The cost of removals to Dubai and the UAE will depend on a number of factors, such as the volume of goods you are sending, what packing is required, and the distance you are from the port.

As a rough guide, expect to pay £1500 – £2800 for an apartment move and £3800 – £5200 for a full household removal to UAE.

Additional costs will also need to be considered, such as optional insurance/shipment protection and UAE customs inspection fees that need to be paid on arrival.

The best way to get a more accurate price or estimate is to call our team or request a removals quote online. They can also advise on the best way to reduce your removal costs to get the cheapest removals to the UAE.

NB: As prices are regularly changing, we highly recommend you contact us to get an estimate of current removal costs and book a free home or virtual survey so that we can give you a more accurate removals quote.

We offer a fully comprehensive removals service to the Emirates, which will take care of everything for you. The removals service includes door-to-door pick-up and delivery (not door-to-port), export packing by professional international removal packers, specialist cartons, crates and antique packing as required, help with customs paperwork and inventory listing, shipping via accredited shipping lines, transport to and from the port, customs clearance service.

Additional fees not included in your removal costs quote include customs inspection fees, duties and port fees payable on arrival in Dubai, storage services and maritime insurance or shipment protection cover, which is recommended but not required.

Beware of cheap removals quotes to Dubai and the UAE which do not include all the costs.

Your household belongings and furniture will be shipped to the UAE via a sea freight service. The overseas removals service can be quite complicated, but with United Removals’, our expert teams will make the process as easy and stress free as possible. You can sit back and let us do all the heavy lifting!

Our UAE removals service includes the following steps:

1) A home or video survey to provide you with an accurate quote or removal estimate.

2) A personal Move Coordinator to plan and manage all aspects of your home removal.

3) They will guide you through completing all the necessary paperwork for sea freight shipping, customs clearance and shipment protection.

4) On move day, our movers and packers will take care of all the packing and export wrapping of furniture and other belongings.

5) If you require a full-load container (either 20 ft or 40 ft), the shipping container will be delivered to your property and loaded by the packing crew.

6) For shared or part load containers, your household goods and personal belongings will be taken in our removals van to one of our depots for loading onto the shipping container as groupage.

7) The container will then be sent by sea freight to Dubai or the UAE.

8) On arrival at the port (we ship to all major ports in the UAE), our local partner agents will handle the customs process for you. Once your shipment has been cleared and all customs fees and duties paid, it will be released for final delivery.

9) Your belongings will then be delivered to their final destination to your new home address or to storage if required. Our partner, UAE removals service, will then unload your goods and unpack furniture to ensure all your belongings arrive safely.

If you are only sending a few personal belongings such as luggage and boxes, we recommend our baggage or box shipping service.

We can deliver boxes and other packing materials for you to self-pack. Once you are ready, we can collect them and deliver them to your address in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or elsewhere.

Our baggage shipping service for small moves includes up to about 20 boxes or suitcases and can include items such as TVs, bicycles, surfboards and toolboxes.

Often it will be more cost effective for smaller shipments to be sent by our air freight service.

It does not, however, include large items of furniture.

When travelling or relocating to Dubai and the UAE, you should check out the list of restricted and prohibited items to ensure a smooth entry into the country. Familiarise yourself with these regulations to avoid any complications during your journey before deciding what to pack.

Prohibited Items:

1. Narcotics: Weeds, opium, heroin, morphine, cocaine, and all kinds of narcotics are strictly prohibited.
2. Offensive Material: Publications, pictures, paintings, sculptures, and cards that violate Islamic religion or public morals, or are intended as pornography, are not allowed.
3. Gambling Tools: Equipment related to gambling and machines used for gambling purposes are prohibited.
4. Goods from Boycotted Countries: Importing goods from boycotted countries is not allowed.
5. Hazardous Materials: Ozone layer depleting materials, radioactive-contaminated materials, asbestos boards and pipes, laser pens with red flashlight beams, hazardous waste, ben tree leaves, and used and renovated types are prohibited.

