Container Shipping to Dubai From the UK

Cost of Shipping Container From UK to Dubai

The shipping container cost from UK to Dubai varies based on the container size, route, volume of the goods, seasonality, and included services. These are the estimated costs:

• A 20-foot container costs between £1,500 and £4,355
• A 40-foot container costs between £2,700 and £6,970

The main commercial ports in the UAE: Port of Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, Port of Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Hamriyah Port, Sharjah Port, Mina Saqr, Delma Port, Al Sila Port, Al Mirfa Port, Shahama Port and Hamad Port.

The Port of Jebel Ali is located in Dubai and one of the largest container ports in the world. This is where most goods enter and leave the UAE.

Sea Freight vs Air Freight Shipping

If you’re moving to Dubai and want to ship household items from the UK, most people opt for sea freight. It’s the most cost-effective method for large, heavy, and non-urgent shipments.

Air freight is ideal for smaller, urgent shipments but can be significantly more expensive. Shipping items from UK to Dubai via air freight can be done in a few days, whereas sea freight can take up to a month when you have your own container and up to six weeks when shared. The exact transit time varies on the shipping route and schedule.

FCL vs LCL Shipping From UK to Dubai

When shipping furniture from the UK to Dubai, you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping. Both have their benefits.

• FCL: This option is great for large volumes, like a full household or commercial cargo move, as you’re renting the entire container. Your shipment remains sealed from departure to arrival, so there’s less risk of damage. It’s also faster than sharing a container. People also opt for FCL when shipping fragile or high-value items that need minimal handling.
• LCL: Here multiple shipments are combined in one container, which is more cost-effective and ideal for smaller moves that don’t occupy an entire container. Transit times can take longer (up to six weeks) and there might be a higher risk of damage.

Car Shipping UK to Dubai

How much it is to ship a car to Dubai depends on the shipping method, vehicle size, and your requirements. It’s best to compare quotes from moving companies that offer vehicle shipping to get the best price. Fees for customs duties, taxes, and delivery might cost extra.

There are two ways to ship a car from to Dubai from the UK:

• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo): This is the most cost-effective method, with prices starting at £1,328 for a standard saloon car and £1,971 for an SUV or 4×4. The transit time ranges from 24 to 26 days.
• Container Shipping: This method offers better protection as it’s secured within a 20ft or 40ft container. Costs start at £1,904 for a standard saloon car and £1,951 for an SUV or 4×4. Shipping typically takes between 16 to 28 days.

UK Shipping Companies to Dubai

When browsing Sirelo’s database to find the right removal and shipping companies from UK to Dubai, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for shipping companies with a strong reputation and proven experience with international shipping.

Browse Sirelo’s customer reviews to get a full picture of their service. When comparing quotes, see what’s included, such as packing, door-to-door delivery, customs clearance, and insurance.

Reliable moving companies to Dubai often are accredited by the British Association of Removers (BAR) or the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).

Here are the top UK movers that ship internationally:

Sirelo Top Mover

8.0

88

Deliver1

Amersham

6 ratings as Good Communication

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6 ratings as "Good Communication"

7.4

207

Sherpr

London

14 ratings as Good Price

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14 ratings as "Good Price"

Sirelo Top Mover

7.9

226

PSS International Removals

Croydon

14 ratings as Professional

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14 ratings as "Professional"

Prohibited Items to Ship to Dubai from UK

When shipping items to Dubai from the UK, keep in mind that not everything is allowed to be imported. Dubai restricts certain items, such as:

• Pork meat products
• Plants and plant materials
• Medication and food items
• Political and religious literature
• Flammable or corrosive items

Items that are prohibited from being shipped to Dubai include:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Narcotic drugs
• Gamblings tools and devices
• Materials that are offensive to Islamic morals and values
• Fake currency
• Items used in black magic, witchcraft, or sorcery
• Weapons and ammunition
• Radiation-polluted substances
• Articles dealing with endangered species (eg ivory)

These rules apply to the UAE as a whole, so also if you’re moving to Abu Dabhi. Consult your moving company to see which items are restricted and prohibited when shipping to Dubai, as this list is not extensive and might change over time.