United Arab Emirates

Moving to United Arab Emirates

The UAE has long been a popular destination with clients from Clark & Rose’s Aberdeen branch with Dubai and Abu Dhabi acting as a magnet for oil executives and engineers lured by the enviable lifestyle and climate. Consequently it’s our second most popular destination by volume which gives us a deep understanding of the complexities involved in moving here.

Over the years our coordinating team have helped many families and individuals move to the UAE assisted by the professional expertise of our local agents who ensure that customs formalities and delivery logistics are navigated with the minimum of stress.

Clark & Rose can offer a full range of shipping services to the UAE to help make your move as easy as possible. We’d be delighted to speak to you about your move so contact us now for a free estimate either by calling on 0330 511 1906, if you prefer to speak to someone directly, or by clicking on the get in touch or get a quote links.

How long will it take:

Sea / FCL or LCL:

• 6 to 8 weeks

Loose shared groupage container:

• 10 to 16 weeks

Air – most destinations:

• 7 to 14 days

Please note that any transit times are purely indicative. Actual door to door transit times may be shorter or longer if subject to factors beyond our control.

What can I take with me?

When moving to the UAE importation of used household goods and personal effects will be free of duty charges. Brand new items will attract Customs duty and if the invoice is not provided Customs will do their own assessment.

The UAE has strict import regulations therefore it is essential that you do not import wines or spirits, food products, religious images. Weapons, firearms, fire crackers, swords or daggers, military uniforms and images of nudity. Banned drugs and medicines, even ones obtained under prescription. The majority of consignments will go through a 100% physical inspection and therefore it is necessary to pack all books, magazines, DVD’s in separate cartons clearly marked so that they can be easily identified by customs.

All importers need to be present in the UAE at the time of customs clearance, and the consignment should arrive within a month of the client’s arrival in the UAE.

As with any destination careful planning is required and certain items may be problematic to ship or carry restrictions – if you have any questions at all on this or are looking for advice we’d be very happy to help.

Can I bring my car?

Importation of motor vehicles is allowed provided the vehicle meets UAE specification – one of which is that the vehicle must be left hand drive.

After the vehicle is customs cleared in the UAE the customs authority will issue a clearance certificate which should be submitted to the local traffic authority to register the car in the name of the owner/consignee.

Prior to exportation the registration of the car should be de-registered before export.

Shipping methods

Find out more about shipping methods in our guide which covers sea and air options