Dubai Trade
Dubai Trade is the UAE's state-backed digital trade and logistics platform operated by DP World GCC, providing 700+ integrated e-services spanning customs, free zone licensing, and port operations to freight forwarders, clearing agents, hauliers, and cargo owners across the UAE trade ecosystem.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Dubai Trade does
Dubai Trade is the UAE's premier digital trade and logistics platform, operated by DP World GCC as the digital trade arm of the broader DP World/Government of Dubai ecosystem. It functions as a single-window portal providing 24/7 access to over 700 E-services spanning Dubai Customs (Mirsal 2 declaration system), DP World (Jebel Ali Port operations), Jafza, National Industries Park, Dubai Maritime Authority, Trakhees, Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai Auto Zone, and the Dubai Food District. The platform serves seven distinct user verticals: freight forwarders, hauliers/truckers, free zone companies, clearing agents, airline agents, shipping agents, and cargo owners. Headcount is 51-100, and the entity is classified as a government-linked state-owned platform with no public listing or external venture funding.
The underlying technology is a web-based digital platform with deep back-end integrations into government systems via APIs, including Mirsal 2 customs declarations, free zone licensing platforms, port operations (RFID tag processing, container tracking), and payment gateways (Emirates NBD, e-Dirham, direct debit). Recent technical additions include CargoWaves (an AI-powered module for automated Bill of Lading and Delivery Order processing launched in 2024), UAE Pass digital identity authentication (replacing digital certificate authentication), Digital MAKASA paperless import procedures for GCC trade, and RFID tag payment/installation services. Mobile applications (Dubai Trade App and Jafza App) extend platform access to field operators.
Dubai Trade operates an API-first, self-service go-to-market with no physical distribution channels. Revenue is generated through tiered subscription plans (AED 9,450 per year, AED 945 per month, AED 315 per week, priced per Trade License), transaction-based Dubai Customs registration fees (AED 100 new registration plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee, AED 25 for renewal), e-Deposit and Bank Guarantee managed services, and container/port transaction fees. Quantifiable scale signals include 12.74 million physical visits eliminated, 42.47 million documents saved, and AED 9.34 million in paper/printing costs avoided in H1 2023.
Dubai Trade firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dubai Trade
- Legal name
- Dubai Trade
- Website
- https://dubaitrade.ae
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Dubai Trade is the UAE's state-backed digital trade and logistics platform operated by DP World GCC, providing 700+ integrated e-services spanning customs, free zone licensing, and port operations to freight forwarders, clearing agents, hauliers, and cargo owners across the UAE trade ecosystem.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dubai Trade industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Trade & Logistics Platform
- NAICS
- Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Freight Transportation Arrangement (48851)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital Documentation & Trade Facilitation (eBL, eDO, eManifest, eGate Pass) (TLAHAOAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cargo Security & Regulatory Filing Systems (ACI/AMS/ISF/ENS/ICS2) (TLAEAOAJ), Customs Brokerage Workflow & Case Management Software (TLAEAOAH), Customs Declaration & Filing (Import/Export Entry) Platforms (TLAEAOAA)
Keywords
Where Dubai Trade is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubai
- HQ country
- United Arab Emirates
- HQ region
- Middle East
Markets served
Dubai Trade business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Subscription Fees: Annual, monthly, and weekly subscription plans providing unlimited access to all Dubai Trade E-services. Fee is applicable per Trade License - companies registered with Dubai Trade, DP World, Dubai Customs, Jafza, NIP and DAZ with the same Trade License need only one subscription.
- Dubai Customs Registration Fees: AED 100 per Business Type for new registration plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees. AED 25 for renewal. AED 100 for amendments adding new business type.
- E-Deposit and Bank Guarantee: Pre-paid account types for online payments. Portal Deposit covers service charges and employee insurance. Bank Guarantee covers employment visa deposits for companies not yet eligible for Insurance Protection Program.
- Container and Port Services: Various port-related charges including container cleaning fees, RFID tag payments, and other cargo handling services processed through the platform
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Subscription - AED 9,450/year (Best Value - Save 42%) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Monthly Subscription - AED 945/month (Save 25%) |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Weekly Subscription - AED 315/week |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Dubai Customs New Business Registration - AED 100 + AED 20 |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Dubai Customs Business Code Renewal - AED 25 |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Dubai Customs Registration Amendment - Free or AED 100 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Dubai Trade product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dubai Trade operates a unified digital trade and logistics platform that provides 24/7 self-service access to over 700 E-services from key UAE trade authorities (Dubai Customs, DP World, Jafza, National Industries Park, Dubai Maritime Authority, Trakhees, Dubai Auto Zone). The platform enables freight forwarders, hauliers, clearing agents, airline agents, shipping agents, free zone companies, and cargo owners to execute customs declarations (Mirsal 2), port operations, free zone licensing, visa services, lease management, and trade payments without physical visits. It also offers the CargoWaves AI platform for cargo processing, Trade+ for delivery order management, Smart Pay for port charges, and professional certification programs (CCE, CTLP).
