UK ⇄ Gulf & Middle East · FCL sea freight · 18–28 days
FCL container shipping from the UK to the Middle East.
Full container load sea freight between the UK and the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. We manage collection, export documentation, ocean freight and import customs at the destination end.
Destinations we serve
Middle East countries and ports
We ship FCL containers to all main Gulf and Middle East markets. Key destinations include:
- UAE: Jebel Ali (Dubai), Abu Dhabi
- Saudi Arabia: Dammam (King Abdul Aziz), Jeddah (Islamic)
- Kuwait: Shuwaikh, Shuaiba
- Qatar: Hamad Port (Doha)
- Oman: Sohar, Muscat (Port Sultan Qaboos)
- Bahrain: Khalifa bin Salman Port
Shipping to a country or port not listed? Ask us, we access the full Gulf and Levant region through our worldwide agent network.
Export · Import · Bidirectional
UK ⇄ Middle East: both directions
Shipping out of the UK
Manufactured goods, commercial cargo and household effects moving from the UK to Gulf destinations. We handle UK export declarations and manage import customs at the receiving Gulf port through our local trusted partners.
Bringing goods into the UK
Sourcing from UAE, Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Gulf? We arrange the export documentation at the origin port and manage UK import customs at Felixstowe or Southampton, then deliver door to door.
Cross-trade shipments to and from the Middle East
Maya also arranges cross-trade FCL movements into and out of the Middle East where neither origin nor destination is the UK, for example, a container moving from China to the UAE managed through our Gulf and Asian agent network. If you need cargo moved between two non-UK countries in this region, get in touch.
Felixstowe / Southampton → Jebel Ali / Dammam / Hamad
Ports and transit times
UK ports: Felixstowe and Southampton, with collection from anywhere in the UK.
Gulf ports: Jebel Ali (UAE) is the main regional hub. Dammam and Jeddah serve Saudi Arabia; Hamad serves Qatar; Shuwaikh and Sohar serve Kuwait and Oman respectively. We'll confirm the best routing at quote stage.
TRANSIT · TYPICALLY 18–28 DAYS PORT TO PORT
UK export and Gulf import procedures
Customs for UK–Middle East shipments
Shipping to the Gulf requires a UK export declaration, a commercial invoice, a packing list and the correct HS/commodity codes on departure. At the Gulf end, each country has its own import procedures, certificate of origin, bill of lading, import permits where applicable.
We arrange and manage all customs documentation through our trusted partners at both ends. Everything is prepared before the cargo ships, so your container moves through Gulf ports without unnecessary delays. See how our customs clearance works.
You deal with us from your UK door to the Gulf destination. Nothing passes through a chain of unknown agents.
Straight answers
UK–Middle East shipping questions
Which Middle East countries do you ship FCL containers to from the UK?
We ship full containers from the UK to the UAE (Jebel Ali, Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Dammam, Jeddah), Kuwait, Qatar (Doha/Hamad), Oman (Sohar, Muscat) and Bahrain. Ask us about your specific destination and we'll confirm current sailings.
How long does sea freight from the UK to the Middle East take?
Typically 18–28 days port to port from Felixstowe or Southampton to main Gulf ports. Transit varies by destination, UAE and Qatar are generally faster than Oman or Yemen. We'll confirm exact timings with your quote.
Do you handle UAE and Saudi import customs from the UK?
Yes. UK export clearance and destination import customs are arranged and managed through trusted partners at both ends. We prepare all documentation before the cargo ships, commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration and HS codes, so your shipment clears at the Gulf port without delays.
Can you bring goods from the Middle East to the UK?
Yes. We work in both directions, so if you're bringing goods into the UK from the UAE, Saudi Arabia or elsewhere in the Gulf, we arrange the full move including UK import customs at Felixstowe or Southampton.
24h turnaround · No obligation
Shipping to or from the Middle East?
Tell us your origin, Gulf destination and what you're sending. We'll come back with a tailored FCL quote within 24 hours on working days.
Already hold a quote from another forwarder? Send us this route and we’ll give you ours to compare.
Related: Container shipping · Customs clearance · All routes