Transshipment hub · United Arab Emirates
Port of Jebel Ali (Dubai)
Jebel Ali (Dubai) is a transshipment hub on the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf) in United Arab Emirates (Middle East & Red Sea). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
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Key facts
- Country / territory
- United Arab Emirates
- UN/LOCODE
- AEJEA
- Port type
- Transshipment hub
- Region
- Middle East & Red Sea
- Waters
- Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)
- Coordinates
- 25.01°N, 55.06°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 14.5 million TEU (2023)
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 4,130 nm
About the port of Jebel Ali (Dubai)
Jebel Ali in Dubai, operated by DP World, is the largest port in the Middle East and a hub for the Gulf, East Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The adjacent Jebel Ali Free Zone hosts many regional distribution centres.
Jebel Ali (Dubai) works as a transshipment hub, where a large share of containers is moved between mainline and feeder vessels rather than entering or leaving the country by land. Shipments to many secondary ports in the region are relayed here.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Jebel Ali (Dubai) handled approximately 14.5 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Cargo from Vietnam to the Gulf and the Red Sea usually moves via the Strait of Malacca, on direct Asia–Middle East services or via Singapore and Port Klang. Red Sea security conditions have affected some services since 2024.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 4,130 | 11–14 days |
| Hai Phong → Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 4,850 | 12–16 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Jebel Ali (Dubai) that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with United Arab Emirates that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: VN-UAE CEPA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Jebel Ali (Dubai)
Where is the port of Jebel Ali (Dubai)?
Jebel Ali (Dubai) is in United Arab Emirates, on the Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf), in the Middle East & Red Sea shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Jebel Ali (Dubai)?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Jebel Ali (Dubai) is AEJEA. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Jebel Ali (Dubai)?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 4,130 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 11–14 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Jebel Ali (Dubai)?
According to published rankings, Jebel Ali (Dubai) handled approximately 14.5 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Jebel Ali (Dubai)?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Jebel Ali (Dubai)?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Jebel Ali (Dubai) through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.