Working with China in Dubai

Working with China from Dubai: where to start

Dubai is the main re-export hub between China and the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS. The city has unique assets: Jebel Ali port (the largest in the region) and Dragon Mart — a vast marketplace for Chinese goods. Businesses need a supplier, quality control, and logistics/re-export expertise.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

Dubai is, for many businesses from the CIS, a ready-made solution to the question of ’how to pay Chinese suppliers’:

• paying Chinese suppliers from a UAE company or personal account is straightforward — this is often the very reason people choose the UAE;
• practical options — USDT, a payment agent in China/Hong Kong, or a transfer via international payment services;
• free zone lets you receive goods and re-export them to CIS countries or Africa without excessive taxes;
• factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price.

Supplier search and vetting

• platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (China’s domestic, cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
• Dubai has Dragon Mart — you can see products in person and meet wholesale suppliers;
• verify the factory’s business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit;
• payment on a 30% / 70% basis, never 100% upfront; Trade Assurance and pre-shipment inspection.

Logistics and re-export

• sea via Jebel Ali (FCL/LCL), ~20–30 days from China — closer than Europe;
• air freight via DXB/DWC — for urgent shipments;
• free zone (JAFZA, etc.) allows goods to be stored and re-exported onward (CIS, Africa) with minimal tax implications.

UAE customs and taxes

• import duty is typically 5% (for many goods); in a free zone — deferred or waived on re-export;
• VAT 5%; a special regime applies to re-export from a free zone;
• an import code and registration with Dubai Customs are required.

Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner

• ordering without a sample and QC is the primary source of defects;
• a middleman posing as a factory inflates the price;
• calculate the full landed cost including logistics and duties;
• it is safer to work through a partner in China who will source and vet the factory and arrange shipping or re-export on a turnkey basis.

Need suppliers and logistics from China to Dubai? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.