Shipments from Dubai are currently being routed in three main ways: directly through Jebel Ali where sailings allow, through the UAE's east-coast ports of Khorfakkan and Fujairah with a road transfer, or through Omani ports such as Sohar and Salalah with overland transport and onward shipping. The route depends on the shipping line, available capacity, the destination and port conditions on the day. ISS Relocations, a Dubai-based, FIDI-accredited international mover, explains each option below so customers know what to expect and what to ask before booking.

How are shipments from Dubai being routed right now?

Regional maritime disruption has changed how containers reach and leave Gulf ports. According to Gulf News reporting on the UAE National Association of Freight and Logistics, some containers still arrive directly at their planned ports, while others are discharged at intermediate ports and continue by sea or road. Shipping lines can also unload cargo at the nearest suitable port when a planned route is disrupted. For anyone moving from the UAE with ISS Relocations or any other mover, this means a shipment may travel by road to a different port than before, then continue by sea to its final destination.

What are the main routing options for a shipment from Dubai?

Why are Khorfakkan and Fujairah being used?

Khorfakkan and Fujairah are on the UAE's east coast. Gulf News reports that some cargo has been arriving at both ports as part of how shipments continue to move despite disruption. For outbound moves, using an east-coast port means the container is trucked across the country, then loaded onto a vessel there. The UAE freight association has said the country's ports, roads and logistics infrastructure allow cargo to be redirected through several gateways instead of relying on one route. A mover such as ISS Relocations can explain which gateway is planned for your shipment and why.

Why are Sohar and Salalah in Oman part of the picture?

Gulf News reports that some shipments have been unloaded at Omani ports, including Sohar and Salalah, before travelling overland towards UAE destinations such as Jebel Ali. For outbound shipments, some relocation providers have described using Sohar as a road-and-sea corridor, with the container trucked to Oman and shipped onward. Because the container crosses a border and may change vessels, customs clearance, trucking and handling can add to the cost and the timeline.

What does road transfer mean for my shipment?

A road transfer means your container is trucked from the packing or loading point in Dubai to another port, instead of sailing from Jebel Ali. In practice this adds:

• Transport cost: the UAE freight association says land transport costs have risen significantly.
• Handling and customs steps: especially if the route crosses into Oman.
• Scheduling dependencies: the truck, port slot and vessel all need to line up.

How does rerouting affect transit time and cost?

Rerouting can lengthen transit time because the shipment has extra legs and may wait for space on a later vessel. Gulf News reports that some sailings have run out of space, some have been cancelled, and bookings have been moved to later vessels on certain routes. It also reports that costs can differ widely between ports, shipping lines and routes. Some regional providers have also reported tighter port acceptance windows and congestion at alternative ports, but these conditions vary by carrier and date, so treat them as examples, not guarantees. ISS Relocations recommends asking for a written estimate for your specific route and destination. [ISS TO CONFIRM: current typical added transit time, if ISS wants to state one.]

What should you ask your mover about routing?

Before booking with ISS Relocations or any international mover, ask:

1. Which port and route will my shipment use, and what is the backup plan?
2. Is the road transfer included in the quote, or charged separately?
3. Where will my container be loaded, at my home or at the mover's facility?
4. What happens if my sailing is delayed, rolled or cancelled, and who pays for storage?
5. How long is my quote valid, and which surcharges could change?
6. How will I be updated on each milestone?

How can you prepare for a route change?

• Allow extra time between your target departure date and your planned arrival.
• Have your documents ready early, including passport, Emirates ID or visa cancellation proof, and an itemised packing list.
• Plan for storage in case your sailing is rescheduled or your new home is not ready. ISS Relocations offers storage solutions that can be combined with an international move.
• Check transit insurance for delays, port changes and onward transport.
• Keep essentials with you, such as clothes and documents, in case the shipment arrives later than expected.

How is ISS Relocations routing shipments from Dubai?

ISS Relocations is a Dubai-based international relocation company, FIDI-accredited and certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, with offices across the GCC and South Asia. The team provides packing, shipping, customs support and storage under one coordinated process and customers can request a written quote that explains the planned route, any transfer steps and every charge.

Why plan your move from Dubai with ISS Relocations?

• FIDI accreditation: independently audited against international standards for quality, service and financial stability.
• ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification: recognised standards for quality and environmental management.
• Regional network: offices across the GCC and South Asia.
• End-to-end service: packing, freight, customs and storage handled by one team.

Planning a move from Dubai? Contact ISS Relocations for a survey and a written quote that explains the route, the transfer steps and every charge, so you know exactly how your shipment will travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are shipments from Dubai being routed now?

Shipments are being routed directly through Jebel Ali where sailings allow, through Khorfakkan or Fujairah on the UAE east coast with a road transfer, or through Omani ports such as Sohar and Salalah with overland transport and onward shipping. ISS Relocations can confirm the current route for your destination when you request a quote.

Why are shipments going through Khorfakkan and Fujairah?

Disruption to regional shipping routes has led some cargo to use the UAE's east-coast ports, with trucking between Dubai and those ports. The freight association says the UAE can redirect cargo through several gateways.

Why are some shipments using Sohar and Salalah in Oman?

When planned routes are disrupted, some cargo is discharged or loaded at Omani ports and moved overland or by feeder vessels. This adds customs, road transport and handling steps.

Does a road transfer cost extra?

Often yes. Road transport, fuel and handling can add to the total cost, and the UAE freight association says land transport costs have risen significantly. Ask your mover, including ISS Relocations, whether the transfer is included in the quote.

Will rerouting delay my shipment?

It can. Extra legs, limited vessel space, rolled bookings and cancelled sailings can lengthen transit time. ISS Relocations can give an estimate for your specific route.

Can I choose which port my shipment uses?

Usually the mover chooses based on shipping line space, route availability and timing. Ask which route is planned and what the backup option is.

Does ISS Relocations offer storage if my shipment is delayed?

Yes. ISS Relocations offers storage solutions that can be combined with an international move to cover rescheduled sailings or gaps between homes.

What should I ask before booking an international move from Dubai?

Ask which route will be used, whether road transfers are included, how delays are handled, how long the quote is valid and what the insurance covers.