Car Shipping to Dubai from the UK in 4 Easy Steps With PSS

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STEP 1
Check suitability for importing
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Ensure your vehicle meets requirements & apply for import approval if needed.
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STEP 2
Prepare your vehicle for shipping
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Make sure your car is clean & ready for shipping.
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STEP 3
We collect and ship your vehicle
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We load your car onto container at your address or you deliver it to the port / our depot.
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STEP 4
Arrival & Customs Clearance
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On arrival will take care of customs clearance & arrange for you to collect your vehicle.

Looking for expert guidance and worry-free car shipping to Dubai? Choose us—we’ve been delivering exceptional vehicle transport solutions for decades. For over 40 years, PSS Removals has specialised in car shipping around the world, meaning we have become experts in transporting vehicles to Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates.

Whether you’re shipping your car to Dubai or relocating to another country, our vehicle relocation specialists ensure seamless, door-to-door car transport services. We provide flexible options for international car shipping, including containerised car transport (exclusive or shared with household goods), RO/RO (roll-on/roll-off), and LO/LO (lift-on/lift-off) methods. Every shipment is tailored to comply with Dubai vehicle import regulations while prioritising safety, speed, and affordability.

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Need advice on moving to Dubai or a dedicated container for your vehicle? Our team will guide you through the process, from exporting your car to Dubai to handling customs clearance. For a free, no-obligation car shipping quote or answers to common questions,                call 0800 988 3711 today. Explore our vehicle shipping FAQ guide for insights on costs, timelines, documentation and more.

Vehicle Shipping Reviews

Is it worth shipping your car to Dubai?

 

The cost of car shipping to Dubai from the UK is often cheaper than replacing your vehicle, especially when moving to Dubai as an expat. To decide, first confirm your car meets UAE import regulations and emissions standards. Then, compare the total shipping costs (transport, insurance, customs clearance) to the cost of buying a new car in Dubai.

While customs paperwork can seem daunting, working with car shipping experts like PSS simplifies the process. We manage vehicle import duties, logistics, and documentation, ensuring smooth international car shipping. For high-value or specialty vehicles, transporting yours to Dubai will likely save money and maintain familiarity in your new life abroad.

Understanding Dubai Vehicle Import Regulations?

Vehicle Eligibility

 

Left-Hand Drive Requirement: Dubai requires that all vehicles must be left-hand drive (unless they meet specific requirements). Unfortunately, right-hand drive vehicles (common in the UK) cannot be imported for the most part.

You may be able to register a right-hand drive vehicle that is 30 years or older as a classic car, and it then be eligible to drive in Dubai. Once you go through the process of registering a vehicle as a classic car, you will be given brown plates and be able to drive it legally on the roads of Dubai.

Ensure your car meets these criteria before proceeding.

While Dubai allows both new and used cars, older vehicles may need to meet emissions and safety standards.

Ownership and Documentation

To clear customs, you’ll need:

  • Proof of Ownership: Original title deed, purchase invoice, or registration documents.
  • Commercial Invoice: Detailing the car’s value, make, model, and specifications.
  • Bill of Lading (B/L): Must include the engine number, chassis number, colour, and model. Opt for an Express or Original B/L for faster processing.
  • Passport Copy & UAE Residence Visa: Proof of residency is mandatory.
  • De-Registration Certificate: The car must be de-registered in the UK before shipping.

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Why should you trust PSS Removals?

Shipping-Car-to-Dubai-from-the-UKPSS are one of the UK’s leading personal shipping companies helping people move to destinations all of the world – including UAE. We are proud members of the FIDI Global Alliance, as well as being accredited by the FAIM Quality Standard for overseas removals. This means that we have been recognised for our ability to provide a professional, expert car shipping service to Dubai.

It can bring you comfort to know that we also offer the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme, which means your car shipping to Dubai costs are protected. As a leading UK car shipping company with many happy customers who have chosen us to ship their vehicle.

Our trusted Dubai-based partners ensure seamless support once your car is ready to be moved to your home in the UAE as well.

Vehicle and Car Shipping to Dubai Cost Calculator

Want to know how it will cost to send your vehicle to Dubai? Our free online Cost Calculator will help you estimate the cost.

What are you shipping?

