Dubai has different types of warehouses meant for various storage purposes. Here we look at eight types of warehouses and their features, so you can pick up the one that is right for your business.
AC/Non AC Warehouse
AC & Non AC warehouses offer a climate-controlled environment necessary for a hot region like the UAE. It is the perfect choice for storing temperature-sensitive goods like food, medicines, furniture, garments, electronics, etc.
In an A/C warehouse, goods are stored in an air-conditioned facility that is maintained at a temperature controlled between 20-27 degrees Celsius. Maintaining the proper storage environment for products at all times ensures longer shelf life.
There are warehouses in Dubai available with storage areas from 10 sqft to 10,000 sqft. If you are looking for a warehouse only for a particular season, or for a specific project, it is often better to subscribe for a storage as a service solution or sign a storage contract to avail the required storage services. You can have these options for a minimum of 3 pallets or 5 CBMs up to any size or quantity.
Prices vary depending on the chosen size, location, and required time frame.
General Cargo Storage
General cargo includes all goods that can be transported as a whole; it does not include liquid freight or bulk load. This storage is available in AC, Non-AC, and open yards.
General Cargo storage is available both in the Free Zones and mainland.
You can avail storage spaces from 10 sqft up to 10,000 sqft on a weekly, monthly, or yearly contract. You can book a minimum of 3 pallets or 5 CBMs up to any size or quantity.
Different rates are applicable as per the warehouse size, location, and required time frame. It is also possible to choose warehouses in multiple locations. Suppose you are looking for storage space without going overboard on the budget. In that case, it is ideal to go for our partner warehousing facilities. This way, you can get flexible storage space for as short as a week or even go for a yearly contract—there is no restriction on size or quantity too.
Opting for partner warehousing in Dubai gives you multiple options for warehouses of various sizes and your required time frame.
Free zone warehouse
A Free Zone warehouse, as the name suggests, is a warehouse located in the Free Zone. They offer storage space free from duty or tax. These warehouses are perfect for General Cargo, Food Products, Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo, tyres, chemicals, or other unique products which are bound to other countries or planned to be exported.
A free zone warehouse offers more flexibility in the operations of these commodities without complex legal formalities.
Free Zone warehouses and storage are available in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone). You can select warehouses of various grades in one location or more than one too. They are available in multiple sizes, a minimum of 10 sqft up to 10,000 sqft.
Likewise, you can book a minimum of 5 pallets or 10 CBMs up to any size or quantity.
Prices depend upon the size of the chosen warehouse, location, and required time frame.
If you opt for partner warehousing, you can go for a weekly, monthly, or yearly contract and save on budget.
Open Yard
Open yards are perfect for storing oversized goods outside. When you select an open yard, it is essential to confirm the safety protocols of these storage spaces. There should be strict monitoring of vehicles moving in and out of the yard space at all times.
As open yards usually deal with heavy goods, you should select one that properly utilizes the yard space. It is also important that the open yard is strategically located so you can easily bring in goods and carry out the distribution.
You can have open yards, closed yards, open shed, and container storage facilities in the Freezone and mainland areas. Choosing the right location helps you to carry out your business smoothly while keeping a check on the capital investment.
These warehouses are also available in JAFZA South or JAFZA North, DIP, DIC & AI Quoz.
As An SME, your space requirement could be less. Partner warehousing allows you to get storage spaces of a minimum of 10 sqft up to 1000 sq ft. There is no fixed time frame requirement for acquiring these storage spaces. You can opt for a weekly, monthly, or yearly contract.
Likewise, you can select a minimum of 5 pallets or 10 CBMs up to any size or quantity as per your requirement.
Prices depend upon the size of the chosen warehouse, location, and required time frame.
Food Grade Warehouse
A food-grade warehouse is a storage space to store different food products in a clean environment that adheres to all safety protocols as laid down by the municipality.
As these warehouses require higher maintenance levels, opting for a flexible storage facility is ideal if you are conscious of your capital investment. These warehouses are available in various grades in both the free zone and mainland in the UAE.
If you are an SME or a start-up, you needn't worry about the size of the storage space. Sizes start from 10 sqft to 10,000 sqft. You can choose what you require on a weekly, monthly, or yearly contract. It is possible to go for storage spaces of a minimum of 3 pallets or 5 CBM, expand your storage space as and when you require and then pay on the actuals.
Cold Storage
Temperature-sensitive storage facilities are important, especially in the UAE, where the climate is extremely hot. Such storage facilities ensure the freshness of products. The warehouse should follow all the proper protocols, as any mismanagement of these warehouses can damage the entire stock and result in huge losses.
The cold storage temperature ranges from -20 degrees to +18 degrees. Freezer chambers offer greater control over specified temperatures and humidity, which can be monitored and mapped hourly.
The rates for these warehouses depend upon the chosen temperature, volume, and duration of storage. Most of these warehouses have experienced staff and equipment for handling the goods. They may also offer add-on services like cargo distribution, freezer, dry storage, and blast freezing.
Many warehouses in and around Dubai offer cold storage facilities. You can select one ideal for location, space, gradings, and budget.
Medical Storage
Medical storage warehouses require many protocols to ensure safety when handling medical commodities. They are usually located far from residential areas.
Warehouses for medical storage provide separate storage spaces for chemicals, Radioactive materials, pharmaceutical drugs, expired or rejected medicines etc.
The temperature is usually between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, with less than 60% humidity. Special precautionary measures are also taken for disposal of hazardous wastes and all sorts of work hazards.
Chemical/Dangerous Goods
All hazardous or dangerous goods must be stored in a protected space following high security measures. The staff handling these goods must be well-trained in chemical handling and storage.
The chemical goods storage warehouses adhere to the Dubai Municipality Code of Practice for Management of Dangerous Goods. They are required to keep themselves updated on any rule changes by the UAE government.
The warehouses are temperature controlled as required for storing these goods. Again, there are safety as well as precautionary measures taken in case of accidental events.
How to choose your warehouse
Once you decide on the category of the warehouse that you require, look for features that are going to enhance your experience. A good warehouse will have multiple features, which includes:
- Trained staff
- Organized picking and packing
- Emergency protocols
- Approved safety standards
- A good Warehouse Management System
- Optimal space utilization
- Good customer service
Are you looking for a warehouse in Dubai for your business? Get in touch with us. Cargoz can find you storage spaces on a weekly, monthly or yearly contract, or looking for paying as you use, the one that is favourably located at one or even multiple locations, and budget friendly for your business.