The United Arab Emirates has long ceased to be just a destination for business trips and real estate investments for Russian companies. Today, it is the largest trade hub in the Middle East, through which not only locally manufactured goods but also re-exports from all over the world flow into Russia. The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai has become a key consolidation point for cargo from Europe, Asia, and the Americas before it is dispatched to the EAEU countries.
However, logistics from the UAE come with their own challenges: extreme heat (+50°C in summer), sandstorms, the specifics of working within free zones, and long transit times for ocean freight. Incorrectly selected container equipment can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in cargo damage. Let's break down exactly what Russian companies are importing from the Emirates and the technical solutions required for each category.
Top Import Categories from the UAE and Their Equipment
1. Petrochemicals and Polymers (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PET)
The UAE is a global leader in polymer production. Companies like Borouge, ADNOC, and Emirates National Oil Company export polyethylene granules (HDPE, LDPE), polypropylene, and PET resins to Russia, which Russian factories use to produce packaging, pipes, films, and containers.
How we help with equipment: For granulated polymers, 20ft DC containers can be fitted with disposable polypropylene liners (24–26 cbm). This allows up to 24 tons of raw material to be loaded in bulk without using bags or big bags, reducing logistics costs by 25–30%.
2. Aluminum and Metal Products
EGA (Emirates Global Aluminium) is one of the world's largest aluminum producers. Russian enterprises purchase aluminum ingots, slabs, profiles, and finished metal structures.
How we help with equipment: Aluminum ingots are a heavy, compact cargo. A 20ft container can hold up to 25–27 tons. We use 20ft DC containers with reinforced 28mm marine plywood floors and additional cross members to handle the weight.
3. Electronics and Home Appliances (Re-export from JAFZA)
Jebel Ali Free Zone is one of the world's largest electronics re-export hubs. Goods from China, Korea, Japan, and Europe flow here and are then redistributed across the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS. Russian companies actively purchase smartphones, laptops, server equipment, and home appliances there.
How we help with equipment: For shipping expensive equipment like electronics, standard 40ft DC containers in IICL condition are most commonly used.
4. Food and Halal Products
The UAE is a major exporter of dates (especially the Medjool variety), halva, beverages, dairy products, meat, and semi-finished foods. A separate category is Halal-certified products, which are seeing growing demand in Russia's Muslim regions.
How we help with equipment:
Reefers: Standard reefer containers maintaining temperatures from -25°C to +4°C are used for frozen meat, fish, and dairy.
Ventilated Containers: Used for dates, spices, and dried fruits, which emit moisture and require constant air exchange.
5. Perfumery, Cosmetics, and Household Chemicals
Dubai is a global center for the perfume industry. Russian distributors purchase both local brands (Amouage, Ajmal, Rasasi) and re-exports of European and American brands.
How we help with equipment: For palletized cargo, 40ft DC and 40ft HC containers are the best choice.
6. Building Materials and Sanitary Ware
Ceramic tiles, plumbing fixtures, lighting, carpets, and furniture are all popular import categories from the UAE, especially for premium-segment projects in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
How we help with equipment:
20ft DC for heavy cargo: Tiles and plumbing are heavy and optimally shipped in 20-foot containers.
40ft HC for bulky cargo: Furniture, carpets, and lighting are more efficiently transported in High Cube containers.
The Main Challenge of the Route: Extreme Heat
The UAE climate is the main enemy of many cargo categories. From May to October, air temperatures in Dubai regularly exceed +45°C, and inside a steel container sitting in an open port yard, it can reach +70–80°C.
What happens to cargo when it overheats:
Chocolate and confectionery: Melt and lose their marketable appearance.
Cosmetics and perfumery: Separate and undergo chemical changes.
Medicines and supplements: Lose efficacy and become hazardous.
Electronics: Batteries are damaged, and capacitors fail.
Plastic products: Deform and stick together.
Dates and dried fruits: Caramelize and lose moisture.
Our protection solutions:
Reefer containers are the only 100% reliable solution for temperature-sensitive cargo.
UAE Ports and Logistics Routes to Russia
We do not handle freight forwarding ourselves, but we will outline the existing routes and ports. Container terminal services are available at our partner facilities within the UAE.
Key Ports of Departure
Jebel Ali (Dubai): The largest port in the Middle East and the 9th largest in the world. It handles over 14 million TEU annually. The main flow of containerized cargo originates here.
Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi): A modern deep-water port with an automated terminal. It specializes in industrial cargo and petrochemicals.
Port Rashid (Dubai): A historic port that now primarily accommodates cruise ships and smaller container vessels.
Khor Fakkan (Sharjah): A port on the Gulf of Oman with direct access to the Indian Ocean without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It is critical for mitigating geopolitical risks.
Main Routes to Russia
Sea Route via the Suez Canal
Route: Jebel Ali → Suez → Mediterranean Sea → Novorossiysk (15–18 days) or St. Petersburg (25–30 days).
Purpose: The primary route for most cargo. Offers the optimal balance of cost and speed.
Sea Route Around Africa
Route: Jebel Ali → Around Africa → St. Petersburg (40–50 days).
Purpose: Used when there are disruptions in the Red Sea or Suez Canal.
INSTC (North-South Transport Corridor) via Iran
Route: Jebel Ali → Bandar Abbas (Iran, 1–2 days by sea) → Rail/road via the Caspian Sea → Russia.
Purpose: An alternative route under sanction restrictions and for accelerated delivery to southern Russian regions. Transit time is 15–20 days.
Working with Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
The majority of cargo from the UAE passes through JAFZA, the region's largest free economic zone. This creates both advantages and challenges:
Advantages:
Consolidation of cargo from multiple suppliers into a single container.
No import duties on re-exports.
Opportunities for repacking, labeling, and light assembly.
Highly developed warehouse infrastructure.
Challenges:
An Export Declaration must be issued from the free zone.
Coordination between multiple suppliers is required.
Specific customs procedures apply.
*The information on this page does not constitute a public offer.
*My Containers is a partner of My Way.