The speed of your parcel delivery to the UAE will depend on a few factors, these include 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 UAE delivery times below as a guide. Contact our team for more information on shipping times and prices.

Express Shipping to UAE:

Fast delivery to UAE by air.

7-14 Days

Economy Delivery to the UAE:

Cost-effective delivery to UAE 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 UAE public holidays and religious affairs 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 the UAE such as loads of more than ten boxes that our usual parcel service doesn’t cover, our removals to UAE service will better match your needs. Please feel free to contact our team should you not find the transport option you require.

Addressing a package to the UAE from the UK is similar to UK formatting but has a few key differences. You’ll need to include:

• Recipient’s full name

• P.O. Box number (essential for postal delivery)

• City or Emirate (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)

• Make sure to clearly write “UNITED ARAB EMIRATES” as the country 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 has very strict 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 UAE 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 undertone,
• 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 the UAE 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 UAE 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 UAE. 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 into the United Arab Emirates is provided below. For full and up-to-date information, consult the Federal Customs Authority UAE or your shipping agent.

To Qualify for Customs Duty Exemption on Household Goods:

• You must be relocating your primary residence to the UAE.

• The goods must be used personal effects and household items intended for personal use only

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

• You will need to provide the following documents:

  • A valid UAE residency visa or entry permit

  • A copy of your passport

  • A comprehensive inventory list of the items being shipped (in English or Arabic)

  • Proof that the goods are used, such as the absence of original packaging or purchase receipts showing older dates

Important Notes:

• Personal household goods are generally exempt from customs duties when proper documentation is submitted and the goods are clearly for personal use.

• If the goods appear new or are not properly documented, customs duty of 5% may be charged based on the declared or assessed value of the shipment.

• All goods are subject to inspection. Any prohibited or restricted items (e.g. alcohol, drones, certain medications, religious materials, or firearms) may require additional permits or could be confiscated.

• VAT in the UAE is 5%, but it typically does not apply to personal belongings imported during a relocation.

Importation is allowed for people moving to the UAE 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 UAE 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 the UAE. 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.

We ship to all cities in the seven Emirates including:

• Abu Dhabi AUH (including Al Ain)
• Ajman AJM
• Dubai DXB
• Fujairah FUJ
• Ras Al Khaimah RAK
• Sharjah SHJ
• Umm Al Quwain UAQ
• Khor Fakkan
• Ras Al Khaimah

UAE is a hugely popular destination to ship items to from the UK. The country has many attractions such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Miracle Garden, and the good news is that shipping to UAE has never been easier when you use PSS.

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.