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Moving to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah is one of the quicker long-distance moves from the UK. Sea freight reaches the Gulf in weeks, and used household belongings are normally imported free of duty by residents.
There is one rule that catches people out. UAE customs will not release your belongings until your residence visa has been issued. If your container arrives first, it waits in customs storage, and the storage is charged to you by the day. Almost every costly delay we see on this route comes back to that, and it is entirely avoidable with the right dates.
Getting the dates right is your move manager’s job. After a survey by one of our removal specialists, a dedicated move manager becomes your primary contact throughout. They receive the full survey file, ask where your visa has got to, and set your sailing date so that your belongings arrive after it is issued, not before. If the visa is running late, they will say so and suggest holding your belongings in the UK for a short while, which costs far less than storage at port.
In the UAE, our in-country partner handles port clearance and delivery, which is practical given the time difference. Your move manager stays in touch with both sides and with you. explains the model.
| Service | Best for | Typical cost | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared container (groupage: you pay for the space you use) | A one-bedroom flat or part-load | From £1,500 | Allow 7 to 10 weeks |
| Dedicated container | A three-bedroom home or larger | £3,500 to £6,000 | 3 to 5 weeks |
| Air freight | A few boxes you need quickly | Priced by weight and volume | Days, not weeks |
Prices include packing, sea freight and standard customs clearance. The sea leg itself is usually 18 to 25 days, arriving at the Port of Jebel Ali. Your own price depends on volume and access at both addresses, so every quote starts with a survey.
Duty. Residents setting up their home in the UAE can bring in used household belongings for personal use free of duty. New items, and goods imported without a residence visa, are typically charged duty at around 5%.
Documents your move manager will ask for:
Being there. UAE customs generally expects the owner to be in the country when the goods are cleared. Plan your own arrival ahead of your container’s.
Books, films and media can be examined by the authorities on arrival, which may add a little time. List them clearly on the inventory.
Some things that are ordinary in a UK home are prohibited or restricted in the UAE, and the consequences of getting it wrong are more serious than a delay.
Do not pack:
If you are unsure about anything, ask before it goes in a box. A question answered in the UK takes a minute; the same question at Jebel Ali can take weeks. Our guide to explains the general rules.
At Gerson, we offer a comprehensive range of services for removals to the UAE that ensure your move across the globe is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Our professional team uses high-quality packing materials and expert techniques to carefully wrap and protect your belongings for international removals to the UAE. From delicate ornaments to bulky furniture, everything is packed with international transit in mind for your peace of mind.
We handle everything from single pieces to full household shipments as part of our international removals to the UAE. Our team ensures your furniture is carefully disassembled (if needed), securely wrapped, and expertly loaded for safe transport to the UAE.
Special care is taken with items that are fragile, valuable, or sentimental. We offer custom crating and enhanced protection for artwork, antiques, electronics, and more to ensure they arrive safely and intact.
Comprehensive, flexible storage services in secure, well-maintained facilities across the UK, Europe, and overseas, ideal as short or long-term solutions.
We provide complete door-to-door removal services, with efficient collection of your belongings from your home in the UK to fast and safe delivery to your new address anywhere in the UAE. Wherever you are heading, leave it to our expert team to handle the small details of the move.
Need flexibility during your move? We offer secure short and long-term storage solutions in both the UK and the UAE. Whether you need to store your belongings before departure, during transit, or after arrival, we’ve got you covered.
If you are moving abroad it couldn’t be simpler. Your move with Gerson Moving Services is as easy as these 4 simple steps;
Get A Move
Quote
Packing &
Collection
Sea, Air or Road
Transport
Delivery and
Unpacking
Intimidated by the thought of relocating from the UK to the UAE? We’ve got everything covered.
Our service includes:
If you need further information for your move to the United Arab Emirates, then get in touch, our Move Managers will be happy to provide answers to all your questions. If you want a quick quote then what are you waiting for!
Gerson Moving Services is a member of the British Association of Removers, with the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee protecting money you pay in advance. We are IAM accredited, hold FIDI FAIM, the international quality standard for removal companies, and are part of the AGM Group. Disputes can be referred to the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman.
Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.
“Moved from Croydon to Abu Dhabi with our two girls in August. The crew packed the house in a day and labelled every box by room, which honestly saved us.”
“Retired to Ras Al Khaimah to be near our son. I’ve far too many books, nearly forty boxes, and every one was ticked off the inventory when they unloaded.”
“Paid for our move to Dubai ourselves, so I compared a few quotes. Gerson weren’t the cheapest, to be fair, but our contact replied the same day, every time.”
A dedicated container usually takes 3 to 5 weeks door to door, including 18 to 25 days at sea. A shared container takes longer because it waits to be filled; allow 7 to 10 weeks.
As a guide, from £1,500 for a one-bedroom flat in a shared container and £3,500 to £6,000 for a dedicated container for a family home, including packing and standard customs clearance. A survey gives you an exact figure.
They are held in customs storage at the port, at your cost, until the visa is issued. Your move manager plans the sailing date to prevent this and can hold your belongings in the UK if your visa is delayed.
Not normally, if you hold a UAE residence visa and the goods are used and for your own home. New items can be charged duty, so list them separately.
No. Do not include any alcohol in your removal. It is not permitted in household goods and can cause the whole container to be delayed.
