Moving from the UK to Abu Dhabi — Smooth, Door-to-Door Relocation
Relocate to Abu Dhabi with a single accountable team. London Moving manages export packing, sea or air transport, UAE customs clearance, and timed delivery to your residence. One coordinator. One plan. Clear pricing.
- IAM, BIFA, FIATA member
- FCL 20/40ft, groupage/LCL, and air options
- Door-to-door box shipping for smaller moves
- Local partner support in Abu Dhabi City and Al Reem
- UK storage and unpacking on request
Why choose London Moving for UK → Abu Dhabi
- End-to-end control from survey to placement in room.
- Export-grade packing. ISPM-15 crating for fragile items.
- Predictable transit windows and proactive updates.
- Transparent quotes. No hidden extras.
- Experienced with building permits and service lift bookings.
Service options
Sea freight
FCL for full households with fixed loading dates. Groupage/LCL to pay only for the space you use. Both include export packing, inventory, customs, and door delivery in Abu Dhabi.
Air freight
Fast 3–7 day door-to-door for essentials and high-value items. Simple documentation. Secure handling via trusted carriers.
Door-to-door box shipping
1–30 boxes by air or sea groupage. UK home collection, labelled and itemised, delivered to your Abu Dhabi address.
Pricing guide and transit times
Use these ranges to plan. Final quotes depend on volume, access, packing, crates, permits, and season.
| Mode | Typical Volume | Transit Time | Guide Price (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxes by Air | 0.1–1.5 m³ | 3–7 days | £6–£10 per kg |
| Groupage / LCL (Sea) | 2–12 m³ | 6–9 weeks | £230–£490 per m³ |
| 20ft FCL (Sea) | 28–32 m³ | 5–7 weeks | £3,000–£4,300 |
| 40ft FCL (Sea) | 60–65 m³ | 5–7 weeks | £5,100–£7,100 |
Groupage gives best value for 2–12 m³. Choose FCL for full homes or fixed loading windows.
UAE customs and documents
Used household goods are imported under UAE rules. Reliefs may apply for residents with valid visas. We manage export paperwork and clearance with our Abu Dhabi partner.
Your documents
- Passport and UAE residence visa/Emirates ID when available.
- Entry stamp or residence permit as applicable.
- Itemised inventory (we prepare) and values for insurance.
- Abu Dhabi delivery address and contact details.
- Building NOC or service lift booking if required by management.
Helpful reference IAM Country Guides (UAE)
Prohibited and restricted items
- Weapons and ammunition.
- Hazardous materials and pressurised cylinders.
- Restricted publications and certain media.
- Foodstuffs, plants, and medicines may require permits.
Popular delivery areas in Abu Dhabi
- Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Yas Island.
- Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Al Maryah Island.
- City centre apartments and villa communities.
Moving tips — UK → Abu Dhabi
- Confirm residence visa timelines before shipping if seeking duty relief.
- Reserve a service lift and loading bay with building management.
- Photograph access points and measure tight doorways.
- Crate glass, marble, art, and TVs for sea movement.
- Label boxes by destination room. Keep a digital inventory.
- Select groupage for 2–12 m³. Choose FCL for full households.
“Packed in Kent. Delivered to Al Reem on the booked slot. Clear updates and careful placement in rooms.” — S. Malik, moved 2025
Frequently asked questions
How long does UK → Abu Dhabi take
Air 3–7 days. Sea 5–7 weeks FCL, 6–9 weeks groupage.
Can I send only a few boxes
Yes. Door-to-door box service by air or sea groupage. See box shipping.
Do you handle UAE customs
Yes. We coordinate import paperwork and clearance with our local partner and arrange final delivery.
Can you crate artwork, TVs, marble
Yes. ISPM-15 wooden crates and export-grade protection used as needed.
Do you provide storage in the UK
Yes. Short- and long-term options in secure facilities. See storage.
Other GCC destinations
Ready to plan your UK → Abu Dhabi move
Send dates and an inventory. We’ll build a plan covering packing, mode, customs, and delivery.
Chat with us!