From a desert fishing village to one of the world's top three re‑export centers, Dubai owes its rise to the four‑dimensional synergy of location, policy, infrastructure and business ecosystem, building an irreplicable advantage as a trade transit hub.
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, Dubai is a natural gateway for East‑West trade. It serves a market of 400 million people and a combined GDP of $3 trillion across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It is approximately a 6‑hour flight to Europe, 8 hours to Asia, and has close access to the African interior, making it an ideal transit node for time‑sensitive cargo. The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar (1 USD = 3.6725 AED), ensuring currency stability and reducing cross‑border transaction risks.
Dubai has cultivated an integrated ecosystem of airport, seaport and free zones. Jebel Ali Port is the largest container port in the Middle East, connecting to 150 global destinations. Dubai International Airport is among the world's busiest international aviation hubs, with 24‑hour efficient customs clearance. Port‑airport integration enables seamless cargo transfer, drastically shortening dwell time and meeting the re‑export sector's dual demands for speed and cost efficiency.
The establishment of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in 1985 marked a critical starting point. It offers zero corporate tax, zero customs duties and 100% foreign ownership, attracting more than 9,000 companies from 150 countries. A matrix of 46 free zones, combined with fast customs clearance, free currency convertibility and simplified registration procedures, has significantly lowered re‑export costs and administrative barriers.
Positioned as a neutral trading intermediary, Dubai mitigates risks from regional conflicts and serves as a secure transshipment hub for high‑risk markets. Backed by the GCC, UAE free trade agreements and its CEPA network, 98% of goods enjoy zero or preferential tariffs, covering major global markets. In 2023, its total re‑export trade reached $167.8 billion, accounting for over 40% of total imports, forming a closed re‑export ecosystem integrating warehousing, distribution and processing.
Ontask Express focuses on the Saudi special line, providing customers with efficient and reliable Saudi cargo, with a focus on the Middle East region. With overseas warehouses in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with a self-managed Chinese delivery team, we empower Chinese products to go global and benefit all humanity!