Complete List of UAE Customs Ports & Codes (2026 Reference)
Introduction
When preparing customs declarations, you need the correct port codes for both origin and destination. Using the wrong port code can cause declaration rejections and clearance delays.
This reference guide lists all UAE customs ports, their official codes, locations, and what they specialize in. Bookmark this page for quick reference when preparing declarations.
**Why Port Codes Matter:**
- Required in customs declarations
- Determines which customs office processes your shipment
- Affects inspection procedures
- Impacts transit times and costs
Dubai Ports
**Jebel Ali Port (AEJEA)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEJEA
- Location: 25.0074°N, 55.0274°E
- Type: Sea port
- Operator: DP World
- Specialization: Container terminals, general cargo, Ro-Ro
- Capacity: 19+ million TEU annually
- Notes: Largest port in the Middle East, primary commercial port
**Port Rashid (AEDXB)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEDXB
- Location: 25.2671°N, 55.2750°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: Cruise terminal, limited cargo
- Notes: Mostly converted to cruise/tourism, limited cargo operations
**Dubai International Airport (AEDXB)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEDXB (air)
- IATA: DXB
- Location: 25.2528°N, 55.3644°E
- Type: Airport
- Specialization: Air cargo, passenger
- Cargo village: Dubai Cargo Village
- Notes: One of world's busiest airports for cargo
**Dubai World Central / Al Maktoum (AEDWC)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEDWC
- IATA: DWC
- Location: 24.8964°N, 55.1714°E
- Type: Airport
- Specialization: Air cargo, growing passenger operations
- Notes: Near Jebel Ali Free Zone
Abu Dhabi Ports
**Khalifa Port (AEKHL)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEKHL
- Location: 24.8134°N, 54.6465°E
- Type: Sea port
- Operator: Abu Dhabi Ports
- Specialization: Container terminal, semi-automated
- Notes: UAE's newest major port, KIZAD free zone adjacent
**Zayed Port / Mina Zayed (AEAUH)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEAUH
- Location: 24.5192°N, 54.3773°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: General cargo, livestock, cruise
- Notes: Being redeveloped, some operations moved to Khalifa
**Musaffah Port (AEMUS)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEMUS
- Location: 24.3539°N, 54.4983°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: Industrial cargo, construction materials
- Notes: Close to ICAD industrial area
**Abu Dhabi Airport (AEAUH)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEAUH (air)
- IATA: AUH
- Type: Airport
- Specialization: Air cargo, passenger
- Notes: Growing cargo hub
Sharjah Ports
**Port Khalid (AESHJ)**
- UN/LOCODE: AESHJ
- Location: 25.3500°N, 55.4000°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: Container, general cargo
- Notes: Main commercial port for Sharjah
**Hamriyah Port (AEHAM)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEHAM
- Location: 25.4636°N, 55.5275°E
- Type: Sea port / Free zone
- Specialization: Oil & gas, heavy cargo, free zone
- Notes: Large free zone with port facilities
**Sharjah Airport (AESHJ)**
- UN/LOCODE: AESHJ (air)
- IATA: SHJ
- Type: Airport
- Specialization: Cargo-focused, courier hubs
- Notes: Home to several cargo airlines
Other Emirates Ports
**Ajman Port (AEAJM)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEAJM
- Location: 25.4052°N, 55.4356°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: General cargo, regional trade
- Notes: Smaller port, serves local industry
**Umm Al Quwain Port (AEUAQ)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEUAQ
- Location: 25.5667°N, 55.5500°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: General cargo, fishing
- Notes: Limited commercial operations
**Ras Al Khaimah Port (AERAK)**
- UN/LOCODE: AERAK
- Location: 25.7986°N, 55.9439°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: General cargo, bulk
- Notes: Serves RAK free zones and industrial area
