Shipping to Dubai from the UK: Boxes, Personal Effects & Household Goods
If you’re sending packages, personal belongings or household goods from the UK to Dubai, PSS can arrange a door-to-door service to suit the size of your shipment. You can send boxes, bags, personal effects and furniture, with sea freight offering a cost-effective option and air freight available when you need smaller or essential items to arrive sooner.
Typical delivery times are around 4–8 weeks by sea and 7–14 days by air. We can arrange collection in the UK, help with the required shipping documentation and Dubai customs clearance, and deliver your belongings to your destination.
If you’re moving furniture or most of the contents of your home, our removals to Dubai service is likely to be more suitable, with professional export packing and shared or full-container shipping available. For boxes, bags and smaller personal-effects shipments, you can get an instant shipping quote online.
Shipping to Dubai: Costs, Times & Service Options
- What you can ship: PSS can ship boxes, bags, personal belongings, personal effects, furniture and larger household consignments from the UK to Dubai.
- Sea freight: Economy shipping typically takes around 4–8 weeks and is generally the most cost-effective option for larger or less urgent shipments.
- Air freight: Smaller or more urgent shipments can be sent by air, with typical delivery times of around 7–14 days.
- Indicative sea shipping costs: Current examples include £165–£200 for 2–3 large boxes, £271–£331 for 5 large boxes and £406–£466 for 10 large boxes.
- Door-to-door service: PSS can arrange UK collection, international shipping, customs clearance and delivery to your destination in Dubai.
- Customs support: Personal-effects shipments are subject to Dubai and UAE customs requirements. PSS assists with the required documentation and handles the customs clearance process.
- Packing options: Smaller shipments can be self-packed using export-quality materials, while professional export packing is available for furniture and larger consignments.
- Larger household moves: If you are shipping more than around 10 boxes, furniture or most of your household contents, PSS’s removals to Dubai service may be more suitable, with shared and full-container options available.
How Shipping Boxes and Personal Belongings to Dubai Works
STEP 1
Get a quote online
Choose the size and quantity of cartons required & get an online quote in 60 seconds.
STEP 2
We deliver cartons and packing materials
We deliver export-strength cartons & packing materials to your home.
STEP 3
We collect packed boxes/bags from your home
When you’re ready, we collect your packed boxes or bags and any unused cartons.
STEP 4
We ship and deliver to your new home, handling all customs clearance
Our door-to-door service takes care of everything for you.
Reviews for Shipping to Dubai
How much does shipping to Dubai cost?
Send your parcels, packages, and other items to Dubai
PSS offers a number of parcel shipping options depending on the size of your delivery and the speed at which you need it to arrive.
You can view an indication of the pricing below or contact our team for an exact quote.
Economy Shipping by Sea
In as little as 4-8 weeks
| Shipment / Move Size | Cost |
| 2-3 Large Boxes | £165 – £200 |
| 5 Large Boxes | £271 – £331 |
| 10 Large Boxes | £406 – £466 |
| Small Move | From £1,099 |
For household removals and larger shipments see our Dubai removals service page
Express Delivery by Air
In as little as 7-14 days
| Parcel / Package Size | Cost |
| 24kg (1x Large Box) | £330 |
| 49kg (2x Large Boxes) | £488 |
| 74kg (3x Large Boxes) | £663 |
| 99kg (4x Large Boxes) | £825 |
| 124kg (5x Large Boxes) | £1026 |
*For small parcels use Royal Mail (2kg £26.90; 5kg £49.40; 10kg £99.75)
What Does Our International Parcel Service to the Dubai include?
- Door to door parcel shipping service from the UK to Dubai
- Part or full load container removal service
- A dedicated Move Manager
- Help with any documentation needed
- Export quality packing materials
- Choice between self-pack or professional packing service
- Advice on UAE customs requirements
- Customs clearance on arrival
- Storage in the UK or Dubai if required
Dubai Customs
Most household items can be sent to Dubai without issue. However, customs control here prohibits some types of products from importation entirely.
