December traditionally marks the beginning of the UAE high season. Favorable weather conditions and warm sea temperatures attract many tourists from Europe and CIS countries seeking Christmas and New Year holidays in the Gulf. As passenger demand rises, airlines increase their flight frequencies using wide-body aircraft, which increases capacity for cargo.
For businesses, Q4 remains the most active period of the year. Companies aim to complete outstanding shipments under cross-border contracts before year-end, meaning logistics networks operate at full utilisation. WELLGO teams are ready to support clients through this peak season, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination smoothly—because the way you close the year often defines the momentum of the next one.
UAE - China
China remains one of the UAE’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 100 billion. Both air and ocean service remain stable, with seasonal volume increases and rate pressure in the final quarter.
Some carriers report slower berthing sequences at Jebel Ali port, driven by early peak-season arrivals, while Abu Dhabi and Sharjah terminals remain fluid.
Air freight into Dubai is currently operating at 3–5 days transit, with stable capacity; however, demand is gradually rising as Q4 re-stocking accelerates. Importers are advised to secure space early as competition increases.
Across broader Asia to Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) lanes:
Some carriers report slower berthing sequences at Jebel Ali port, driven by early peak-season arrivals, while Abu Dhabi and Sharjah terminals remain fluid.
Air freight into Dubai is currently operating at 3–5 days transit, with stable capacity; however, demand is gradually rising as Q4 re-stocking accelerates. Importers are advised to secure space early as competition increases.
Across broader Asia to Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) lanes:
- Middle East ocean rates reached annual highs after Golden Week. Short-term markets remain tight with strong utilisation, while long-term contracts remain steady.
UAE – Europe
Ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Red Sea and Suez Canal remains the primary source of volatility for East–West trades. Carriers still consider the Suez the preferred route for Asia–Europe corridors, but full stability has yet to be achieved.
In the second half of 2025 the security conditions in Suez did improve, followed by a gradual increase in Suez canal vessel traffic, and therefore revenues. Maersk has also announced readiness to resume Red Sea/Suez transits as soon as security conditions allow. The Suez Canal Authority stated that partial Maersk transits would resume from early December, although Maersk has not announced a specific return date.
A full restoration of Suez transits would return significant capacity to global networks and probably reduce rates. However, this effect would be gradual due to expected port congestion once carriers restore their standard rotations on the lane.
In the second half of 2025 the security conditions in Suez did improve, followed by a gradual increase in Suez canal vessel traffic, and therefore revenues. Maersk has also announced readiness to resume Red Sea/Suez transits as soon as security conditions allow. The Suez Canal Authority stated that partial Maersk transits would resume from early December, although Maersk has not announced a specific return date.
A full restoration of Suez transits would return significant capacity to global networks and probably reduce rates. However, this effect would be gradual due to expected port congestion once carriers restore their standard rotations on the lane.
UAE – North America
Supply chains are moving through the final stretch of the holiday peak. Ocean capacity remains generally stable, but inland U.S. networks are under increasing pressure, with parcel carriers handling elevated seasonal volumes.
Demand from India has risen, driven by expectations of a forthcoming U.S.–India tariff agreement. As a result, Maersk has implemented a Peak Season Surcharge effective 21 December for cargo moving from the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa to U.S. East Coast & Gulf.
WELLGO advises Shippers to incorporate these surcharges into December planning, especially for high-volume or time-sensitive cargo.
Demand from India has risen, driven by expectations of a forthcoming U.S.–India tariff agreement. As a result, Maersk has implemented a Peak Season Surcharge effective 21 December for cargo moving from the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa to U.S. East Coast & Gulf.
WELLGO advises Shippers to incorporate these surcharges into December planning, especially for high-volume or time-sensitive cargo.
UAE – Russia
Air Freight capacity is supported by the increased tourist flow. Flight frequencies are increased and many December flights are already fully booked with passengers, boosting cargo capacity for freight on the lane.
Utair and Aeroflot wide-body daily services offer up to 170 tons of weekly commercial cargo capacity, while narrow-body flights support small shipments at competitive rates. There is also a flexible charter program available, operating approximately every two weeks, with the option to arrange dedicated charters upon request.
No significant schedule changes are expected in December, though a slight rate increase on passenger flights is possible during the peak holiday period.
Ocean freight rates on UAE–Russia corridors remain relatively stable. Shippers can generally expect December rate levels similar to October–November, with available options via both Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg. Transit times remain influenced more by inland and customs processes than by the maritime leg.
WELLGO wishes all of our customers and friends a very happy holiday season and our very best wishes for a prosperous new year!
Utair and Aeroflot wide-body daily services offer up to 170 tons of weekly commercial cargo capacity, while narrow-body flights support small shipments at competitive rates. There is also a flexible charter program available, operating approximately every two weeks, with the option to arrange dedicated charters upon request.
No significant schedule changes are expected in December, though a slight rate increase on passenger flights is possible during the peak holiday period.
Ocean freight rates on UAE–Russia corridors remain relatively stable. Shippers can generally expect December rate levels similar to October–November, with available options via both Novorossiysk and St. Petersburg. Transit times remain influenced more by inland and customs processes than by the maritime leg.
WELLGO wishes all of our customers and friends a very happy holiday season and our very best wishes for a prosperous new year!