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How can we help? Call 0800 988 3711

Our friendly team are on hand to answer any questions.

A FAQ Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle To Dubai

How much does it cost to ship a car or vehicle to Dubai?

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There are a number of costs you need to consider when transporting your car to Dubai – not just the shipping cost. Beware of quotes that are only port-to-port where you have to organise delivery, collection and take care of all the customs procedures.

Our price includes door-to-door pick and delivery as well as basic customs clearance costs. Costs for Scotland, Wales and Ireland can vary.

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There are however a number of other costs you need to consider when importing into Dubai. These include:

  • Additional customs and quarantine costs including inspection fees, cleaning, port service fees etc.
  • Taxes and duties – If you are moving to the UAE your car may be subject to import duties an taxes.
  • Compliance and modification costs – if necessary for your vehicle to meet UAE standards and guidelines.
  • Vehicle Registration – you will need to register your vehicle in the relevant state before you can drive on local roads.
  • Marine Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover – Your standard motor insurance policy will not cover you for international shipping so you will need to take out additional cover.

Vehicle Shipping to Dubai from the UK

How long does it take to ship a car to Dubai from the UK?

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If you are shipping your vehicle as groupage in a shared container it will take 7-10 weeks.

If you are shipping your vehicle with your belongings in a sole use container (FCL – Full Container Load) it will take around 5-7 weeks.

You will also need to allow additional time for customs clearance and quarantine inspection.

How do you import a vehicle into Dubai from the UK?

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There are a number of steps to importing a car or other vehicle into Dubai, but they can be done quite simply with the guidance of a shipping company like PSS.

  • Check the viability of importing your car into the UAE
  • Organise your shipping company
  • Get shipping insurance or shipment protection cover
  • Complete shipping forms and gather necessary documentation
  • On arrival arrange customs clearance and quarantine inspection
  • Register your vehicle in the UAE
  • Arrange delivery or collect your vehicle

What are the car import requirements for Dubai?

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It is imperative that you understand the requirements for car shipping to the UAE. You will need to check with the the UAE government before shipment, to ensure you adhere to their strict import requirements. As with every country, you will need to make sure your vehicle meets the safety standards, emissions standards, and vehicle compliance checks relevant to the UAE.

Importation is allowed provided the vehicle meets UAE specifications of left-hand drive and other basics.

Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on CIF/FOB Discretion at Government Authorities. 5% VAT plus processing charges as per the government regulation. If the original documents are missing than a fee of USD 300 applicable.

B/L should specify engine n°, chassis n°, make, model and colour etc. in detail.

Should have an ownership proof from origin country of the vehicle of title deed or similar documental proof.

After the vehicle is Customs cleared in the UAE, the Customs Authorities will issue a vehicle clearance certificate which should be submitted to the Local Traffic Authority to register the car in the name of the Owner/Consignee only.

Only 1 car is allowed for each consignee per shipment in a year and prior to exportation, the registration of the car should be de-registered near the local traffic authority.

If you need any further advice regarding car shipping to the UAE, or moving to the UAE in general, then please contact one of our friendly moving consultants.

 

What are the options for shipping your car to Dubai?

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PSS Removals offers a range of car shipping to Dubai options. See below our options, and choose whichever is best for you and your needs. If you are unsure our vehicle shipping experts will be able to advise you.

Option A: Car and household items

It could be a good idea to combine your car shipment and household items together in one load. Our team can bring a shipping container to your home, then carefully secure your vehicle inside for car shipping to Dubai. Any remaining space can then be put to use for your household goods and homewares. If you’re moving to Dubai and you need to send over a number of items, then this is a great shipment option for you.

We will expertly pack and wrap your items using industry-approved materials and expert handling. They will then be placed in the container alongside the secured vehicle. At your door, we will seal the container with a customs seal before taking it to the UK port terminal for placement on the vessel. From there, the process of household and car transport to Dubai will take place.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for a car shipping quote or any advice on this option (or other options and their car shipping rates).

Option B: Car only

On the other hand, you may need to only send your car abroad. In this case, you can make use of our car-only auto transport option. You will have your very own sole-use container that holds your car (or other vehicle) securely inside for shipment to Dubai.

