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Strengthening UAE-Kuwait trade with seamless logistics, efficient freight forwarding, and dependable supply chain solutions.

UAE – Kuwait

Overview

Discover the logistics landscape between UAE and Kuwait, including key airports, seaports, and their capacities to support trade growth.

Airport Details

Major airports in Kuwait supporting cargo operations include:

Kuwait International Airport

Airport Code: KWI

Cargo Handling Capacity: 205 thousand metric tons (in 2022)

Note: Equipped with advanced cargo terminals, customs facilities, and cold chain logistics for perishable goods.

Ali Al Salem Air Base

Airport Code: OKAS

Cargo Handling Capacity: Primarily serves defense logistics but also supports strategic freight forwarding during peak demand periods.

Note: Secure and versatile, with facilities for specialized and sensitive cargo handling.

Sea Port Deatails

Major seaports in Kuwait supporting cargo operations include:

Shuwaikh Port

Location: Kuwait City

Port Code: KWSWK

Number of Berths: 21

Cargo Handling Capacity: 1 million TEUs/year

Note: Well-connected to industrial zones, making it ideal for bulk cargo, container freight, and petrochemical exports.

Shuaiba Port

Location: Arabian Gulf, Persian Gulf in Kuwait

Port Code: KWSAA

Number of Berths: 20

Note: Proximity to oil refineries, offering robust facilities for handling heavy machinery and liquid bulk logistics.

Mina Al Ahmadi Port

Location: Arabian Gulf, Persian Gulf in Kuwait

Port Code: KWMEA

Number of Berths: 19

Cargo Handling Capacity: Approx 40,000,000t of crude and oil products and 1,450 vessels are handled annually

Note: Strategically designed for oil exports, with specialized berths for tankers and robust safety measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main airports and seaports in Kuwait for handling cargo?

Kuwait International Airport and Ali Al Salem Air Base are the primary airports, with cargo capacities focusing on advanced terminal operations and specialized freight. Major seaports include Shuwaikh Port, Shuaiba Port, and Mina Al Ahmadi Port, offering facilities geared towards bulk cargo and petrochemical exports, with strategic locations enhancing connectivity.

What documents are required for importing goods into Kuwait?

Required documents for imports into Kuwait include the Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Import License, Customs Declaration, Insurance Certificate, and Health and Safety Certificates where applicable.

What are the customs duties and taxes for goods entering Kuwait from the UAE?

Kuwait imposes a standard 5% customs duty on most imports, adhering to the GCC unified tariff system, and currently does not implement VAT, though there are discussions about its potential adoption. The UAE typically charges customs duties between 5% and 15% for most goods and applies a 5% VAT along with specific excise taxes on products like tobacco and sugary drinks.

What are the restricted or licensed goods for trade between the UAE and Kuwait?

Restricted or licensed goods include alcohol and alcoholic beverages, pork products, pharmaceuticals, chemical substances, military equipment, religious materials, used vehicles over 5 years old, and tobacco products. Importing these items requires specific licenses or adheres to restrictions based on the nature of the goods.

What are the leading export commodities from Kuwait and the UAE?

Kuwait’s top exports include crude oil and petroleum products, fertilizers, chemicals, fish and seafood, and textiles and fabrics. The UAE’s primary exports are petroleum products, gold and precious metals, aluminum and related products, plastics and polymers, and dates and agricultural products.