How do I ship my things to Dubai?

Most families ship by sea: a shared container for a flat, a 20ft or 40ft for a house. Allow about 5–10 weeks door to door and get three quotes.

Ship, sell or buy in Dubai

Start with what is worth the cost of moving. The UAE uses the same plug as the UK, type G with three rectangular pins, and a 230V, 50Hz supply. That means your UK lamps, kettle and laptop chargers will normally work without adaptors.

For bulky, cheap or worn items, compare the cost of shipping with the cost of replacing them. A simple rule: ship what you value and would struggle to replace, and sell or give away the rest. Measure large items: a rental flat or villa may not fit a UK sofa or wardrobe.

• Ship: things you love, things that are costly to replace, children’s familiar belongings
• Think twice: very old or heavy furniture, items with a low resale value
• Leave out: anything on the banned list below, and anything you cannot easily prove is used

Sea or air

Sea freight is the usual choice for household goods. Air freight is much faster but charged by weight, so people use it for a small box of essentials that has to arrive soon after they do.

Removers’ estimates vary. One quotes 8–10 weeks door to door; another quotes 5–8 weeks, including 1–2 weeks in customs. Plan on living without your shipment for at least the first month.

Part load or a full container

A part load (also called groupage or a shared container) means your goods share space with other people’s. You pay for the volume you use, but it can take longer while the container fills. A full container is yours alone.

These are typical ranges published by UK removers in 2026, not prices. Quotes depend on volume, packing, access at both ends and the time of year. Put your own figure into the moving fund calculator.

Customs in Dubai

Dubai Customs says items imported for personal use are exempt from duty after inspection. If inspectors decide goods are brand new and in commercial quantities, 5% duty applies. It lists three documents for clearing personal effects:

• A copy of your passport or Emirates ID
• A copy of your residency visa
• A list of the imported goods

Your remover will also hold the shipping papers, such as the bill of lading. Because a residency visa copy is on the list, time your shipment so it lands after your visa is issued. Ask your remover how long they can store it at the port if your visa is delayed, and what that costs. See visas.

Banned and restricted items

Dubai Customs bans, among other things, all narcotic drugs, gambling equipment, and items that contradict Islamic faith and public morals. The FCDO warns that some products containing CBD are illegal in the UAE, including some skincare products and e-cigarette refills.

Other goods are restricted and need approval from the right authority before they are released:

• Medicines and medical equipment (Ministry of Health and Prevention). See bringing medicines
• E-cigarettes and electronic shisha
• Alcohol (Dubai Police)
• Plants, fertilisers and insecticides
• Books, publications and media
• Radio transmitters
• Weapons, ammunition and fireworks
• Food, cosmetics and personal care products (Dubai Municipality)

Choosing a remover

Ask at least three firms for a survey, in person or by video, and a written quote. Compare what each one includes: packing, UK collection, sea freight, Dubai customs clearance, delivery, unpacking and taking away the packing.

• BAR (British Association of Removers) Overseas Group members are inspected each year against the British Standard for overseas moving, BS 8564
• BAR members offer an advance payment guarantee if the firm stops trading, and a free dispute service
• FIDI is a global alliance of movers; its FAIM certification is checked by an independent auditor

Insurance

Your goods are at risk for weeks at sea and in storage. Removers sell transit insurance, usually priced as a percentage of the value you declare. One UK remover quotes 2–3%. Write a realistic value for each item, keep photos, and check whether you are covered if you pack boxes yourself.

Cars

Dubai Customs charges 5% duty on the assessed value of new and used vehicles. If shipped through a removal or shipping company, it asks for the original invoice, packing list, bill of lading and a passport or Emirates ID copy. Weigh the shipping cost and duty against buying or leasing locally. See driving and buying a car.