documentation

ISPM-15 & Packing

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Insurance & Protection

Booking & Practical Considerations

Why Businesses Use Pallet2Ship for Middle Eastern Freight

Services to Middle East

Air Freight

Sea Freight

Exports & Imports

Get an Instant Quote. Start here...

Mini Quarter Pallet

Quarter Pallet

Half Pallet

Full Lite Pallet

Full Pallet

Oversized Pallet

Be Pleasantly Suprised

Ship with confidence. Ship with Pallet2Ship®

Pallet Delivery from and to the Middle East

Air Freight to the Middle East

Sea Freight to the Middle East

Final Delivery in the Middle East

ISPM-15 Across the Middle East

Customs & Documentation

Who Ships to the Middle East?

Countries We Deliver Pallets to and from the Middle East

Frequently Asked Questions

about our shipping services to the Middle East

Quotes & Pricing

How much does pallet delivery to the Middle East cost?

Is air freight or sea freight cheaper to the Middle East?

Are prices final once I book?

Are import duties and taxes included in the freight price?

Coverage & Destinations

Which Middle Eastern countries does Pallet2Ship deliver to?

What if my destination isn’t shown in the quote tool?

Can I ship to free zones in the UAE?

Can I ship to remote areas in the Middle East?

Transit Times & Freight Services

How long does air freight to the Middle East take?

How long does sea freight to the Middle East take?

What freight services are available to the Middle East?

What are the air freight size limits for the Middle East?

Customs & Documentation

Do I need customs documents for shipments to the Middle East?

Do I need an EORI number?

What language does my Commercial Invoice need to be in?

What is special about UAE customs?

What is special about Saudi Arabian customs?

What is special about Qatari and Kuwaiti customs?

Are there products with special restrictions in the UAE and GCC?

ISPM-15 & Packing

Is ISPM-15 required for the Middle East?

How should I pack a pallet for Middle Eastern delivery?

What pallet sizes are accepted for Middle Eastern shipments?

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Can I ship alcohol to the Middle East?

Can I ship personal effects to the Middle East?

Can I ship furniture to the Middle East?

Can I ship engines or machinery to the Middle East?

Can I ship dangerous goods to the Middle East?

Insurance & Protection

Can I insure my Middle Eastern shipment?

What if I don’t buy insurance?

Booking & Practical Considerations

How do I book pallet delivery to the Middle East?

Do I need to provide a local telephone number for delivery?

How far in advance should I book?

Can I import pallets from the Middle East into the UK?

What causes most delays on Middle Eastern shipments?

Who can I contact for help with Middle Eastern freight?

Why Businesses Use Pallet2Ship for Middle Eastern Freight

Services to Middle East

Air Freight

Sea Freight

Exports & Imports