How Package Forwarding from Dubai Works
A plain-language explanation of how a Dubai forwarding address works — from shopping online and receiving packages in the UAE to consolidation and international shipping.
Package forwarding from Dubai gives international shoppers a UAE delivery address they can use when shopping online. Your purchases are delivered to that address first and then forwarded internationally to your destination.
The idea is simple: instead of asking every online store to ship directly to your country, you receive your purchases at one UAE address and arrange international shipping from there.
How package forwarding from Dubai works
1. You get a UAE delivery address
After creating an account with a package forwarding service, you receive a warehouse delivery address in the UAE. Your account or customer details allow incoming packages to be matched to you when they arrive.
2. You shop online using your Dubai address
When shopping at an eligible UAE online store, you enter your forwarding address as the delivery address at checkout. The retailer then sends the order to the UAE warehouse as a domestic delivery.
3. Your package arrives at the warehouse
Once the parcel arrives, the forwarding service records it. Depending on the service, you may receive details such as package photos, weight and dimensions before arranging international shipping.
4. You decide what to ship
You can arrange shipment of an eligible package or wait for additional online orders to arrive. If you have several eligible packages, consolidation may allow them to be combined before international shipping.
5. You receive international shipping options
The shipping price can depend on the destination, carrier and the package's actual or volumetric weight. Once the available option is selected and paid for, the package can be dispatched internationally.
Shopping from outside the UAE?
Get your CBC Dubai address and send eligible UAE purchases to one place before international forwarding.
Get My UAE Address →What is a UAE package forwarding address?
A UAE package forwarding address is a delivery address used to receive online purchases on your behalf before they are shipped to another country.
This is particularly useful when an online retailer delivers within the UAE but does not offer direct international delivery to your destination.
Why use package forwarding from Dubai?
- Access UAE online stores that may not ship directly to your country.
- Shop products or brands that may be difficult to find locally.
- Receive purchases from several online stores at one UAE address.
- Consolidate eligible packages before international shipping.
- Review package information before arranging onward delivery.
How package consolidation works
If you buy from several stores, your purchases may arrive at the warehouse as separate parcels. Eligible packages can sometimes be consolidated before international shipping.
Consolidation can make multiple purchases easier to manage, but it does not automatically guarantee a lower shipping price. Final cost still depends on factors such as actual weight, volumetric weight, destination and carrier pricing.
Learn how CBC package consolidation works →
How is international shipping cost calculated?
International shipping is not determined only by the number of items in your package. Carriers may compare the package's actual weight with its volumetric weight, which reflects how much space the parcel takes up during transport.
This means a large but lightweight box can sometimes be charged at a higher weight than the number shown on a scale.
Learn about actual vs volumetric weight →
Where can packages be forwarded?
Available destinations depend on the forwarding service and carrier network. CBC focuses on forwarding eligible purchases from the UAE to supported destinations across Africa.
See CBC shipping destinations →
What package forwarding does not do
Package forwarding does not remove customs requirements. The destination country's customs authority may apply import rules, duties or taxes depending on the shipment.
It also does not mean every product can be shipped internationally. Batteries, liquids and other regulated or restricted products may require special handling or may not be accepted by particular carriers or destinations.
Ready to get your UAE delivery address?
Create your CBC account and get your Dubai delivery address for eligible online purchases. Once your packages arrive, you can review them and arrange international forwarding.
Get a real quote based on your package's actual weight and dimensions.
Calculate Shipping →