Quick Summary:
● Dry storage warehouses in the UAE provide cost-effective solutions for goods that do not require air-conditioning, such as machinery, construction materials, apparel, and packaged food.
● Rising warehouse costs in the UAE (up 13% year-on-year in 2024) make dry storage a more affordable option for businesses.
● The best locations for dry storage include Umm Ramool, Dubai Investment Park, Al Quoz, Dubai Industrial City, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Sharjah Industrial Area, and Ajman Industrial Area.
● Areas like Jebel Ali, DIP, and DIC offer excellent infrastructure and connectivity, while Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Ramool provide cost-effective alternatives.
● Cargoz helps businesses find verified dry storage warehouses across the UAE, with both short-term and long-term rental options.
Even though Dubai has a hot climate, not every product needs a chilled or climate-controlled warehouse. Businesses that deal with construction materials, machinery, apparel, footwear, or packaged food, a dry storage facility provides a cost-effective storage solution. This is important amid rising warehousing costs in the UAE.
According to Cushman & Wakefield, the cost of warehouses increased by approximately 13% year-over-year in 2024. By choosing a dry storage warehouse, you can save a significant amount. But which areas offer better dry storage facilities in the UAE?
To help with this, we will cover the best locations for dry storage warehouses in the UAE and the advantages they offer. But before that, let's understand what dry storage is and its usage.
What is a Dry Storage?
Dry storage is a type of warehouse built to store goods that do not require air conditioning or refrigeration. These facilities are typically large and can handle substantial quantities of goods. Dry warehouses provide cost-effective storage solutions and are well-suited for a wide range of goods, making them an integral part of logistics and supply chains.
What Kind of Goods Can Be Stored in a Dry Warehouse?
Dry storage can be used to store a wide range of goods, including machinery, equipment, construction goods, and more. Let’s look at the types of goods stored in a dry storage facility.
● Construction Materials: Cement, tiles, steel, and other bulk supplies that require large, durable storage spaces.
● Machinery and Equipment: Industrial tools, spare parts, and heavy equipment that need secure yet accessible storage.
● Retail Products: Furniture, clothing, household goods, and general merchandise for wholesalers and retailers.
● Electronics: Consumer gadgets and appliances that do not require temperature control but demand safe, dust-free environments.
- ●Packaged Food and Beverages: Dry and non-perishable food items such as grains, packaged food, canned goods, and bottled drinks are stored efficiently before distribution
What Are the Best Locations for Dry Storage Warehouses in the UAE?
The UAE offers a variety of prime locations for dry storage warehouses, each catering to different business needs such as proximity to ports, affordability, or central accessibility. Selecting the right location is important for your dry warehouse, as it can help you keep the costs under control and ensure timely delivery. Here are the top choices:
1. Umm Ramool, Dubai
Umm Ramool is one of Dubai's oldest industrial hubs, located near Dubai International Airport. Dry warehouses in Umm Ramool are among the most cost-effective warehouses in the UAE, making it a preferred location for companies handling air cargo and urban distribution.
Advantages:
● Strategic location near Dubai International Airport.
● Direct access to Airport Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, and Nad Al Hamar Road.
● Cost-effective rental rates make it suitable for SMEs, distributors, and trading companies needing urban storage.
2. Dubai Investment Park (DIP), Dubai
Located near Jebel Ali Industrial Area, Dubai Investment Park is a newly developed business hub that offers excellent infrastructure, transport facilities, and modern storage facilities. Its proximity to Dubai Expo City and major highways makes it a popular choice for businesses that need a dry warehouse in UAE.
Advantages:
● Well-connected via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Jebel Ali-Al Hibab Road.
● Warehouses are relatively new, with excellent infrastructure and modern facilities.
● Ideal for storing FMCG, retail, e-commerce, and light industrial goods.
3. Al Quoz Industrial Area, Dubai
Al Quoz has been one of the most preferred industrial hubs in Dubai. The location gives you easy access to the city due to its central position. Businesses renting a warehouse in Al Quoz can benefit from staying close to both residential areas.
Advantages:
● A central location in the city that helps in distributing goods across the city quickly.
● Lower transportation costs compared to other industrial hubs in Dubai.
● Ideal location for retail distributors, automotive parts dealers, and e-commerce businesses.
