Moving to the UAE from the UK
This guide explains the main shipping options. You will understand timelines, cost drivers, and the steps from UK collection to UAE delivery.
If you are planning a move to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, start with the UAE hub page. It explains the service and links to each city page. Moving to UAE from the UK.
You get better results when you split the move into two parts. Essentials by air. Main shipment by sea.
Shipping options from the UK to the UAE
Sea freight groupage
Best for part loads. You share a container and pay per cubic metre. Good for boxes, small flats, and partial household moves.
- Typical volume range 2 to 12 m³
- Good for flexible delivery windows
- More handling points than a dedicated container
Related service Groupage services
Full container shipping
Best for full homes. You book a dedicated 20ft or 40ft container. Fewer handling steps and better control over delivery timing.
- 20ft container suits many 1 to 2 bedroom homes
- 40ft container suits larger households and villa moves
- Better for fixed building delivery slots
Related service Door to door moving services
Air freight for boxes and urgent items
Best for urgent essentials and high value items. Faster transit. Higher cost per kg than sea freight.
- Good for clothes, baby items, and essentials for first weeks
- Good when your UAE address is confirmed
- Use strong cartons and clear labels
Related service International box shipping
What controls the cost of shipping to the UAE
Most UAE household moves price by volume for sea groupage. Full containers price by container size and route. Air freight prices by chargeable weight.
- Volume in cubic metres
- Packing level and fragile items
- Access at collection and delivery
- Season and sailing schedule
- Customs processing and inspection risk
Fast way to get an accurate quote Send your move date Send your UK postcode Send a rough list of items
Start here Free quote form
Typical timeline from UK collection to UAE delivery
Timelines vary by route and the shipment type. Use these as planning ranges.
| Step | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Survey and quote | We confirm volume, access, packing level, and shipping option | 1 to 3 days |
| UK packing and collection | Export packing, labelling, inventory, load or uplift | 1 to 2 days |
| Export booking | Sea or air booking and export documents | 2 to 7 days |
| Transit | Air or sea transit to the UAE | Air 3 to 7 days Sea 5 to 9 weeks |
| Customs clearance | Document checks and any inspection handling | 3 to 10 days |
| Delivery | Delivery booking, access planning, offload | 1 to 3 days |
Documents commonly needed for UAE household goods
Requirements can change based on status and shipment type. Confirm early to avoid delays.
- Passport copy
- UAE visa or Emirates ID where applicable
- Inventory and packing list with values
- Delivery address and UAE contact number
Also read the UAE hub page Moving to UAE from the UK
Avoid delays Keep new goods separate Use clear values on the inventory Keep contacts reachable during clearance
Checklist before you ship to the UAE
- Confirm your UAE address or delivery area
- Share building rules and delivery booking requirements
- Prepare an inventory of used household items
- Separate essentials for the first weeks
- Decide sea groupage, full container, or air
- Book UK packing and collection dates
Packing support Packing services • Storage support Storage services
FAQs
What is the best shipping option for moving to the UAE
Sea groupage fits small to medium shipments. Full containers fit whole home moves and fixed dates. Air freight fits urgent boxes and essentials.
How long does sea shipping from the UK to the UAE take
Full containers often plan around 5 to 7 weeks. Groupage often plans around 6 to 9 weeks. Customs and delivery booking can add time.
Can I ship only boxes to Dubai
Yes. You can ship boxes by air or by sea groupage. See the Dubai page for delivery planning. Moving to Dubai
Do you provide packing in the UK
Yes. Export packing and labelling are available. Packing services
Get a UAE moving quote
Send your move date and a short inventory. We reply with the right option and a clear quote.
Chat with us!