Cold storage in Dubai: chilled vs frozen, what you need
Temperatures, products, paperwork and the questions to ask before you book cold storage.
The short answer
Chilled storage keeps food at 5°C or colder and frozen storage keeps it at −18°C or colder, which are the limits set in the Dubai Food Code. Imported food also needs Dubai Municipality approval, an original health certificate from the country of origin and, for meat and poultry, a halal certificate.
Chilled or frozen: which do you need?
- Chilled (about 0°C to 5°C): fresh dairy, fresh meat and poultry, ready meals and many fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Frozen (−18°C and colder): frozen meat, poultry and seafood, frozen vegetables, ice cream and other frozen food.
- Air-conditioned (about 15°C to 25°C): chocolate, dry food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that only need protection from heat.
Follow the storage temperature printed on the product label. When it says −18°C, chilled storage is not enough.
Documents for imported food
- Health certificate issued by the government authority in the country of origin. Dubai Municipality asks for the original, not a copy.
- Halal certificate from a body approved by the UAE, for meat, poultry and similar products.
- Certificate of origin, invoice and packing list, the same as for any import.
- Labels with Arabic text, ingredients and clear production and expiry dates.
- Dubai Municipality food approval for the products before they are released to the market.
Questions to ask a cold store
- Which temperatures can you hold, and how are they monitored and recorded?
- Can you collect reefer containers from Jebel Ali and destuff them straight into the cold room?
- Do you store by the pallet, and is short-term storage possible?
- Can you pick, repack and label, and deliver in temperature-controlled trucks?
- Is the store in a free zone, so goods for re-export can stay out of the UAE market?
Green Light Logistics LLC offers chilled and frozen storage in JAFZA down to −18°C, food-grade storage, reefer cross stuffing at Jebel Ali and temperature-controlled delivery across the UAE.
Talk to us about your shipment
Send the cargo details, origin and destination and we reply with a written quote, usually within one working day. Call or WhatsApp +971 56 245 9537 or email [email protected].
Last updated 3 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so we confirm the current requirements for your cargo before it moves.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is frozen storage in Dubai?
−18°C or colder. Chilled food is kept at 5°C or colder.
Do I need a health certificate to import frozen food into Dubai?
Yes. An original health certificate from the government authority in the country of origin is needed for most food. Meat and poultry also need a halal certificate.
Can I store frozen food in JAFZA for re-export?
Yes. Food stored in JAFZA can be re-exported to other countries without entering the UAE market. We handle the storage and the re-export documents.
Can I book cold storage for a few pallets?
Yes. We store chilled and frozen cargo from a few pallets upward, for short or long periods. Tell us the product, temperature, pallet count and duration.