Product overview
Dubai Trade is a unified digital trade and logistics platform serving as a single window for over 700 E-services from key UAE government trade entities. The platform operates a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the Dubai Trade Platform core, with distinct service modules including Freight Forwarder, Haulier, Clearing Agent, Airline Agent, Shipping Agent, and Cargo Owner services. The ecosystem includes CargoWaves (AI-powered cargo management), Trade+ (delivery order and payment services), Dubai Customs Mirsal 2 integration, DP World port services, and Jafza free zone services. Additional offerings encompass mobile applications (Dubai Trade App, Jafza App), professional training programs (CCE, CTLP), and integrations with Emirates SkyCargo and Dnata. The platform delivers paperless transactions with 24/7 availability for trade and logistics operations across Dubai.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CargoWaves: AI-powered cargo management platform mentioned in news announcements for moving cargo with greater efficiency.
- Jafza App
Products and services
- Dubai Trade Platform UAE's premier digital trade and logistics subscription platform providing 24/7 self-service access to 700+ E-services from Dubai Customs, DP World, Jafza, NIP, DMA, Trakhees, DAZ, and other UAE trade entities. Subscription-based access for businesses across freight forwarding, haulage, customs clearing, free zone operations, air cargo, shipping, and cargo ownership.
- CargoWaves AI Platform AI-powered cargo management platform that automates trade document processing including Bills of Lading and Delivery Orders through automated data extraction and validation, enabling faster and more efficient cargo operations for trade and logistics businesses.
- Dubai Trade Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling businesses and trade professionals to access Dubai Trade E-services, receive notifications, view transactions, and manage trade operations on-the-go with 24/7 connectivity.
- Jafza App Mobile application for Jafza (Jebel Ali Free Zone) customers to access free zone services, lease and license information, visa updates, and stay connected 24/7.
- Smart Pay Digital payment service enabling businesses to pay DP World port charges, cargo handling fees, and other port-related invoices online with instant confirmations and downloadable receipts.
- Certified Customs Expert (CCE) Professional certification program delivered through Dubai Trade training for customs expertise, targeting clearing agents, customs brokers, and trade compliance professionals operating in the UAE.
- Certified Trade & Logistics Professional (CTLP) Professional certification program for trade and logistics professionals, validating competency in cross-border trade processes, customs, and supply chain operations in the UAE context.
- eServices Training Training programs for businesses and individuals to learn Dubai Trade e-services and platform navigation, enabling faster onboarding and self-sufficiency for subscribers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 12.74 million physical visits eliminated in H1 2023
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Dubai Trade
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Dubai Trade technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
Dubai Trade partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Emirates NBDminorCo-branded Emirates NBD DP World Corporate Credit Card promoted on Dubai Trade platform. Card helps businesses set things in motion with broadened horizons for corporate expenses.
- Jafza (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority)coreDeep integration providing automated registration for Jafza-licensed companies. Platform enables access to Jafza services including lease management, visa services, and facility management.
- Dubai CustomscorePrimary technology integration through Mirsal 2 system. Platform enables all Dubai Customs registration, declarations, and clearance transactions. Continuous system enhancements including UAE Pass authentication and Digital MAKASA.
- DP WorldcoreDubai Trade is the digital trade arm of DP World GCC. Platform provides integrated services for Jebel Ali Port operations, cargo handling, vessel information, and DP World registration.
- National Industries Park (NIP)coreIntegration with NIP for free zone company registration and services. Companies with NIP licenses automatically registered with Dubai Trade.
- Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA)corePlatform integration providing DMA services including tariff filing, vessel permits, marine craft licensing, and maritime NOCs.
- TrakheescoreIntegration with Trakhees (Dubai World) providing unified digital permits for infrastructure, trading, building, and marine activities.
- Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ)coreIntegration with DAZ for automotive zone company registration and services including EZVoucher payment system.
- UAE PasscoreDigital identity authentication integration enabling secure login and declaration submission without digital certificates. Supports Advanced (SOP2) and Qualified (SOP3) account levels.
