Shipping Artwork to the Middle East: What Works as of August 2026

In spring 2026 deliveries to the Gulf states came to a virtual standstill. Air routes have now largely reopened, but with restrictions, surcharges and longer transit times. Here is where paintings can be shipped again, and where the situation remains unstable.

What happened in early March

On 1 March 2026, following airspace closures across the region, international carriers suspended flights to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. FedEx temporarily halted pickup and delivery in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and the UAE. DHL reported the closure of several airspaces and the temporary suspension of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. UPS rerouted flights to keep shipments moving.

The reason for the shutdown was safety: carriers were protecting both cargo and their own staff in the region.

What is working now

Air service to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait has resumed. Carriers are accepting shipments, although delays remain common. FedEx reports providing normal pickup and delivery services across the region in line with local guidelines.

Elevated risk surcharges, however, remain in place. DHL introduced an Elevated Risk surcharge for shipments to Israel effective 3 March 2026, and to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE effective 5 March — and these surcharges apply until further notice. In other words, the cost of shipping to the region is still above pre-crisis levels.

Qatar remained closed to some operators longer than other destinations, so its status is worth checking separately before each shipment.

Ocean freight is still disrupted

An important caveat for oversized consignments: while air routes have recovered, sea freight through the Arabian Gulf remains severely disrupted. Major lines have suspended or diverted bookings through Gulf ports, and cargo is being rerouted via India, Sri Lanka, Oman and the east coast of the UAE. Ports are technically open but congested, with a limited number of vessel calls.

For art logistics this means something straightforward: if a bulky sculpture or a batch of works in large crates used to travel more cheaply by sea, that option is now either unavailable or no longer makes sense on transit times.

Practical recommendations

— check the status of the specific destination on your carrier's service update pages on the day you book: the situation changes quickly;
— allow extra time: even on reopened routes, transit is longer than standard;
— factor elevated risk surcharges into the price you quote your client, so the invoice holds no surprises;
— for large and heavy works, plan for air rather than sea;
— always insure the shipment at its genuine appraised value.

If you are planning to take part in a fair or to sell to a collector in the region, we can help you choose a workable route and prepare the packing and documentation for your specific carrier.