Request a Callback
+971 43801666
Nov 03, 2025
If you are an aspiring logistics professional who is looking to get guidance on how to become a certified shipping and freight forwarding professional in Dubai, you are at the right place!
Dubai is one of the world’s largest trade and logistics hubs with major world-class ports, free zones, and international shipping companies. The strategic location of Dubai between Asia, Europe, and Africa is a major geographical advantage. These geographical and economic advantages fuel the rise of the logistics industry in Dubai.
A career in shipping and freight forwarding is in high demand as Dubai transforms into a global force in logistics and maritime trade. In this blog, we will guide you step by step—covering essential skills, training programs, freight forwarding certification in Dubai, and the career prospects you can expect in the logistics sector.
A shipping and freight forwarding professional is someone who works as a mediator between transportation companies that import and export goods and businesses that are their potential client. They manage every process of transportation, from storing goods to shipment, and ensuring they pass through customs.
Freight forwarders are responsible for handling documentation, arranging transportation, ensuring customs clearance, and optimising routes. They play a vital role in international trade in ensuring a smooth, safe, fast, and cost-effective functioning.
To secure a rewarding career in the logistics industry in Dubai, you need to have deep knowledge, practical training, and recognised certification. Given below is the step-by-step guidance on how to become a freight forwarding professional in Dubai.
Understand the role of a freight forwarding professional.
Enrol in shipping and freight forwarding training in Dubai
Gain essential skills in logistics and documentation
Get certified with recognised freight forwarding certifications
Build a resume and apply for logistics jobs in Dubai
Upskill for growth in supply chain management
Let’s explore these steps in detail.
Initially, you need to have a thorough understanding of your roles and responsibilities as a freight forwarding professional. They coordinate every step of the transportation process for businesses. Let’s delve into the responsibilities of a freight forwarding professional in detail.
Coordination of Shipment
This is the core responsibility of a freight forwarder. They should analyse and choose the most convenient and cost-effective transportation method and route for specific goods. They are responsible for organising and tracking the transportation of goods from origin to destination.
Documentation
The documentation is a crucial process in logistics as goods travel long distances. The transportation process of goods requires the preparation and filing of essential documents such as shipping manifests, product lists, cost reports and other paperwork are essential for the tracking process.
Handle Custom Clearance
Freight forwarding professionals are responsible for handling customs clearance to ensure the seamless transportation of goods across borders by avoiding any legal barriers and delays. They work with custom brokers and authorities, and handle import/export permits and ensure correct payment of tariffs and duties to ensure seamless clearance.
Negotiation of Rate and Cost Management
Freight forwarding professionals are responsible for negotiating freight charges on behalf of clients without compromising the quality of logistics services. They have to optimise the freight costs by negotiating with shipping lines, airlines, and transportation companies.
Client Coordination and Communication
Client coordination and communication is a critical responsibility of a freight forwarder to build relationships, ensure trust and reliability. A freight forwarding professional must clearly communicate with clients, agents, transporters, and other logistics partners. They should regularly update clients on their shipment status, proactively resolve any queries, concerns, or issues related to the documentation or delivery. This helps to ensure seamless logistics operations and prevent delays.
Cargo Tracking and Reporting
Freight forwarding professionals precisely track and report the transportation of goods using digital tracking systems. To maintain the transparency of logistics operations, they prepare detailed reports on shipment performance, delays, and delivery confirmations and update the clients. This helps to maintain the planned schedule of shipment and improves the efficiency and client trust.
Enrolling in a certified shipping and freight forwarding course in Dubai is your next step to secure a career in logistics. Many institutions in Dubai, like Edoxi, offer diplomas and other certifications in online and offline modes. These courses teach you about the fundamentals of shipping, freight management, and global trade practices.
These courses cover topics like:
Enrolling in a training course with expert mentorship and hands-on training can help you enhance your theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Employers in Dubai are demanding candidates with practical exposure and hands-on skills. Here is the list of the most significant skills for a freight forwarding professional in Dubai.
Gaining expertise in soft skills is equally significant as the industry-relevant technical skills. Efficient handling of challenges in fast-paced operations of logistics helps you advance in your logistics career.
Know more about the Best Soft Skill Courses for Career Growth.
Earning a recognised certification is a strong entry point towards a career in freight forwarding. A formal certification is mandatory for candidates in many logistics companies in Dubai. Certification with hands-on training improves your credibility and employability. Popular certifications include:
A valid certification can prove your skills and knowledge and enhance your chances of advancing to senior-level roles and new growth opportunities.
Once certified, you should prepare a strong resume that highlights your training, certifications, and skills. A well-structured resume should emphasise your practical knowledge, such as customs clearance, international trade laws, and supply chain operations.
Dubai’s logistics sector offers numerous remunerative career opportunities. Exploring jobs and career paths in supply chain and logistics helps you identify the right role that matches your training and skills. Here is the list of entry, mid, and senior-level job roles in logistics and their salaries in Dubai.
| Experience Level | Job Roles | Salary |
| Entry-Level |
|
AED 4,000 – AED 7,500 per month |
| Mid-Level |
|
AED 10,000 – AED 12,000 per month |
| Senior-Level |
|
AED 15,000 – AED 19,000+ per month |
Dubai is the fastest-growing logistics hub, and the logistics industry here is equally dynamic. Your learning journey did not stop after getting a job. Constant upskilling is necessary to advance in your career. Many professionals pursue Supply chain management courses in the UAE to expand their expertise beyond freight forwarding.
Upskilling helps you:
Exploring related topics, such as Why is Supply Chain a Great Career Path?, Why Choose a Career in Logistics and Supply Chain Management? Or Tips to Launch a Successful Supply Chain Career may further help you plan your journey effectively.
Earning a rewarding career in Dubai in the most demanded and growing industry like logistics is definitely a dream turning point. To achieve such a position is possible with the right guidance on logistics training, certifications, skills development, and continuous upskilling.
Here you can learn more about Why Choose a Career in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Dubai is a long-term investment.
Whether you are a fresh freight forwarding aspirant or a mid-level working professional, innumerable exciting opportunities are waiting for you in the logistics industry of Dubai. Employers are looking for skilled team members to be a part of the growth of their logistics business.
Dubai is a land of growth, which offers long-term career stability and global exposure. Start your freight forwarding career journey in Dubai today.
1. What is the average salary of a certified freight forwarding professional in Dubai?
A certified freight forwarding professional can earn between AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 per month, depending on their experience, expertise, qualification, etc.
2. Why is Dubai a good place to begin my logistics career?
Dubai is one of the largest trade hubs in the world, and it is home to giant international logistics companies. The logistics industry is also flourishing rapidly in Dubai. Due to these reasons, freight forwarding and other logistics professionals have the highest demand in Dubai.
3. What is the duration of the logistics training in Dubai?
The duration may vary depending on the courses. Short-term courses may take 3 - 6 months; meanwhile, advanced courses like a diploma can be completed in 1 - 2 years.
4. Is certification mandatory to become a freight forwarding professional in Dubai?
Yes, certification is necessary to secure a logistics career in Dubai. The entry-level jobs may be open to beginners, yet certifications enhance the chances of securing senior roles and promotions.
5. What are the entry-level jobs for a freight forwarding professional in Dubai?
The job roles such as freight officer, shipping coordinator, documentation executive, and logistics assistant are the entry-level jobs in logistics. You can start your career with these job roles to gain practical experience and knowledge.
