Dubai Logistics Company: Sea + Air Freight Hub in 28 Days
A 3PL logistics provider from Singapore wanted a Dubai operations hub for GCC distribution — JAFZA sea + DAFZA air, dual-port access, customs warehouse codes. Built in 28 days with 4 visas.
Singapore 3PL Provider Expanding to GCC
A third-party logistics provider founded in Singapore 2018, USD 8M annual revenue, serving e-commerce and pharmaceutical companies with warehousing + fulfillment + cross-border shipping across SE Asia. GCC clients (5 brands) were growing — needed Dubai presence for: faster lead times, AED invoicing, and 3-day GCC delivery.
Client required dual-port access: sea via Jebel Ali Port (JAFZA) for cost-efficient containers + air via Dubai Airport (DAFZA) for time-critical pharma. Standard single-zone setup wouldn't work.
Dual-Port Operations + Customs Complexity
Dubai's Free Zone setup is single-zone — companies typically choose JAFZA OR DAFZA, not both. Client needed unified operations across both ports. Plus customs warehouse codes for each, parallel bank account setup, and 4 visa quotas split across operations + sales staff.
- Need dual JAFZA + DAFZA presence
- Customs warehouse codes both ports
- AED 1M+ inventory financing facility needed
- 4 visas for international ops staff
What We Recommended — and Why
Jurisdiction: JAFZA primary + DAFZA branch
JAFZA primary entity for sea freight + 300m² warehouse. DAFZA branch under same parent for air-cargo and pharma cold chain. Single legal entity, dual physical ops.
JAFZA full guideLicense: General Trading + Logistics activities
JAFZA General Trading FZE with Logistics Services + 3PL activities. Branch license at DAFZA for air-cargo operations.
FZ Company FormationVisas: 1 Investor + 3 Employees
Founder Investor Visa + 3 staff (Operations Manager Singaporean, Warehouse Lead Indian, Sales Lead Pakistani). Phased rollout.
UAE Investor VisaBanking: HSBC Trade Finance
HSBC chosen for inventory financing facility (USD 1M revolving). USD/AED/SGD multi-currency. Trade finance integrated with shipment LCs.
Corporate Bank AccountFrom First Call to Fully Operational
- Day 0 Discovery + Singapore parent verification
- Day 1-5 JAFZA + DAFZA dual application filed
- Day 12 JAFZA license + warehouse lease signed
- Day 15-22 DAFZA branch + customs codes both zones
- Day 23-26 HSBC trade finance compliance review
- Day 28 First container received at JAFZA warehouse
What the Client Received
Deliverables
- JAFZA General Trading FZE + 300m² warehouse
- DAFZA branch with air-cargo license
- Customs codes at both ports
- 4 UAE residency visas (1 inv + 3 employees)
- HSBC multi-currency + USD 1M trade facility
- VAT registration complete
Dual-zone setup was the unlock for us — most logistics consultants told us pick one. Insight structured single legal entity with operations at both zones. HSBC trade finance was a 3-week compliance review but we had USD 1M revolving facility from day one.
— C. T. — Singapore 3PL Founder (NDA)
Frequently Asked Questions
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