Restricted Items:

1. Agricultural Products: Importing seeds, tubers, outdoor seedlings, and honeybees into the UAE require a permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
2. Food: Specific limits apply to the importation of various food items.
3. Medicines and Drugs: Travelers are advised to carry prescriptions for their medications and ensure that the quantity is justified for personal use during their stay. Certain medicines containing banned substances may require prior permission from the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
4. Vehicles: Importing vehicles may require following specific procedures set by customs authorities.
5. Publications: Publications, including artwork, that contradict Islamic values are banned. Personal items may be scrutinized, and materials found to be in violation may be censored or confiscated.
6. Weapons: Importing weapons, ammunition, body protection, and related equipment requires permission from the Ministry of Interior.
7. Technical Equipment: Certain technical equipment such as satellite phones, listening or recording devices, radio transmitters, powerful cameras, or binoculars may require a license from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
8. Cash/Money: Travelers carrying cash or financial instruments exceeding AED 100,000 must declare it at customs.
9. Personal Goods: Personal belongings are exempt from customs fees if their value does not exceed AED 3,000 and if they are for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
10. Cigarettes and Alcohol: Importing cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are allowed within specified limits for personal use.

Please note that this is a general overview, and it’s important to consult the official UAE customs authorities for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding restricted and prohibited items for import into the UAE.

If you only have a small number of personal effects to send to Dubai or the UAE, then our air freight removal service is for you. We can provide you with boxes and cartons, or you can use your own bags and suitcases. This is the quickest removals service but also the most expensive. Many people, therefore, use a combination of both air freight and sea freight shipping services.

You can check out our more detailed UAE International Removals Guide below, or why not call one of our advisers on 01942 557102?

They will be happy to answer all of your questions, give you some guideline prices and arrange a home survey consultation to provide a more accurate price.

We recommend getting a few quotes for your move so you can compare the different styles of companies and ensure you are happy with their service. Make sure, however, that you are comparing like with like. For example, are the volumes the same? Is everything included?

Also, overseas removals are very different to domestic moves. It is therefore essential to ensure that your removalist is experienced, if not specialising in international moves.

We are confident that you’ll find your quote from United Removals to be very competitive and can be assured that standards of service are second to none.

In recent years, shipping costs have increased, so you may want to keep this in mind when you consider what you want to take with you to the Emirates and what you can leave behind. However, it isn’t all bad news; remember, it becomes relatively cheaper as you ship more.

You need to think about the cost involved in replacing some of your items in Dubai if you are not sure about shipping them. Even when they are only small items, this cost can soon add up, particularly if there are a lot of belongings.

Research the cost of replacement items as some things are more expensive, and some may not even be available – it may turn out that shipping them may be more economical in the long run.

Will you need storage in the UK or the United Arab Emirates?

Moving from one location in the UK to another is rarely the smooth process that people hope for, so it goes without saying that when you move to another country, the entire process can become a little trickier.

Often people find that they have a period of time once they have sold their property and before they move when they need to place their belongings in storage, which we can help you with.

We have several storage solutions depending on your needs. We can arrange storage for your personal effects in the UK before they are shipped or in the UAE after they arrive – whichever suits your situation.

If the issue is that you do not have a fixed address in the UAE to ship your belongings to, then we can arrange for your household goods and personal effects to be placed in storage in the Emirates whilst you sort out accommodation. We will be able to help no matter whether you’re moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any of the other Emirates.

Once you have a property ready, our local movers can arrange delivery of your belongings from storage.

Your belongings must be appropriately packed for shipping to Dubai and the UAE. The journey is lengthy, and they will be moved from one form of transport to another more than once.

This means that there is a chance that items could move within your shipping container, and if they are not adequately protected, then they could become damaged.

A high standard of export packing is, therefore, essential, so it is recommended that you use a professional packing service. This will also save you a lot of time and stress.

