Shipping Services Between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The trade relationship between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates continues to grow steadily, driven by strategic investments and expanding trade across key sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and logistics. With the UAE acting as a global logistics and re-export hub, and Kenya serving as East Africa’s economic gateway, smooth and reliable shipping is essential for sustained bilateral growth.

Wakah Logistics plays a critical role in this corridor, offering end-to-end logistics solutions for businesses, exporters, and importers. Whether you are a Kenyan farmer exporting avocados to Dubai or a UAE supplier delivering electronics to Nairobi, Wakah ensures fast, compliant, and cost-effective cross-border shipping.

Kenya and UAE Trade Overview

Trade between Kenya and the UAE has grown significantly in recent years, with the UAE ranking among Kenya’s top export destinations. Annual trade between the two countries now exceeds KES 100 billion. Kenya exports tea, coffee, cut flowers, fresh produce, apparel, and macadamia nuts to the UAE. On the other hand, Kenya imports electronics, cosmetics, petroleum products, perfumes, and construction materials from the Emirates.

New trade sectors are also emerging, including halal-certified products, processed food, e-commerce goods, and construction materials. The UAE, particularly Dubai, functions as a re-export gateway for goods moving between Asia, Europe, and Africa making it an essential logistics link for East Africa.

Exporting from Kenya to the UAE

Wakah Logistics offers comprehensive export services from Kenya to the UAE. Our process begins with collecting your goods from anywhere in Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Nakuru. We then handle packaging, documentation, and customs clearance before booking your shipment by air or sea. Upon arrival in the UAE, we arrange for final-mile delivery across Emirates such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman.

Air freight is recommended for time-sensitive or perishable goods, with delivery times ranging from 2 to 5 days. Sea freight is ideal for bulky cargo, with transit times from Mombasa to Dubai typically between 21 to 30 days. We support door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port delivery options.

For example, a Kenyan horticulture company shipping fresh roses to Dubai can count on Wakah to arrange temperature-controlled collection, repackaging, air freight booking, customs clearance, and delivery to a Dubai distributor all within 72 hours.

Importing from the UAE to Kenya

Importing goods from the UAE is fast and secure with Wakah Logistics. We assist with supplier coordination, packaging checks, and freight booking directly from cities like Dubai and Sharjah. Once cargo arrives in Kenya, we handle customs clearance through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), including the processing of Import Declaration Forms, tax assessments, and cargo release.

Popular imports from the UAE include smartphones, laptops, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion accessories, kitchenware, and automotive parts. After clearance, Wakah delivers goods directly to your address in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or any other location in Kenya.

Wakah Logistics Services for Kenya and UAE Shipping

Wakah Logistics offers an all-in-one logistics ecosystem that supports exporters, importers, e-commerce traders, and individuals shipping between Kenya and the UAE. Our services include scheduled pickups, cargo consolidation, assisted shopping, supplier sourcing, warehousing, and compliance management.

We also handle cold chain cargo such as flowers, meat, seafood, and vaccines. Our cold storage facilities in Nairobi and Dubai ensure temperature-sensitive goods arrive fresh and intact. For clients shipping dangerous goods like batteries or chemicals, we provide certified handling that complies with IATA and IMDG standards.

With experienced agents on the ground in both Kenya and the UAE, Wakah offers end-to-end visibility and real-time shipment tracking throughout the logistics journey.

Freight Options and Pricing

Wakah offers both air and sea freight services. Air freight is faster and suited for high-value or urgent cargo. Sea freight is ideal for large volumes and offers a more economical solution. Charges are calculated based on actual weight or volumetric weight, depending on the shipping mode.

Sea freight options include Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL), with consolidation services available for small shipments. Additional charges may apply for fuel surcharges, DG handling, warehousing, or document processing. Our team provides clear, itemized quotations upon request.

Customs Compliance and Regulatory Support

Wakah ensures full compliance with the export and import regulations of both Kenya and the UAE. In Kenya, we help clients secure KEBS certifications, export licenses, and proper HS code classifications. We also assist with phytosanitary certificates and certificates of origin where applicable.

In the UAE, we handle customs documentation, labeling compliance, and halal certifications for food items. We also guide clients on restricted items, banned goods, and packaging requirements to avoid penalties or shipment delays.

UAE customs authorities maintain strict inspection standards at Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Airport, making it essential to have a logistics partner like Wakah to ensure accurate and complete documentation.

Why Choose Wakah Logistics?

Wakah Logistics is a trusted partner for Kenya–UAE trade. We operate with a local presence in both Nairobi and Dubai and have multilingual teams fluent in English, Arabic, and Swahili for seamless coordination. Our clients enjoy flexible freight schedules, real-time tracking, personalized logistics plans, and unmatched customer support.

We support SMEs entering the international market as well as large-scale commercial exporters and importers. Our transparent pricing and experienced team make us the preferred choice for cross-border logistics in the Kenya–UAE corridor.

How to Get Started

Starting your logistics journey with Wakah is easy. Reach out to us via WhatsApp or phone at +254 769 863108, email us at info@wakahlogistics.com, or visit www.wakahlogistics.com. New clients can request a quote by providing basic details like cargo type, weight, destination, and timelines.

Our team responds within hours and offers full onboarding support. This includes a checklist of required documents, customs guidance, and cost-saving recommendations. We also offer assisted shopping services for clients buying from Dubai-based online platforms or wholesalers.

Let’s Move Your Cargo Across Borders

As Kenya and UAE trade continues to flourish, Wakah Logistics is your bridge to success. Whether you’re exporting agricultural produce or importing high-value electronics, our logistics network ensures your goods arrive safely, affordably, and on time.

Ready to ship? Contact us today for a free consultation or quote and let’s simplify your logistics together.