UK to Dubai shipping costs (2026): groupage, container and air freight
This guide explains typical shipping costs from the UK to Dubai for household goods and personal effects. Use it to estimate your budget before requesting an exact quote. Final pricing depends on volume, packing level, access, and shipment type.
- Groupage is best for 2 to 12 m³
- 20ft containers suit full homes and fixed dates
- Air freight is best for essentials and urgent boxes
- Dubai towers often require booked delivery slots
- Clear inventories reduce customs delays
Typical UK to Dubai shipping price ranges
These are planning ranges for used household goods and personal effects. Quotes vary with packing requirements, collection location, season, and access at both ends.
| Shipping mode | Typical volume | Typical transit time | Planning range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air freight (boxes) | 0.1 to 1.5 m³ | 3 to 7 days | £6 to £10 per kg |
| Sea freight groupage (LCL) | 2 to 12 m³ | 6 to 10 weeks | £250 to £350 per m³ |
| 20ft container (FCL) | 28 to 32 m³ | 5 to 7 weeks | £3,900 to £4,900 |
| 40ft container (FCL) | 60 to 65 m³ | 5 to 7 weeks | £6,200 to £7,500 |
Planning ranges updated: February 2026.
What changes your UK to Dubai shipping cost
1 Volume in cubic metres
Shipping cost is driven by how much space you take, especially by sea. Downsizing can reduce costs more than any other single decision.
2 Packing level and crating
Export wrapping, fragile packing, and ISPM-15 crates increase cost but reduce damage risk. Crating is common for TVs, artwork, and fragile furniture.
3 Access and handling time
Long carries, no lift, tight stairwells, and parking restrictions can change labour time and price. Dubai towers may require booked lift slots.
4 Shipment type and timing
Groupage is cost-efficient for small moves but depends on consolidation schedules. Full containers cost more, but offer more control over dates and handling.
How to estimate your shipping volume (m³)
If you do not know your volume, start with a simple estimate. Volume is the main driver for sea freight pricing.
- Boxes only: often 1 to 3 m³ depending on quantity and carton size
- Studio or small 1 bedroom: often 6 to 12 m³
- 2 bedroom home: often 15 to 25 m³
- 3 bedroom home: often 25 to 35 m³
- 4 to 5 bedroom home: often 40 m³ and above
For the most accurate result, request a quote and include a short inventory. If you need help choosing between groupage and a container, the Dubai service page explains the options.
How to reduce your UK to Dubai shipping cost
- Downsize before packing. Every cubic metre matters.
- Ship essentials by air and the main shipment by sea.
- Choose groupage for small moves if your delivery date is flexible.
- Confirm Dubai building access rules early to avoid re-delivery costs.
- Prepare a clear used household goods inventory with realistic values.
Want door-to-door help with packing, shipping and delivery. Use the Dubai removals page to plan your move properly.
Common add-ons that can affect the final price
- Professional export packing and fragile wrapping
- ISPM-15 wooden crates for high value or fragile items
- Long carry charges if parking is far from the building entrance
- Stair carry when lifts are unavailable
- Booked delivery slots and service lift coordination for Dubai towers
FAQs: UK to Dubai shipping costs
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