How long does it take to ship to Abu Dhabi?

Air freight typically arrives in 3–5 days; sea freight takes 5–7 weeks for full containers or 8–10 weeks for groupage shipments.

Do I need to be present for customs clearance in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, you or an authorized representative holding a valid UAE residency visa must be present to clear household goods through customs.

Can I send items without a full container?

Yes, we offer groupage shipping to Abu Dhabi so you pay only for the space you use in a shared container.

Are there customs duties for moving to Abu Dhabi?

Used household goods are exempt from customs duty if you have a valid UAE residency visa. New items may incur taxes.

What items are restricted or prohibited?

Restricted items include alcohol, pork products, weapons, certain medications, and materials considered culturally sensitive in the UAE.

How long does shipping from the UK to Abu Dhabi take?

Air freight shipments from the UK to Abu Dhabi usually arrive in 3 to 5 days. Sea freight takes about 5 to 7 weeks for a full container, or 8 to 10 weeks if using groupage (shared container).

What is groupage shipping to Abu Dhabi?

Groupage shipping means your belongings share container space with other shipments to Abu Dhabi. This option lowers costs because you pay only for the space you use. It’s ideal for small shipments or partial household moves.

Do I need to be in Abu Dhabi for customs clearance?

Yes. To clear your goods through Abu Dhabi customs duty-free, you must be present in the UAE with a valid residence visa when the shipment arrives.

Will I pay customs duty on household goods shipped to Abu Dhabi?

Used household goods shipped from the UK to Abu Dhabi are exempt from import duty if you hold a valid UAE residence visa. Any new items, commercial quantities, or restricted goods may be subject to duty or special approval.

What items are not allowed to ship to Abu Dhabi?

Prohibited or restricted items for shipping to Abu Dhabi include alcohol, pork products, weapons, controlled medicines, pornographic material, and any content violating UAE laws.

Do you offer professional packing and storage?

Yes, we provide professional export packing, custom crating for delicate or high-value items, and secure storage options in the UK before your shipment to Abu Dhabi.

Moving from the UK to Abu Dhabi – Stress-Free, Professional Relocation

Planning a move to Abu Dhabi? Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, London Moving provides a reliable door-to-door service tailored to your needs. We've supported hundreds of UK families and professionals making the move to the UAE—and we’re ready to help you every step of the way.

From expert packing to customs clearance, air or sea freight, and delivery right to your Abu Dhabi residence, we manage everything with care and precision. As proud members of the International Association of Movers (IAM), we offer transparent pricing, expert guidance, and dependable timelines.

Why Choose London Moving for Your Abu Dhabi Relocation?

✅ Trusted IAM member with UK-UAE relocation expertise
✅ Door-to-door service covering packing, shipping, customs, and delivery
✅ Flexible air and sea freight options
✅ Personalised support with local insight
✅ Transparent quotes with no hidden charges

Our Moving Services to Abu Dhabi

Full Door-to-Door Removals

We handle the entire process from your UK home to your new Abu Dhabi residence, including:

✔️ Collection and export packing at your UK address
✔️ Secure air or sea freight shipping
✔️ UAE customs clearance by local agents
✔️ Final delivery to your Abu Dhabi address

Air Freight to Abu Dhabi

If you need items quickly, air freight delivers within 3–5 days. This is ideal for essentials or urgent shipments. Our team manages all export and import documentation, working with trusted carriers for fast, safe delivery.

Sea Freight to Abu Dhabi

For larger moves, sea freight offers a cost-effective solution. Choose from:

Full Container Load (FCL): Dedicated 20ft or 40ft container for your shipment; delivery in approx. 5–7 weeks.
Shared Container (Groupage): Share space in a container and pay only for your volume; delivery in 8–10 weeks.

Groupage Service to Abu Dhabi

Not moving a full house? Our groupage shipping lets you combine your shipment with others, saving costs while keeping full tracking and customs clearance. Ideal for students, small households, or budget-conscious relocators.

Packing & Storage Solutions

We use export-standard materials, professional wrapping, and custom crates for delicate items. If you need time before moving in, we offer short- and long-term storage in secure, 24/7 monitored UK facilities. Explore our packing services and storage solutions.

Important Considerations for Moving to Abu Dhabi

🏢 Many Abu Dhabi apartment buildings require booking a service lift for deliveries—our team will coordinate this with your building management.
📄 You must hold a UAE residency visa to qualify for duty-free import of used household goods.
🚫 Prohibited items include alcohol, pork products, weapons, and certain medications.

Ready to Start Your Move to Abu Dhabi?

Get your free, no-obligation moving quote today and enjoy a seamless relocation with LondonMoving. Let our experts handle your move with care, speed, and precision.

📞 Call Now 📝 Get a Free Quote

Customer Testimonial

“London Moving made our relocation to Abu Dhabi seamless. Their team handled our apartment delivery in Marina Square with care, including coordinating the building’s service elevator. Everything arrived safely and on time.” – Sarah M., moved in 2024

Checklist: Moving to Abu Dhabi

8–12 Weeks Before: Start visa process, request free quote, declutter
6–8 Weeks Before: Confirm move date, schedule home survey
4 Weeks Before: Finalize packing plan, notify utilities, banks
2 Weeks Before: Confirm travel, finish packing
1 Week Before: Pack essentials bag, check parking for move truck
Moving Day: Keep documents with you, supervise loading, sign inventory
Arrival in Abu Dhabi: Confirm customs clearance, schedule delivery, check items

How long does it take to move from the UK to Abu Dhabi?

Air freight typically takes 3–5 days. Sea freight ranges from 5–7 weeks (FCL) to 8–10 weeks (groupage).

Do I need a residence visa for customs clearance?

Yes, a valid UAE residence visa is required for duty-free import of used household goods.

Can you pack my belongings for international shipping?

Absolutely. We provide export-grade packing and crating to ensure your items are protected for sea or air transport.

What items are prohibited to ship to Abu Dhabi?

Restricted items include alcohol, pork products, weapons, certain medications, and politically sensitive materials.

Do you offer storage if my home isn’t ready?

Yes, we provide secure short-term and long-term storage options in the UK if you need to delay delivery.

Ready to Start Your Move to Abu Dhabi?

Get your free, no-obligation moving quote today and enjoy a seamless relocation with LondonMoving. Let our experts handle your move with care, speed, and precision.

📞 Call Now 📝 Get a Free Quote