United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Overview
The UAE is the largest seafood re-export hub in the Middle East. Jebel Ali Free Zone allows duty-free re-export to GCC, Africa and Central Asia. Strong demand from hotels, restaurants and retail chains. Halal certification is mandatory for the UAE/GCC market.
Thailand exports frozen shrimp, tuna and prepared seafood to UAE for both domestic consumption and re-export across the MENA region via Jebel Ali Free Zone.
Shipping Frozen Seafood from Thailand to United Arab Emirates
We ship reefer containers from Bangkok and Laem Chabang ports in Thailand to all major United Arab Emirates ports. Reefer transit is approximately 12-18 days maintaining -18°C cold chain throughout.
Destination Ports in United Arab Emirates
- ⚓Jebel Ali (Dubai)
- ⚓Khalifa Port
- ⚓Sharjah Port
Reefer Lines Serving United Arab Emirates
MaerskMSCCMA CGMHapag-Lloyd
Seafood Products Preferred in United Arab Emirates
Top Products
- • Frozen shrimp
- • Tuna
- • Squid
- • Tilapia
- • Surimi
Common Packaging
- • Master cartons
- • Retail consumer packs
- • HORECA bulk
Import Requirements for United Arab Emirates
- 📋Halal certificate (mandatory for processed seafood)
- 📋Health Certificate from Thai DOF
- 📋Dubai Municipality / ESMA registration
- 📋Arabic labeling for retail
- 📋Certificate of Origin
FAQ — Seafood Import to United Arab Emirates
What seafood does Kantaphat export to United Arab Emirates?
We export the full range of frozen seafood to United Arab Emirates: vannamei and black tiger shrimp (raw, cooked, peeled, breaded), tuna (skipjack, yellowfin — loins, steaks, canned), squid, octopus, surimi-based products, tilapia and crab. All products are HACCP, BAP and ASC certified where applicable.
How long does shipping seafood from Thailand to United Arab Emirates take?
Ocean transit from Bangkok / Laem Chabang to Jebel Ali (Dubai) is approximately 12-18 days in reefer containers. We ship via Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd. Total lead time from PO to port arrival is typically 25-50 days including production.
Which ports do you ship to in United Arab Emirates?
We ship to all major United Arab Emirates reefer ports: Jebel Ali (Dubai), Khalifa Port, Sharjah Port. Jebel Ali (Dubai) is the most common destination for seafood reefer containers.
What documents are required to import seafood into United Arab Emirates?
Standard import documentation for United Arab Emirates: Halal certificate (mandatory for processed seafood); Health Certificate from Thai DOF; Dubai Municipality / ESMA registration; Arabic labeling for retail; Certificate of Origin. We provide all export-side documentation including health certificates, COA and traceability records.
What is the minimum order for seafood to United Arab Emirates?
Standard MOQ is 1 x 40ft reefer container (~25 MT depending on species and packaging). For LCL we accept from 1 MT for stock items. We can combine multiple SKUs in one container.