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Moving Guide
– United Arab Emirates

Your Move, Delivered Perfectly

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Removals to United Arab Emirates

Moving to or from the United Arab Emirates is made effortless with Britannia Alan Cook. Our commitment goes beyond mere relocation – we take pride in offering a suite of removal services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re in need of storage solutions or expert packing assistance, our goal is to ensure your move to or from the United Arab Emirates is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

At Britannia Alan Cook, we’re your trusted solution for relocation to the United Arab Emirates, irrespective of the size or destination. Whether you’re navigating local landscapes or exploring picturesque regions, our seamless service is supported by the extensive network of Britannia Movers International. Your journey to the United Arab Emirates begins with us.

For more details on our International Removal services, click here. Alternatively, contact us to arrange a free quotation, or if you have any further questions.

Country Facts:
United Arab Emirates

Time Zone:

UTC +4

Currency:
United Arab Emirates
Dirham (AED)

Calling Code: +971

Languages spoken

Arabic is the official language of the UAE

Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage team member securely packing furniture in padded removal covers

Importing Personal Effects

The below documents are required to import effects into the United Arab Emirates from the UK:

  • Non UAE residents will need to provide the below documents before they can ship their effects to the UAE:
  • Clear copy of passport (picture/signature page)
  • Clear copy of UAE residence visa stamped on passport
  • Clear copy of Emirates ID (front and back)

Importing Vehicles

Permission to import a vehicle will only be considered if the vehicle is left-hand drive and complies with UAE specifications.
As well as the same documents required for moving personal effects, an official document showing ownership of the vehicle will be required.

All vehicles are subject to 5% duties and 5% VAT charges. The total amount charged would be at the discretion of government customs officers.

Please ask for further information on the process of shipping a vehicle into the UAE

Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage team busy wrapping and packing a customers personal belongings into cardboard boxes while she sits and relaxes

Moving Pets

It is recommended to contact an international pet transportation company for more information on shipping a pet into the UAE. You would need a pet passport and possibly a few other certificates to able to move your per to the UAE.

Prohibitions and Restrictions:

A full list of items prohibited to be imported to the UAE can be provided upon request Please a few examples below of articles not permitted to be shipped into the UAE:

  • Alcohol
  • Statues & carvings with any potential religious meanings
  • Statues and carvings of humans, especially if in the nude
  • Any religious books that are different to Islamic beliefs and any books/literature content that are contrary to an Islamic state’s principals.

Restricted items:

Books, CDS, records, films, comics and similar will be subject to an inspection and censorship by the UAE Ministry of Information.

Importing plants – do you need a Phytosanitary certificate?

It is not recommended to import plants, seeds etc into the UAE from the UK. They are either prohibited or restricted. They will be subject to inspection and then possible destruction or worse.

A happy family thanking one of our removals managers following another successful house move
Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage lorries outside a customers new home ready to be unloaded

General information about the country and what it is known for

The United Arab Emirates consists of 7 different Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain & Fujairah. Taking up about 87% of the total land mass of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the largest Emirate and is also the capital of the UAE.

It could be said that the UAE likes to build things to the maximum. The tallest building in the world, the world’s largest airport terminal building, largest shopping mall and most inclined building can all be found in the UAE.

Individuals do not pay income tax in the UAE

Whether you need a permit to work or live there

For non-UAE nationals a valid visa and Emirates ID is required to live and work in the UAE.

A happy family thanking one of our removals managers following another successful house move
Young woman looking at the website of Britannia Alan Cook Removals & Storage foreign exchange partners, IFX a leading foreign exchange and payments consultancy

International money transfers

If transferring currency from or to the UK, IFX can use their expertise to save you money with competitive rates that are better than the high street bank. Please contact them to see how much you can save.

BRITANNIA MOVERS INTERNATIONAL PLC in partnership with International Foreign Exchange (internationalfx.com)

For more information about United Arab Emirates removals and storage services, please contact our friendly team. Alternatively, please complete our contact us form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

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