Our team of professional packers are expertly trained to deal with all the issues encountered with export wrapping. The boxes that we use to transport all of your smaller items are double-walled, and we also ensure that all of your furniture is export wrapped to ensure that it arrives in good condition at your destination.

For those delicate and fragile items, such as artwork and antiques, we can arrange specialist packing to offer better protection to your articles. This includes custom-built crates.

Our expert packing team is here to help you with as little or as much of your packing process as you want. We offer all of our customers the following packing services:

• Full international export standard packing & wrap service
• Fully trained export packers
• Provision of export quality boxes, cartons, packing paper & packing materials
• Custom wood casing/crates if required
• Professional antique wrapping for delicate items
• Advice on preparing your items for transport to the UAE
• Premium grade disinfectant available for outdoor items
• Complete inventory list for customs

You may wish to start packing some boxes before your move day. Speak to our team about using export quality cartons and remember you’ll need to keep an inventory of items for customs.

You will need to ensure all your belongings are clean and in condition before they are packed. It is also essential that they are dry to avoid mildew and mould forming on the long journey.

Take time to consider what items to take and what delicate and valuable need extra care when packing.

Our international removals service is perfect for shipping your furniture to United Arab Emirates from the UK.

For furniture removals, every item is carefully packed or ‘export wrapped’ using packing materials such as blanket wrap. All furniture pieces, including sofas, armchairs, beds, tables and cupboards, can be packed and shipped in a container.

As large items are bulky, you consider which are cost effective to send. For example, most houses and apartments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have built-in wardrobes, so shipping these might not be worthwhile.

You may wish to put your belongings in self-storage units whilst you are selling your property or waiting for your visa to come through.

Shipping your belongings to the UAE from storage is a simple process. If your household belongings and furniture are in self-storage units in the UK, our team can arrange to collect them and professionally pack them for shipping either at the self-storage unit or back at our depot.

If you wish to pre-pack yourself, please ensure you have appropriate international shipping cartons/boxes and that everything is carefully wrapped and packed for its journey.

Many of our customers worry about customs clearance for all of their belongings when they arrive in Dubai and the UAE. This is something that we can help you with. However, you may find the following helpful information when planning your move.

Importation of removals goods is allowed for UAE citizens and those with a valid UAE residence visa provided the shipment consists of personal effects and used household goods only. All used personal effects and household goods are exempt from duty. Brand new items will attract Custom duty at 5% of the invoice value.

For your shipping container to be released, you will need to pay any customs duties, inspection fees, and also any other charges. These will be payable locally. Our agents in Canada will be able to assist you with the customs clearance process.

The personal Move Coordinator who is assigned to you when you choose us to assist with your removal will be able to advise you with information regarding what you can and can’t take to Canada and how you can prepare and clean your items for shipping. If you prefer, our expert packers can help you with this.

This information is essential as it can help minimise customs inspection and quarantine fees that the UAE Customs Service may change.

It is possible to ship your car or other vehicles in a 40 ft container alongside your house contents.

However, the UAE does have strict import criteria for cars and vehicles so speak to our team to ensure that importing your vehicle is feasible and cost effective.

Importation is allowed provided the vehicle meets UAE specifications of left-hand drive and other basics. Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on CIF/FOB Discretion at Government Authorities. 5% VAT plus processing charges as per government regulation.

Some paperwork will be required, but we can help you ensure it is all completed correctly, and our agents will take care of customs clearance for you.

United International Removals take great care to ensure your belongings are well-packed and taken care of during their journey. We only use accredited shipping lines and partners to ensure the highest levels of service.

However, due to the nature of international shipping and removals, it is recommended that you take out your own maritime insurance policy or shipment protection cover for complete peace of mind. Just like when you mail a parcel overseas, the shipping company cannot cover the full value of your goods in the unlikely event of something going missing or being broken.

We can offer and recommend Shipment Protection Cover that is highly flexible and will offer you lots of advantages.

