China to United Arab Emirates Ocean Freight Rates (2026)
In short: the median 40HQ rate from China to United Arab Emirates is USD 8,900,
with quotes ranging from USD 6,900 to USD 11,150. Main destination ports: Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and others. Across all destination points in this country the highest 40HQ quote is about 62% above the lowest, reflecting different destination points, carriers and surcharge bases.
Rate ranges by container type (USD, port-to-port)
| Equipment | Median | Quoted range | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP (20ft standard) | $7,350 | $5,825–$9,175 | 243 |
| 40GP (40ft standard) | $8,900 | $6,900–$11,200 | 177 |
| 40HQ (40ft high cube) | $8,900 | $6,900–$11,150 | 263 |
Main destination points (ports & inland IPI)
| Port | Quotes | 40HQ median | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali | 91 | $8,550 | $6,900–$10,800 |
| Abu Dhabi | 50 | $8,850 | $8,100–$10,150 |
| Ajman | 46 | $9,510 | $8,100–$10,700 |
| Umm Al Qaiwain | 27 | $8,950 | $8,100–$10,300 |
| Sharjah | 22 | $10,950 | $7,350–$11,150 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 11 | $8,850 | $8,300–$10,300 |
| Sharjah (icd) | 8 | $7,850 | $7,100–$8,450 |
| Sajaa | 8 | $7,950 | $7,350–$8,350 |
Origin port coverage
Quotes to United Arab Emirates currently depart from Shanghai (49), Qingdao (44), Shenzhen (41), Guangzhou (30), Xiamen (23), Dalian (13), Lianyungang (12), Nansha (9). Rates from different origin ports to the same destination can differ by more than 62%, so compare from the port closest to your production site.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to ship a container from China to United Arab Emirates in 2026?
- Based on live quotes listed on the Juhe Zhuang platform, the median rate for a 40HQ (40ft high cube) from China to United Arab Emirates is about USD 8,900, with quoted rates ranging from USD 6,900 to USD 11,150 (sample: 263 quotes, 8 destination ports, 16 carriers). Differences come from the origin port, carrier, sailing schedule and surcharge basis.
- What is the difference between 20GP and 40HQ rates to United Arab Emirates?
- The median 20GP (20ft standard) rate is about USD 7,350, versus USD 8,900 for a 40HQ — a difference of roughly USD 1,550. Light, bulky cargo (furniture, textiles, plastics) usually ships more economically in a 40HQ; dense cargo favours the 20GP.
- Which Chinese ports ship to United Arab Emirates?
- Quotes currently cover departures from Shanghai, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Dalian, Lianyungang, Nansha. Destination coverage includes Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and 2 more ports. Rates from different origin ports can differ by more than 62%, so compare from the port closest to your factory.
- Why do quotes to this country vary so much?
- Across all destination points in United Arab Emirates, the highest and lowest 40HQ quotes differ by roughly 62%. The spread comes from four factors: the carrier, direct versus transshipment routing, whether BAF/PSS surcharges are included, and quote validity. Always compare an all-in rate with a clear validity date, and request a separate destination charge breakdown (THC, customs, delivery).
Related
Rates from China to all countries
Weekly China export freight index
中文版：中国到阿联酋海运费
Live rate search (free, no sign-up)
Source: live publicly listed FCL quotes on the Juhe Zhuang rate platform (jhz56.com). Rates are forwarder and consolidator reference prices, not transaction prices; final pricing is subject to carrier confirmation at booking. Data as of 2026-10-25. When citing, please credit "Juhe Zhuang Rate Platform (jhz56.com)".