The global pearl jewelry market is projected to grow from USD 11 billion in 2023 to USD 34.16 billion by 2033. Historically, the pearl industry was a cornerstone of the UAE's economy, with pearl divers plunging to depths of up to 20 meters to harvest these precious gems. However, the 20th-century oil boom eventually overshadowed the industry.

In 2022, the United Arab Emirates exported $61.8 billion in precious stones, metals, and pearls, ranking as the 3rd largest exporter in this category globally. That same year, precious stones, metals, and pearls became the 2nd most exported product from the UAE. The primary destinations for these exports were India ($15 billion), Switzerland ($9 billion), Hong Kong ($8.8 billion), Kuwait ($5.07 billion), and Saudi Arabia ($3.77 billion). Specifically, in 2022, the UAE exported $5.28 million in pearls alone, making it the 15th largest pearl exporter worldwide.

This release offers an overview of the logistics of shipping different types of pearls along with a simplified explanation of regulations for the import/export of pearls to/from the UAE

The global container shipping industry has faced its share of challenges recently. Container shipping costs have skyrocketed over the past few months, exacerbating global inflationary pressures. Here are the latest updates on the global container shipping situation. ⬇️

Shipping is both a major cost factor and a customer pain point for e-commerce businesses. We highlight in this release key pricing and logistical strategies for e-shops to balance shipping expenses with buyer experience. ⬇️

According to the UAE tobacco market's latest statistics, in 2022, the United Arab Emirates imported $384M in Raw Tobacco, mainly from China, Zimbabwe, Brazil, India, and Bangladesh. The market in the UAE is projected to grow by 4.81% (2024-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$3.2bn in 2029. Here is an in-depth look at the technical logistical considerations for properly shipping tobacco's easily damaged, high-value products and factors that impact tobacco cargo.

With a range of different battery chemistries used across consumer electronics, electric vehicles, industrial applications, and more, the specific characteristics and hazards of each battery type require tailored handling, packaging, and shipping methods. 

Dangerous goods regulations provide strict rules for certain battery types to mitigate safety risks like fire and environmental contamination during shipment. At the same time, the sensitivity of batteries to damage or temperature fluctuations necessitates careful consideration of climate conditions, routing, and physical handling procedures. 

Battery shipping logistics must take into account weight, labeling and documentation, packed orientation, short circuit and contamination prevention, and more. 

This overview examines key logistical factors for transporting major battery technologies, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, alkaline, and button cell batteries.

Pet food comes in various forms, the most popular ones are dry and wet. Each type requires distinct packaging and logistics considerations when shipped overseas.  Here is a quick overview of key factors to maintain safety, quality, and integrity of dry and wet pet food in transit

The market value of the cocoa beans sector in the UAE is projected to reach USD 17.24 billion  this year, with expectations to grow to USD 23.97 billion by 2029.  More S&M businesses enter the industry with the growing trend towards organic and sustainable cocoa products. The UAE's cocoa bean prices have experienced considerable volatility over the past five years, but a general increase in prices has been noted in recent months. Bulk cocoa beans are imported predominantly from Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana,  which are the largest suppliers. Here is what you need to know before shipping bulk cocoa beans into the UAE.

Nissan has had a long history and strong brand recognition in the UAE market for over 50 years. Models like the Patrol, Sunny, and Maxima have been popular sellers. In 2021, Nissan had over 9% market share in the UAE, ahead of Toyota and others. It sold over 30,000 units, led by Patrol, X-Trail, and Sunny. In recent years, Nissan SUVs like the Patrol have been sales leaders, taking share from Toyota. The Patrol full-size SUV is considered an icon. Here we outline the key features of the Nissan Patrol and logistical tips to move this car overseas without a scratch.

The logistics of shipping auto parts requires specialized expertise in packaging, handling, and cargo securing. Auto parts range from heavy engines to fragile sensors. This article explores the technical best practices of auto part logistics in detail. We review proven methods for safely transporting key components, including the following:

Countries like the UAE and KSA have seen a fascination with exotic animals, which often include big cats like lions and cheetahs, chimpanzees, falcons, and rare parrots and reptiles. However, transporting exotic animals presents complex logistical and regulatory hurdles. In this release, our team provides a quick overview of the legal framework regulating owning and shipping exotic animals in the UAE and KSA, besides the logistical considerations for the transportation process.