**Fujairah Port (AEFJR)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEFJR
- Location: 25.1164°N, 56.3350°E
- Type: Sea port
- Specialization: Oil/bunkering, containers
- Notes: Only UAE port on Indian Ocean side, major bunkering hub
**Khor Fakkan Port (AEKFN)**
- UN/LOCODE: AEKFN
- Location: 25.3333°N, 56.3500°E
- Type: Sea port (Sharjah enclave)
- Specialization: Container transshipment
- Notes: Direct access to Indian Ocean, no Strait of Hormuz transit
Port Code Quick Reference Table
**Sea Ports:**
| Port Name | UN/LOCODE | Emirate |
|-----------|-----------|---------|
| Jebel Ali | AEJEA | Dubai |
| Port Rashid | AEDXB | Dubai |
| Khalifa Port | AEKHL | Abu Dhabi |
| Zayed Port | AEAUH | Abu Dhabi |
| Musaffah | AEMUS | Abu Dhabi |
| Port Khalid | AESHJ | Sharjah |
| Hamriyah | AEHAM | Sharjah |
| Ajman Port | AEAJM | Ajman |
| RAK Port | AERAK | Ras Al Khaimah |
| Fujairah | AEFJR | Fujairah |
| Khor Fakkan | AEKFN | Sharjah |
**Airports:**
| Airport | IATA | UN/LOCODE | Emirate |
|---------|------|-----------|---------|
| Dubai International | DXB | AEDXB | Dubai |
| Al Maktoum (DWC) | DWC | AEDWC | Dubai |
| Abu Dhabi | AUH | AEAUH | Abu Dhabi |
| Sharjah | SHJ | AESHJ | Sharjah |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RKT | AERKT | RAK |
Choosing the Right Port
**Jebel Ali (AEJEA) - Best For:**
- Most commercial imports
- Container cargo
- Re-export business
- Connection to JAFZA free zone
**Khalifa Port (AEKHL) - Best For:**
- Abu Dhabi destined cargo
- KIZAD free zone imports
- Growing alternative to Jebel Ali
**Sharjah Ports - Best For:**
- Northern emirates destinations
- Cost-sensitive shipments
- Hamriyah free zone imports
**Fujairah (AEFJR) - Best For:**
- Avoiding Strait of Hormuz transit
- Direct Indian Ocean access
- Oil/energy sector
**Air Cargo - Use When:**
- Time-critical shipments
- High-value, low-weight goods
- Perishable products
- Electronics and technology
Using Port Codes in Declarations
**Where Port Codes Are Required:**
- Port of loading (origin)
- Port of discharge (destination)
- Port of entry into UAE
- Final destination port/customs office
**Format in Dubai Trade:**
- Use UN/LOCODE format (5 characters)
- Include country prefix (AE)
- Example: AEJEA (not JEA or Jebel Ali)
**Common Mistakes:**
- Using city code instead of port code
- Mixing up similar codes (AEDXB for airport vs port)
- Using outdated codes
**Tip:** The [Flat File Converter](/convert) validates port codes automatically.
Free Zones Associated with Ports
**Dubai:**
- JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) - Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port
- DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) - At DXB Airport
- Dubai South Free Zone - Near DWC Airport
**Abu Dhabi:**
- KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone) - Near Khalifa Port
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
**Sharjah:**
- Hamriyah Free Zone - At Hamriyah Port
- SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone)
**Ras Al Khaimah:**
- RAK Free Trade Zone
- RAK Maritime City
**Fujairah:**
- Fujairah Free Zone
**Free Zone Import Benefit:**
When importing to a free zone, goods enter the zone duty-free. Duties apply only when goods move to mainland UAE.
Conclusion
Having the correct port codes is essential for smooth customs declarations. Keep this reference handy when preparing your import/export documentation.
**Key Points:**
- Jebel Ali (AEJEA) handles most UAE container traffic
- Always use UN/LOCODE format (5 characters with AE prefix)
- Port choice affects costs, timing, and procedures
- Free zones are often located adjacent to major ports
**Quick Reference:**
- Jebel Ali: AEJEA
- Dubai Airport: AEDXB
- Khalifa Port: AEKHL
- Sharjah Port: AESHJ
**Tools:**
- [UAE Ports Map](/ports-map) - Visual port locations
- [Flat File Converter](/convert) - Validates port codes
- [Duty Calculator](/calculator) - Estimate costs by port
Ready to Get Started?
Find UAE customs ports and their locations.
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