Sourcing construction materials from China for UAE projects.
How factory-direct sourcing works for steel, façades, glazing, doors, lighting, MEP equipment and finishes – and when it is worth it.
HAO Contracting · Updated October 2026
1. Compare the landed cost, not the factory price
A low factory price can disappear once you add packing, sea freight, insurance, customs duty, local transport, inspection and the cost of a longer programme. The fair comparison is the full cost delivered to site against the price of a UAE supplier – for the same specification.
2. Fix the specification first
Factories quote exactly what you ask for. Clear drawings, material grades, finishes, standards and test requirements avoid misunderstandings and make the quotes comparable. For the UAE, the products must also meet the consultant's specification and, where required, local approvals – for example Civil Defence listings for fire-rated products.
3. Samples and factory checks
Approve samples or mock-ups before mass production. For larger packages, a factory audit confirms capacity and quality control. During production, check progress against the programme.
4. Inspection before shipment
An inspection before loading – quantities, dimensions, finishes, packing and documents – is far cheaper than discovering a problem on site in Dubai.
5. Shipping and customs
Most goods arrive by sea at Jebel Ali. Allow for the sea transit, port handling and customs clearance in the programme, and plan site storage and lifting for the delivery.
6. How HAO does it
Our procurement team works in Dubai and in China. For each major package we get prices from UAE suppliers and direct from factories, compare the landed cost and programme, and only choose China when it gives the client better value. See our China sourcing service or send us your package.
Have a project in mind?
Tell us about it. We reply within one working day.