This can be arranged at your place of residence, at a PSS warehouse, or a shipping line container depot – to suit you and your preferences. Then, the car will be loaded onto a vessel for UK to Dubai car transport.

Again, if you need a car shipping quote, or further details about our services and moving to Dubai, simply give us a call on 0800 988 3711.

Option C: Roll On/ Roll Off (RORO) or Lift On/ Lift Off (LOLO)

This last option is only available at selected ports.

Speak to our team today to see if this is an option for you. It will involve driving your vehicle onto the vessel to then be secured for auto transport to Dubai. Then, it is driven off again once it arrives in Dubai.

There some disadvantages to this option as your car or vehicle does not receive the same protection it would do if sealed in its own container.

However, this option is useful for larger vehicles such as vans, motorhomes and caravans which may be too wide to fit into a standard shipping container.

Please call us on 0800 988 3711 if you wish to discuss whether this is an option for you.

 

Can you ship your car with personal belongings inside?

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It may be possible to ship your car with a few boxes of personal belongings inside. However, it is best to seek advice from one of our international removal consultants first as there are some restrictions.

Remember that all your belongings will be subject to the usual customs requirements and quarantine inspections so don’t think you can cram your car fall.

We do offer very cost effective options for shipping your belongings with your car so please ask us for more details.

 

How to prepare your car for shipping to Dubai?

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It is important that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned to ensure all organic material, including mud and dirt, is removed. This is to avoid potential problems with biosecurity and quarantine, in Dubai.

We recommend that your car including engine and undercarriage is professionally steam cleaned.

However, we do not recommend that the interior is valeted as this can result in mould and mildew during the voyage.

It is also advisable that your vehicle has a full service and check over before it is shipped.

How to ship a motorhome or van to Dubai?

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The shipping of motorhomes and vans to Dubai is very similar to cars. You will need to check that your vehicle meets local requirements and obtain Vehicle Import Approval before you begin shipping.

Also, if your vehicle is too wide or tall to fit into a shipping container, then it will need to travel as roll-on / roll-off or lift-on / lift-off.

Motorhomes and vans may also be subject to different rates of tax and duty.

 

How to ship caravans, boats and other vehicles to Dubai?

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All types of vehicles can be shipped to Dubai including caravans, boats, trailers, quad bikes, jet skis and anything else you can think of!

For small vehicles, the best method is to ship them in a container with your other possessions or we can arrange a shared container.

The door sizes of standard shipping containers are about 7’8” (2.28m) wide or 7’5” (2.26m) high. These sizes can vary between shipping companies, but if your vehicle is larger you may need to use RORO or LOLO shipping services.

 

How do I register a vehicle as a classic car so that I can use a right-hand drive car in Dubai?

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To legally drive a right-hand drive (RHD) car in Dubai, you must register it as a classic vehicle. Here’s how:

Eligibility Check:

    • The car must be at least 30 years old.
    • It must pass an inspection by the Automobile & Touring Club UAE (ATCUAE) to verify safety, roadworthiness, and emissions compliance.

Inspection Process:

    • Visual/Structural Check: Inspectors assess the body, chassis, wheels, windows, and interior (seats, seat belts, controls).
    • Mechanical/Safety Check: Brake efficiency, engine condition, emissions, steering, suspension, and transmission are tested.

Documentation:

    • Provide proof of ownership, age verification (manufacturer’s certificate), UAE residence visa, vehicle customs certificate, insurance documents and passport copy.

Registration:

    • After passing inspections, apply for a brown classic number plate, which permits right-hand drive use on Dubai roads.

The benefits to classic registration are that it offers discounted recovery services, personalised maintenance support, and exemption from the standard left-hand drive rule.

Note that modifications may be required if the car fails inspections. Non-compliant vehicles risk rejection or confiscation.

What are the categories for classic cars in Dubai?

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In Dubai, there are six categories based on the car’s usage and condition.

