Shipping a Container to Dubai from the UK

How Long Does it Take to Ship a Container to Dubai?

Planning a move to Dubai? Get dates and port to port transit times for each vessel departing from the UK.

Short Answer: Typically the port to port transit times between the UK and Dubai are 21 days, however this can vary depending on your destination port. For more detailed times for each port/vessel please see our table below.

Container Tracking

Once your goods have been loaded you will receive a unique container number. We offer a container tracking service through trace-track.com, allowing you to track your container in real-time. Simply enter your container number to get the latest information about your shipment:

Shipping container tracking

Restricted and Prohibited Items for Shipping to Dubai

Planning a move to Dubai or looking to ship personal belongings to the UAE? It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the country's import regulations to ensure a hassle-free move. At 1st Move International, we ensure that you're well-informed and prepared to meet the customs regulations of your destination country. Here's a short guide on what's allowed, restricted, and prohibited when shipping to Dubai.

Prohibited Items

Dubai and the UAE have strict rules on prohibited items. Importing these may result in severe penalties. Prohibited items include:

• Controlled/recreational drugs and narcotic substances
• Pirated content and counterfeit currency
• Items used in black magic, witchcraft, or sorcery
• Publications and artwork contradicting Islamic teachings and values
• Gambling tools and machines
• Nylon fishing nets
• Items of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli flags and emblems

Please visit the official UAE Government website for more information.

Restricted Items

Certain goods require necessary permits before they can be imported. These include:

• Pets and Domestic Animals: Dogs and cats can be imported with a permit from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Make sure you have your pet's vaccination card, health certificate, passport, and microchip details.
• Agricultural Products: Seeds, tubers, outdoor seedlings, and honeybees require a permit from the MOCCAE.
• Food: There are limits on the quantity of certain types of food you can bring, including yogurt, oil, vegetables, fruits, and others. Always check the latest regulations to ensure compliance.
• Medicines and Drugs: Certain medicines may contain substances that are banned in the UAE. Always carry the doctor's prescription and ensure that the quantity justifies normal use during your stay. For bulk quantities, prior permission from the Ministry of Health and Prevention is needed.
• Vehicles: Customs authorities have specific procedures for importing vehicles.
• Weapons: Any kind of weapon, ammunition, or related equipment requires permission from the Ministry of Interior.
• Cash/Money: If you are carrying more than AED 100,000 in cash or the equivalent in other currencies, you must declare it at customs.

Packing and Paperwork

When it comes to packing for your move, hiring a professional company like 1st Move International ensures your belongings are shipped securely and promptly to Dubai. We provide bespoke packing services, adhering to strict requirements for exporting from the UK and importing to the UAE.

As part of our services, we'll assist you in creating an inventory list and completing all necessary paperwork for your items to clear UAE and Dubai customs without any hitches.

Declarations

Once your inventory list is ready, you'll need to declare all items. This process can be done ahead of time before leaving the UK. Our team is ready to assist you, or you can use the e-clearance service for individuals provided by the UAE government.

With 1st Move International by your side, our team will provide all the support and organisation you need to make your move a success. For more information on removals to Dubai, or to get your free moving quote, get in touch today.

Main Container Shipping Ports in Dubai

Dubai is home to some of the busiest and most technologically advanced ports in the world, making it a major hub for global trade and shipping.

• Jebel Ali Port: Jebel Ali Port is the largest and busiest port in the Middle East and the ninth busiest in the world. It is also the world's largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East. Operated by DP World, Jebel Ali Port covers an area of 134 square kilometers and has an impressive capacity to handle more than 22.1 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) per year. Jebel Ali is also the first port in the region to have achieved the ISO 28000 security certification.
• Port Rashid: Also known as Mina Rashid, this is a smaller but still significant port in Dubai. Managed by DP World, Port Rashid offers passenger services and is equipped to handle over 500,000 TEU per year. Mina Rashid also holds the title of the leading cruise port in the Middle East, serving more than 500,000 cruise passengers annually.
• Al Hamriya Port: Although Al Hamriya is smaller compared to the other two, it plays a vital role in facilitating trade between Dubai and countries in the Persian Gulf region. Al Hamriya Port is particularly important for bulk and general cargo handling.

Trust Us with Your Move to Dubai

At 1st Move International, we have over two decades of experience in the removals industry, offering unrivalled expertise and exceptional services tailored to your needs.

We're proud to offer faster shipping and safer packing and we meticulously handle every item, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home in Dubai. As members of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) and the British Association of Removers (BAR), we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and care in every move.

Get a free, no-obligation quote for our removal services today.