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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Eligibility Check:

1. • 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:

1. • 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:

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

Registration:

1. • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.