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Narcotic drugs and illegal substances
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Gambling tools and materials, including lottery tickets and slot machines
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Pornographic material and obscene publications or artwork
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Counterfeit goods, including fake currency, branded items, and forged documents
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Cultural artefacts and antiquities without approval
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Items offensive to Islamic morals or values, including religiously sensitive content
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Ivory and items from endangered species, such as coral or animal skins
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E-cigarettes, vapes, and e-liquids containing banned substances
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Firearms, weapons, and ammunition without prior licensing
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Explosives, fireworks, and flammable substances
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Fresh or perishable food, including fruits, vegetables, and meats
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Used or reconditioned tires
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Prescription medications – Require a valid doctor’s prescription and prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health
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Controlled drugs and pharmaceuticals – Must be declared and approved by health authorities
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Firearms and weapon replicas – Require special police and customs permissions
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Animals, insects, and animal products – Need veterinary health certificates and import permits
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Live plants, seeds, and soil – Subject to approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
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Alcoholic beverages – Require a special license and are subject to quantity restrictions
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Cosmetics, skin-care items, and personal care products – Must comply with health regulations
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Food items and supplements – Subject to inspection and approval by food safety authorities
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Electronic devices with communication capabilities – May require approval from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
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Chemicals and hazardous substances – Must be cleared through the Ministry of Interior or Environment
UAE Shipping Cost Calculator
Dubai Parcel Delivery FAQs
Below are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about sending parcels to Dubai.
How Long Does Parcel Delivery to Dubai Take?
A few factors could affect the speed of your parcel delivery to Dubai, including the size of your load and the type of delivery service you choose. We offer different speeds of service with different price points that have speedier options at a higher price point. We’ve detailed the average UK to Dubai delivery times below as a guide. Contact our team for more information on shipping times and prices.
Express Shipping to Dubai:
Fast delivery to Dubai by air.
7-14 Days
Economy Delivery to Dubai:
Cost-effective delivery to Dubai by sea.
4-8 weeks
What Factors Could Affect My Parcel Delivery Times?
PSS always aims to get your parcel delivered on time, every time, no matter what size your load is. However, it pays to be aware of public holidays and religious affairs in Dubai when planning your move. You can view upcoming public holidays and religious affairs on the UAE government website. You should also be aware of any localised disruptions or conditions that might affect the timing of your parcel delivery.
What is the Best Way to Send Multiple Parcels to Dubai or Larger Deliveries?
If you are thinking of sending a large number of items to Dubai such as loads of more than ten boxes that our usual parcel service doesn’t cover, our removals to Dubai service will better match your needs. Please feel free to contact our team should you not find the transport option you require.
What is the UAE Address Format When Sending From the UK?
Sending a package to Dubai is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to follow local addressing conventions. Here’s what you should include:
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Recipient’s full name
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P.O. Box number (Dubai relies on P.O. Boxes for postal delivery – this is essential)
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City/Emirate: Dubai
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Clearly write “UNITED ARAB EMIRATES” on the final line
Take a look at this international posting guide for UAE for full details on how to label your belongings or talk to one of our team for full advice.
What Can and Can't You Send to Dubai?
UAE, and therefore Dubai, has stringent rules about what can and cannot be imported. We highly recommend you check this carefully and ensure your shipment fully complies with their regulations.
Prohibited Imports into Dubai include:
- Weapons
- Firearms (real or ornamental)
- Ammunition
- Fire crackers
- Swords, daggers, spears, etc.
- Military uniform or equipment
- Alcohol, spirits, narcotics of all kinds
- Poppy seeds and flowers, leaves etc.
