Operations
Air vs Sea Freight for Packaging Imports
August 17, 2025·4 min read
For brands importing packaging, air vs sea freight is a cost-vs-speed calculation with real implications.
For brands importing packaging materials into the UAE — either from suppliers abroad or shipping finished goods out — air vs sea makes a big cost difference.
Sea freight
20–40 days from Asia to Jebel Ali. Lowest per-unit cost. Requires 6+ months of demand certainty.
Air freight
3–7 days to DXB or AUH. 5–10× the cost. Best for launches, urgent reorders and low-volume premium.
Break-even
Sea usually beats air above 500 kg shipment weight — but only if you have the demand certainty.
Our recommendation
For most UAE brands, manufacture locally at our Dubai factory instead. Zero freight, zero customs, faster iteration. See import vs local manufacture.