Moving to Dubai from USA
Moving from the US to Dubai involves coordination across packing, export documentation, ocean freight, UAE customs clearance, and last-mile delivery. SDC International Shipping manages each stage door-to-door for household goods moves from all 50 US states to Dubai and throughout the UAE. For a full overview of how the process works, see our international household moving service.
Call 877-339-0267 or request a quote online.
What the Door-to-Door Service Includes
International moves to Dubai involve multiple handoffs and strict documentation requirements. SDC coordinates each stage so the timeline stays predictable and the shipment is protected throughout.
- Container delivery to your home — SDC schedules the container at your residence or designated loading site and coordinates any building or HOA access requirements.
- Professional packing and loading — Export-grade materials, custom crating for fragile items, and methodical loading designed for long ocean voyages.
- Document preparation — Customs-compliant inventories, bills of lading, export files, and guidance on documents you must sign or supply.
- Customs clearance support — Proactive checks to align names, addresses, shipment IDs, and dates across all forms to reduce the chance of holds at Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi port.
- Destination transport and delivery — After clearance, trucking of your container to your Dubai address or other UAE emirate, with room-by-room placement.
What You Can Ship in One Container
The goal is to consolidate as much as practical into a single, well-planned shipment: furniture, personal effects, and a vehicle if applicable. A 40-foot FCL can typically accommodate a complete household alongside a containerized vehicle. For smaller volumes, LCL consolidated shipping is available.
- Bedroom furniture and wardrobes
- Kitchen cupboards and dining sets
- Clothing and personal effects
- Dishes, cookware, and kitchenware
- Vehicles containerized alongside household goods
Helpful guidelines before packing
- Household goods and personal effects should be owned and used prior to shipment to qualify for duty-free entry under UAE customs rules.
- Avoid quantities that could appear commercial. Your SDC coordinator will flag anything that needs special handling before loading.
- Do not include firearms in your container. These require separate processes and documentation outside the household goods shipment.
- For questions about a specific item, your coordinator can confirm UAE compliance before packing day.
Shipping a Car to Dubai from the USA
SDC ships vehicles only inside containers alongside household goods. Stand-alone car shipping and RoRo are not offered. When a vehicle is included, the loading crew blocks and braces it inside the container alongside the household contents for a consolidated, secure move.
If you are relocating to Dubai with a valid UAE residence status and plan to include a vehicle, eligibility and feasibility are confirmed before booking. The documentation package typically includes:
- Vehicle title
- Bill of lading
- Original purchase invoice and certificate of origin (for newer vehicles)
- US customs export filing
- Declared value estimate for UAE customs
- Order of delivery from the US
- US traffic/DMV export certification where applicable
- Valid insurance and identification documents
For luxury or high-value vehicles, a dedicated full container provides the most control and protection. Your SDC coordinator will confirm container options and stowage plans based on your vehicle dimensions and household volume.
Key Facts About Importing a Car to Dubai
- Left-hand drive only for road use — The UAE drives on the right, so LHD vehicles are standard for registration. RHD vehicles are generally not registrable for everyday use; limited exceptions may apply to classic vehicles under special categories.
- Personal import limits — Rules may limit the number of vehicles imported annually for personal use. Your SDC coordinator will confirm current specifics during planning.
- Tint and equipment — Vehicles with excessively dark tint or non-compliant equipment may face restrictions at registration.
- Customs duty and VAT — Most vehicles incur 5% duty on CIF value and 5% VAT on the assessed value.
- Vehicle Clearance Certificate — Issued by Dubai Customs after clearance and required before registering with the RTA.
- Age and condition — Vehicles older than approximately 10 years typically require special RTA approval for roadworthiness before registration.
- Residency requirement — A valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID is required to clear and register a vehicle.
Your SDC coordinator will verify current requirements during planning and align documents so the household container and vehicle clear together, keeping delivery consolidated.
Moving to Other UAE Cities from the USA
Most American expats relocating to the UAE settle in Dubai, but SDC coordinates delivery to all seven emirates. Shipments destined for Dubai and the northern emirates arrive at the Port of Jebel Ali. Shipments to Abu Dhabi and the western UAE typically clear through the Port of Zayed. SDC delivers to:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Fujairah
- Ajman
- Umm Al Quwain
Packing and Loading
SDC’s professional international packing service covers export-grade wrapping and cartooning, custom crating for fragile and high-value items, and methodical container loading designed for long ocean voyages. Weight is distributed carefully, and fragile items are isolated from heavy furniture to reduce vibration damage across transit.
On delivery, labeled cartons and furniture are placed in the correct rooms, which speeds up settling-in and reduces the time needed to get the new home functional.
Marine Insurance
Standard household insurance policies do not cover goods during international transit. International moving insurance protects the shipment against loss or damage during ocean transit, port handling, customs inspection, and storage. For Dubai moves, which involve multiple handling points across a long voyage, coverage is strongly recommended. SDC helps align inventory values with the policy and prepares certificates before departure so coverage is active from the moment the shipment leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship household goods from the US to Dubai?
Ocean transit from US East Coast ports to Jebel Ali typically runs 25 to 35 days. Total door-to-door time including packing, export handling, ocean transit, and UAE customs clearance typically runs ten to sixteen weeks depending on origin port and destination emirate.
Which port does my shipment arrive at in Dubai?
Most Dubai-bound shipments arrive at the Port of Jebel Ali, the largest commercial port in the Middle East. Shipments to Abu Dhabi typically clear through the Port of Zayed. Your SDC coordinator will confirm the port routing based on your delivery address.
Do I need a UAE residence visa to import household goods?
A UAE residence permit is required for duty-free import of household goods, and the shipment must arrive within six months of the permit being issued. Items that are new or that arrive outside this window may be subject to import duties and VAT. GCC residents may have different eligibility; confirm with your SDC coordinator before the shipment departs.
Can I ship a car to Dubai with my household goods?
Yes, when the vehicle is containerized alongside your household goods. A UAE residence visa is required, and 5% import duty plus 5% VAT applies. The vehicle must be left-hand drive and less than 10 years old for standard registration. Documentation requirements should be confirmed with your SDC coordinator before booking.
Does SDC deliver to Abu Dhabi and other emirates?
Yes. SDC coordinates delivery to all seven UAE emirates including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, in addition to Dubai.
Start Your Move to Dubai
Call 877-339-0267 or request a quote online. SDC will build a structured plan tailored to your destination emirate, shipment size, and timeline.