  • Category A: Vehicles manufactured from 1950 onward may be driven anywhere in the UAE, with an annual mileage limit of 10,000 kilometres.
  • Category B: Cars produced before 1950 are permitted on all Dubai roads but restricted to 5,000 kilometres of travel per year.
  • Category C: Certain Dubai roads with posted minimum speed limits of 60 km/h are off-limits to these vehicles.
  • Category D: Cars lacking adequate headlights for low-light conditions are prohibited from nighttime driving but may operate during daylight hours.
  • Category E: Vehicles in this category are confined to internal community roads and service routes only.
  • Category F: Reserved for cars designated exclusively for static display purposes, with no on-road use permitted.

For more information click here.

How to ship and import classic cars to Dubai?

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A lot of people choose to import an older or classic car to Dubai. For example, enthusiast, classic or historic motor vehicles that are destined for restoration and hobby use in car clubs.

For classic cars we highly recommend container shipping rather than RORO / LOLO as it offers greater protection.

Customs requirements may also differ.

When shipping valuable cars, you can be sure that our team takes special care to ensure it’s securely and safely packed for its journey.

How to ship a motorcycle to Dubai?

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To ship a motorbike to Dubai you will need to follow a similar Import Approval process as for cars.

For the actual shipping, your bike would be secured in a shipping container, often in a wooden crate to ensure it is fully protected during transportation.

Your motorcycle or quad bike can be sent in a sole use container with your other possessions or in a shared container with other people’s belongings.

 

Customs and Quarantine for Your vehicle

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As mentioned before, you will need to gain authorisation from the import authority in Dubai before car shipment, otherwise your vehicle will not make it through Dubain customs. Upon arrival, your car will go through a thorough inspection by the Dubain authorities (DAFF Biosecurity). This inspection aims to limit and prevent the spread of diseases, asbestos, noxious weeds, and pests from entering Dubai. If anything is found, your car may be seized and you may be fined. So, you must put your car through a thorough steam clean and remove all unnecessary clutter and instruments.

In order to clear Dubain customs, you will need to lodge an import declaration with them. You will also need to pay customs duty fees, goods and services taxes, and luxury car tax (if appropriate). Dubai’s quarantine requirements are just as strict. You will need to lodge a quarantine entry with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Then, arrange an inspection (as mentioned above).

You will need to follow Dubai’s customs clearance guidelines. Plus, we advise that you check over their government guidelines for importing a vehicle to Dubai. Lastly, you can find added information here with this step by step process for importing a car to Dubai: https://infrastructure.gov.au/vehicles/imports/process_overview.aspx

Alternatively, you can simply give us a call or fill out our form to obtain a car shipping quote and get all the necessary advice on Dubain customs and import requirements. Call us on 0800 988 3711 today.

 

Customs Duty and Taxes for Dubai

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Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on CIF/FOB Discretion at Government Authorities. 5% VAT plus processing charges as per the government regulation. If the original documents are missing than a fee of USD 300 applicable.

Delivery and Collection of Your car

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Once your car arrives after international car transport to Dubai, you will be contacted by our team. We will then handle all the customs paperwork with you or on your behalf. Since Dubai has such strict guidelines for customs clearance and import requirements, though, we do recommend that you be at hand to ensure the process runs smoothly. Re-read the guidelines that we listed above about customs clearance and registration, as they are incredibly important and should be firmly followed.

Once all is done, we will make reservations with you to give your car back safely.

 

Do I need shipping insurance or shipment protection cover?

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We try to do everything we can to protect your vehicle before, during and after car transport to Dubai. As industry professionals, we’re proud to say that there are never any major issues. However, it is always a good idea to be protected in case anything does happen.

Your usual motor insurance policy will not cover you for international vehicle transportation. This is why we have a carefully designed Shipment Protection cover to protect your vehicle in case of loss or damage.

Our Shipment Protection cover is backed by Basil Fry and Company and is based on the conditions recommended by the British Association of Removers. This means your car is in safe hands during the whole process. Rest assured that your protection starts as soon as your car is with our team.

For this reason, you can trust PSS Removals with your car shipping to Dubai and support throughout the entire process. So, the process is made easy when you opt to ship your car to Dubai with us.

 

How to ship your car from Dubai to the UK?

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We can also arrange for your car or other vehicle to be transported from Dubai to the UK. Similar shipping options apply and it can be cost effective to ship your vehicle with your other possessions.

Contact us at our UK office and we’ll put you in contact with our team in Dubai who will be able to advise you on the whole process and give you a cost effective quote.