Bringing Range Rover cars to the UAE? Below is a quick overview of key logistical considerations and essential tips to keep in mind, no matter the car's model:

✅ The car's value and UAE's top importing countries,

✅ Documents you'll need to present, whether for personal or commercial uses,

✅ Applicable customs duties and value-added tax.

As a warehousing provider, our role in reverse logistics is to manage the flow of returned goods from end consumers back to distributors, manufacturers, or into appropriate disposal channels. Here is how reverse logistics work and best strategies to maximize value recovery and minimize waste. ⬇️

In the previous 24 hours, Dubai witnessed extreme weather conditions that delayed flights and disrupted shipping schedules. So, we asked our team to provide us with a quick lookout at the best logistical protocols they follow at such events!

$35.62 billion is the UAE gold export value in 2023, the country ranks as one of the top 5 gold exporters worldwide. With such valuable cargo, whether it’s bullion, coins, or jewelry, you can't afford any mistakes during international shipping. In logistics, there are essential considerations we keep in mind when shipping gold overseas! 

Here is a comprehensive overview of the precautions and preparations needed to execute an international gold delivery flawlessly.

9.6% is the growth rate of the GCC battery market in the next 8 years. This accompanies a growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, which are extensively utilized in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras, as well as in renewable energy storage systems.

Li-ion batteries, for all their utility, are classified as dangerous goods under ADR Class 9, requiring a sophisticated process of regulatory compliance. Importing such cargo doesn’t only come with potential risks if not handled with informed care; it can also be easily denied entry for not following strict regulatory compliance requirements.

As a seasoned logistics, 3PL, and shipping company in the UAE, our team possesses a deep understanding of the technicalities that govern the safe and lawful transportation of Li-ion battery cargo. Take a quick look at the regulatory requirements for safely transporting Li-ion batteries into the region.

January 1, 2018, was the go-live date of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system in the UAE. For any UAE business involved in import and export activities, VAT adds a new layer of tax obligations and compliance. Although VAT is ultimately paid by the end consumer, businesses serve as intermediaries, collecting the tax and forwarding it to the state via periodic tax filings. Here is how to account for VAT on import transactions ⬇️

With stringent purity standards, shipping Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) overseas poses unique handling challenges.  ULSD contains just 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur, which is like adding a mere 15 drops of water into a large fuel tanker truck that holds 20,000 gallons.  This tiny amount of sulfur in the diesel makes it much cleaner, yet it is susceptible to contamination and stability issues during long voyages.  Our logistics team explains in this blog how we maintain operational precision while handling this type of diesel cargo overseas. ⬇️

The dry bulk shipping industry faces uncertainty in 2024 due to the lingering impacts of, first, the recovery from COVID-19, besides the global decarbonization goals, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the slowdown China’s economy has faced, and finally the current situation in the Middle East. However, overall demand fundamentals remain relatively strong, with dry bulkers remaining in high demand among shipowners, according to Hellenic Shipping News. 

Here is a quick outlook for the dry bulk shipping market in 2024 and implications for domestic growth. ⬇️

Unlike the customary trend, the UAE anticipates a 10 percent reduction in consumer spending this holy month, as reported by Redseer Strategy Consultants. 

Yet, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insights, the majority still hold a positive outlook on the month's potential, particularly in the retail sector.

In light of the latest demand projections for the upcoming weeks, our team has compiled this guide to assist retailers in fine-tuning their inventory during Ramadan.

Structural steel, the skeleton upholding impressive new heights in Emirati construction, now accounts for over 60% of construction projects in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE structural steel fabrication market size was US$ 635 million in 2023. It is estimated at USD 1.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.65 billion by 2029. The majority of the UAE's structural steel comes from India, Spain, and Germany.

What explains structural steel's meteoric rise?