Send a Parcel to Dubai

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

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.

• Arafat Day – 5th June 2025
• Eid-Al-Adha – 6th June 2025 (3 days long)
• Islamic New Year – 26th June 2025
• Prophet’s Birthday – 5th September 2025
• UAE National Day – 2nd December 2025
• New Year’s Day – 1st January 2026
• Eid-Al-Fitr ~ 20th March 2026 (3 days long)

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.

Sending a package to Dubai is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to follow local addressing conventions. Here’s what you should include:

• Recipient’s full name

• P.O. Box number (Dubai relies on P.O. Boxes for postal delivery – this is essential)

• City/Emirate: Dubai

• 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.

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.

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:

• You must be moving your primary residence to Dubai.

• The goods must be used personal effects and household items (not new or commercial goods).

• The shipment must arrive within six months of your own arrival in the UAE.

• You must be able to provide:

  • A valid UAE residency visa or entry permit

  • A copy of your passport

  • A detailed inventory of the items being imported (in English or Arabic)

  • Proof the goods are used (e.g. not in original packaging)

Important Notes:

• The UAE generally does not charge VAT or customs duties on personal household goods for new residents, provided all criteria are met.

• 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.

• Any prohibited or restricted items (e.g. alcohol, certain medications, firearms) must be declared and may require special clearance.

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.

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.

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.

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.