This cover is simple and easy to put in place. All that is required is the completion of a shipment protection valuation form detailing the items that need to be covered and their value.

The shipment protection costs are calculated on the value that you want to cover and are based on whether you have packed the items or they have been packed professionally.

Purchasing property in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a unique opportunity to invest in a thriving real estate market. The country boasts a diverse range of properties, from luxurious villas and apartments to commercial spaces. It’s important to note that foreigners can own property in designated areas called freehold zones, which include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. These areas provide expatriates with the chance to own property on a freehold basis.

The Dubai and UAE property market offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices vary depending on factors such as location, property type, size, and amenities. For example, in Dubai, popular residential areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina tend to have higher property prices, while more affordable options can be found in areas like Dubailand and International City.

Before finalising a property purchase, it’s crucial to conduct thorough due diligence. This includes obtaining a property valuation, reviewing all legal documents, and ensuring that the property is free from any encumbrances or disputes. Engaging the services of a qualified lawyer who specializes in UAE real estate law can help safeguard your interests during the transaction.

If you plan to bring your pets to the UAE, it’s important to be aware of the country’s regulations and requirements. The UAE has strict guidelines to ensure the well-being and health of animals entering the country. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment oversees the importation of pets and provides detailed information on the necessary procedures.

To bring your pet to the UAE, it must have an ISO-compliant microchip for identification purposes. You must also obtain a pet import permit from the relevant authorities, which typically requires documentation such as a valid health certificate, vaccination records, and a copy of the owner’s passport. The UAE also mandates that all pets undergo a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival, which is usually 30 days for dogs and 10 days for cats.

It’s highly recommended to engage the services of a professional pet relocation company that specializes in relocating pets to the UAE. These companies are well-versed in the country’s regulations and can assist with the necessary paperwork, transportation arrangements, and ensuring a smooth transition for your beloved pet. Additionally, they can provide guidance on pet-friendly accommodations and amenities in the UAE to help you settle in comfortably with your furry companion.

If you’re considering moving to the UAE in search of employment, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the job market and visa requirements. The UAE offers a range of job opportunities across various sectors, including finance, technology, hospitality, and construction.

To find employment, it’s advisable to research job portals and recruitment agencies that specialise in the UAE market.

The tax regime and modern amenities in Dubai and the UAE make not only attractive to expats but also entrepreneurs and businesses from all over the world.

Obtaining a work visa is a crucial step for working in the UAE. The process usually involves a sponsorship from an employer, who will initiate the visa application on your behalf. The employer must provide relevant documents, including a job offer letter, valid trade license, and your passport information.

The UAE government has established several visa categories to cater to different types of employment. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is the authoritative source for information on work visas and employment regulations in the UAE.

The most common work visa is the Employment Visa, which requires sponsorship from a UAE-based employer. This visa is typically valid for two years and can be renewed. Another popular option is the Free Zone Visa, which allows individuals to work in specific free zones across the UAE. Free zones offer various incentives and benefits to attract foreign businesses and professionals.

It’s important to note that the UAE government encourages Emiratization, which prioritizes the employment of UAE nationals in certain sectors. This can impact the availability of job opportunities for expatriates in certain industries. However, there are still numerous sectors where expatriates can find employment, especially those with specialized skills and expertise.

When relocating to the UAE, it’s important to consider the process of transferring money to the country. The UAE has a well-established banking system and offers various options for international money transfers. To ensure a seamless and cost-effective transfer, it’s advisable to consult with a foreign currency specialist or a reputable bank that specializes in international transactions.

It’s recommended to open a bank account in the UAE before making the move. This will facilitate the process of transferring money and managing your finances once you arrive in the country. Most major banks in the UAE offer a range of account options for residents and non-residents, each with its own set of requirements and benefits.

We understand that relocating to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be a significant undertaking, and our team of experts is here to provide you with comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process. From initial planning to packing and removal, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in the UAE. Feel free to reach out to our dedicated team for personalised guidance and support as you embark on this exciting journey.