4. Dubai Industrial City (DIC)
DIC is one of the largest dedicated industrial and logistics hubs in the UAE, located near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport. This industrial area has been built for manufacturing and large-scale storage.
Advantages:
● Large-scale dry storage facilities are available for businesses that require storing goods in bulk quantities.
● Excellent connectivity to seaports and airports makes this location ideal for import/export businesses.
● Suitable for logistics providers, manufacturers, and large-scale distributors.
5. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
JAFZA is a global trade hub that provides easy access to the Jebel Ali Port. This industrial area is a top choice for businesses involved in international trade. Renting a warehouse in JAFZA offers companies the benefits of integrated customs facilities and world-class infrastructure.
Advantages:
● Direct access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport.
● Warehouses in Jebel Ali have excellent facilities with modern technologies integrated.
● Excellent for import/export, shipping, and multinational companies.
● Businesses can enjoy 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax for 50 years, 0% personal income tax, and more.
● Advanced infrastructure and regulatory support for free zone companies.
6. Sharjah Industrial Area
Sharjah Industrial Area offers cost-effective warehousing options for businesses that want a dry storage facility at a lower cost than Dubai. Sharjah is also well connected to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. This makes it a good option for businesses that need to distribute goods across Dubai, Sharjah, and other parts of the country.
Advantages:
● Comparatively lower rental costs than Dubai’s warehouse hubs.
● Easy access to highways connecting Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman.
● Attractive for wholesalers, SMEs, and companies involved in regional distribution.
7. Ajman Industrial Area
Ajman is another excellent option for businesses looking for a cost-effective dry storage warehouse in UAE. It is well-connected to Sharjah, Dubai, and northern emirates like Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Advantages:
● The cost of warehouses is much lower compared to Dubai and Sharjah.
● Proximity to Ajman Port and access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
● Ideal for SMEs, local distributors, and businesses that want a centralized, well-connected location between Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
What are the Checklists for Finding a Dry Warehouse in the UAE?
When selecting a dry warehouse in the UAE, you must keep a few things in mind, including maintaining proper dry storage temperature and humidity. Here is a quick checklist to ensure you find the right facility for your business.
● Location: Close to highways, ports, or airports for smooth transport.
● Storage Conditions: Clean, ventilated, and pest-free environment.
● Safety and Compliance: Fire systems, CCTV, and adherence to UAE regulations.
● Flexibility: On-demand warehousing options to choose from, short- or long-term rentals, and scale when needed.
● Cost Transparency: Clear pricing with value-added services included.
For a complete guide on how to find the best dry storage, check out the blog, How to Select the Right Warehouse for Dry Storage.
Conclusion
Dry storage in the UAE offers a cost-effective warehousing solution for industries that do not require temperature-controlled facilities. In this guide, we have explored the top locations in the UAE that are ideal for finding dry warehouses.
While locations like DIP, DIC, and Jebel Ali offer excellent infrastructure and connectivity, the cost can be on the higher side. On the other hand, locations like Ajman, Sharjah, and Umm Ramool offer better warehouse rentals without compromising on accessibility. Warehouse marketplace like Cargoz helps you find a storage facility at your preferred location in the UAE.
Chat with our storage expert to find the right storage solution for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I check before choosing a dry storage warehouse in the UAE?
Before renting a dry storage warehouse, consider factors such as good road connectivity, security, accessibility, cost transparency, compliance with local regulations, and amenities like forklifts and loading docks.
2. What are the average rental costs for dry storage warehouses in Dubai?
The average cost of non-AC dry storage rates ranges from approximately AED 2.00 to AED 12.00 per square foot per month, depending on location, storage duration, and the type of goods.
3. Can I rent a part of a dry storage warehouse instead of the entire facility?
Yes, at Cargoz, we offer on-demand warehousing that allows you to rent a part of the dry storage warehouse in UAE rather than committing to an entire warehouse.
4. Can I use Cargoz to rent dry storage in areas like Sharjah or Ajman?
Yes, Cargoz offers dry as well as AC warehouses across the UAE, including Sharjah Industrial Area, Ajman Industrial Area, Umm Al Quwain, and other emirates.
5. Does Cargoz provide both short-term and long-term dry storage rentals?
Yes, Cargoz offers flexible rental terms, unlike traditional warehouses, where you need to rent storage spaces for a long time. You can select month-to-month rentals, depending on your requirements.