Update on the UAE logistics market December 2025

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:

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.

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.

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!