- Banned drugs and medicines, medicines in large quantities even obtained under prescription and for the consignee’s own use
- Radio transmitter or communication equipment
- Statues and figures of animals with religious undertones
- Carvings and statues of humans especially in nude
- Pornographic materials
- Foodstuff in large quantities
- Religious books other than dealing with Islamic beliefs, controversial political literature and materials contrary to an Islamic State’s principles
- Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli flags and emblems
- Gambling tools, machineries and devices of all kinds
- E-cigarettes and electronic hookah
- Laser pointers
NB: If any of these items are found in the shipment during the inspection by Dubai Customs, the same will be confiscated and, in some cases, explanation will be asked from the consignees and severe punishment can be imposed including fines or imprisonment.
Restricted Imports into Dubai include:
- Records, tapes, films, photographs, books, magazines, periodicals, 2 wheel hoverboard etc
- Live plants, seeds, fresh fruits and flowers are coming under restricted items, if found objectionable, they will destroy the same and never return these to the consignee
These items will be subject to review and censorship by the UAE Ministry of Information.
These items will be released if nothing abnormal is found.
This procedure will take from 10 to 15 days.
For more information visit the United Arab Emirates Government website.
Your move manager will guide you on what you can and cannot ship to Dubai. For further information check out the customs guide for shipping to UAE.
How Do I Qualify for Tax Relief for My Delivery?
A summary of customs duty and tax relief qualifications for importing household goods to Dubai is provided below. For full details, visit the Federal Customs Authority UAE or contact your Move Manager.
To Qualify for Customs Duty Exemption on Household Goods:
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You must be moving your primary residence to Dubai.
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The goods must be used personal effects and household items (not new or commercial goods).
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The shipment must arrive within six months of your own arrival in the UAE.
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You must be able to provide:
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A valid UAE residency visa or entry permit
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A copy of your passport
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A detailed inventory of the items being imported (in English or Arabic)
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Proof the goods are used (e.g. not in original packaging)
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Important Notes:
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The UAE generally does not charge VAT or customs duties on personal household goods for new residents, provided all criteria are met.
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If the goods are not clearly used, or if proper documentation is not provided, you may be subject to a customs duty of 5% based on the assessed value of the items.
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Any prohibited or restricted items (e.g. alcohol, certain medications, firearms) must be declared and may require special clearance.
Customs Guide for Sending Personal Effects to Dubai
Importation is allowed for people moving to Dubai, provided the shipment consists of personal effects and used household goods only. We will submit all the relevant paperwork required to obtain the release of your goods; this can take 5-10 days (and possibly longer in busier months).
All used personal effects and household goods are exempt from duty. Brand-new items are subject to customs duty at 5% of the invoice value.
To help you, we recommend you download and carefully read our FIDI Customs Guide for the United Arab Emirates.
How Does Delivery to My Address in Dubai Work?
Once your goods have been cleared by Dubai Customs, we will contact you to arrange a convenient delivery date.
Depending on the type of shipment, your sea freight container will either be delivered directly to your new residence or transferred to a separate delivery vehicle. Our unloading team will place your belongings in the rooms of your choice and will unwrap and remove packing materials from any furniture items.
Do I Need Insurance or Shipment Protection Cover?
When you book with PSS, your shipment is covered under the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee Scheme.
However, it is highly advisable to take out shipment protection cover before sending items to Dubai. Although problems are unlikely, it is still wise to have cover when sending goods overseas, especially for items of significant financial value.
PSS International offers very flexible Shipment Protection Plans. You can cover your whole shipment or choose the individual items you wish to cover. Your PSS Move Manager can explain the different options available and guide you through completing the Shipment Protection Valuation form.
Where in Dubai do you ship to?
Dubai is one of the most popular destinations for UK expats, and we regularly ship to areas across the city, including Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Arabian Ranches. With our reliable service and years of experience, you can trust PSS to make your move or delivery to Dubai smooth and stress-free.
In addition to Dubai, we also serve other destinations across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, offering the same reliable and experienced service.
PSS has been shipping items to the Middle East for many years, and with our experience and expertise, your delivery service to the UAE will feel straightforward.