Scale indicators7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Dubai Trade competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Maersk Trade & Tariff: Maersk offers integrated ocean logistics, customs house brokerage, and trade digitization capabilities as part of its global end-to-end container shipping platform. It competes indirectly with Dubai Trade's freight forwarder and customs clearance modules via carrier-aligned offerings rather than a sovereign single window.
- E2open: E2open provides a global supply chain operating network with trade compliance, customs filing, and logistics orchestration capabilities. It is comparable to Dubai Trade as a broader trade compliance and orchestration platform serving multinational shippers, though it is a commercial SaaS rather than a government-aligned single window.
- Descartes Visual Compliance: Descartes Visual Compliance offers export controls, sanctions screening, and trade compliance tools used by global brokers and importers. It overlaps with the sanctions and regulatory compliance aspects of Dubai Trade's customs offering, though as part of Descartes' broader logistics technology portfolio.
Regional players
- Portbase: Portbase is the Dutch port community system connecting shippers, terminals, customs, and government bodies at the Port of Rotterdam. Like Dubai Trade, it functions as a single-window digital platform integrating customs declarations, vessel info, and container tracking — but operates in the Netherlands rather than the Middle East.
- PortNet (Morocco): PortNet is Morocco's national single-window for trade and port operations, integrating customs, port authorities, and government agencies. It is structurally analogous to Dubai Trade as a sovereign-backed trade community system, but focused on Moroccan ports.
Emerging players
- WebCargo by Freightos: WebCargo (owned by Freightos) digitizes air cargo bookings, e-AWB, and customs-related documentation. It is comparable to Dubai Trade's airline agent and air cargo service modules, though it operates primarily as a marketplace rather than a government single window.
- iCustoms: iCustoms provides AI-driven customs declaration and trade compliance software for EU and global markets. It overlaps with Dubai Trade's Mirsal 2 customs declaration and compliance workflow capabilities, but is a private SaaS vendor rather than a government-linked platform.
- TradeWindow: TradeWindow provides digital trade documentation and single-window connectivity for exporters, ports, and customs agencies, particularly in Asia-Pacific. It is comparable to Dubai Trade as an emerging single-window / paperless trade platform with similar integration and customs digitization goals.
Direct peers
- Descartes Datamyne: Descartes provides global trade content, customs filing, and regulatory compliance software used by brokers and importers. It overlaps with Dubai Trade's customs declaration, trade compliance, and single-window capabilities for cross-border trade documentation.
- CargoSmart: CargoSmart operates a leading digital platform for ocean shipping visibility, EDI, and customs/port documentation. It is comparable to Dubai Trade as a technology layer connecting shippers, carriers, ports, and customs authorities — though it is carrier-aligned rather than government-aligned.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Dubai Trade social profiles
Digital presenceDubai Trade financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dubai Trade leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Dubai Trade funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dubai Trade M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Dubai Trade
What does Dubai Trade do?
Dubai Trade operates a unified digital trade and logistics platform that provides 24/7 self-service access to over 700 E-services from key UAE trade authorities (Dubai Customs, DP World, Jafza, National Industries Park, Dubai Maritime Authority, Trakhees, Dubai Auto Zone). The platform enables freight forwarders, hauliers, clearing agents, airline agents, shipping agents, free zone companies, and cargo owners to execute customs declarations (Mirsal 2), port operations, free zone licensing, visa services, lease management, and trade payments without physical visits. It also offers the CargoWaves AI platform for cargo processing, Trade+ for delivery order management, Smart Pay for port charges, and professional certification programs (CCE, CTLP).
Is Dubai Trade a public or private company?
Dubai Trade is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Dubai Trade founded?
Dubai Trade was founded in -1. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Dubai Trade based?
Dubai Trade is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.
How does Dubai Trade make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Subscription Fees are the primary driver. The others are dubai Customs Registration Fees, E-Deposit and Bank Guarantee and container and Port Services.
Who are Dubai Trade's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Maersk Trade & Tariff, E2open and Descartes Visual Compliance. Regional players are Portbase and PortNet (Morocco). Emerging players are WebCargo by Freightos, iCustoms and TradeWindow. Direct peers are Descartes Datamyne and CargoSmart.
Does Dubai Trade have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dubai Trade.
What industry is Dubai Trade in?
Dubai Trade's product category is Trade & Logistics Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAHAOAF, Digital Documentation & Trade Facilitation (eBL, eDO, eManifest, eGate Pass), with a secondary code of TLAEAOAJ, Cargo Security & Regulatory Filing Systems (ACI/AMS/ISF/ENS/ICS2). Its NAICS code is 488510 and its SIC code is 4731.