UK to Dubai Car Shipping Guide 2026: RoRo, Container and Costs

The UK to UAE corridor is the single largest car-export lane out of British ports. Dubai's Jebel Ali is the world's largest man-made deep-water port and handles 6–8 RoRo sailings a month from Southampton. UK supply meets UAE buyer demand for European luxury and Japanese SUVs, with onward re-export into Iraq, Yemen, the Levant and East Africa from the same port.

From £695 for a standard saloon. Transit time 18–22 days direct on Hoegh or Wallenius. Vessel cut-off at Southampton is typically Wednesday for a Saturday sail. The car is driven on at Southampton and driven off at Jebel Ali RoRo terminal. No personal items inside the car.

Live sailings: RoRo schedule.

Sole 20ft from £1,950, sole 40ft from £2,650. Shared container to UAE from £1,150 — three to four cars per 40ft. Container takes 21–26 days door-to-port and adds container release fees of AED 1,200–2,800 at Jebel Ali.

- Duty: 5% of CIF
• VAT: 5%
• Registration: AED 350–450 plus inspection
• GCC re-import: vehicles previously registered in another GCC state may be exempt from duty.
• RHD restriction: right-hand-drive vehicles cannot be registered for UAE roads. They may transit only.

Documents required at Jebel Ali: original Bill of Lading, V5C, sale invoice, consignee passport copy, Emirates ID (for residents) or business licence (for companies). Clearance through a UAE customs broker is mandatory.

- Range Rover (HSE, Autobiography, SVR)
• Mercedes G-Class
• Lexus LX 600
• Toyota Land Cruiser 300
• Porsche Cayenne and Macan
• BMW X5 / X7
• Audi Q7 / Q8

1. Get a quote and book — request a Dubai quote.
2. UK collection or drop at Southampton.
3. CDS declaration filed with HMRC.
4. Vehicle inspected and loaded RoRo or stuffed into container.
5. Bill of Lading issued within 3–5 days of sailing.
6. Vessel arrives at Jebel Ali after 18–22 days RoRo / 21–26 days container.
7. UAE clearance through a licensed broker (we coordinate).
8. Vehicle released to the consignee for registration.

- Book outside Eid windows — pre-Eid surcharges add £80–£150.
• Use RoRo unless your car is non-running, modified or above £40,000 value.
• Choose shared container if you want sealed protection without paying for sole-use.
• Bundle two or more cars into a 40ft for sole-use container savings of 20–30%.

Call or WhatsApp +44 (0)1495 320540, email info@shipcarsroro.co.uk or request a free written quote. Same-day response Mon–Sat.

Before any international shipment, vehicles need to reach the loading port — and many customers ask us to handle the UK leg too. Our recovery and transport network covers every postcode, 24 hours a day.

Start with the main hubs: Car Recovery UK, Vehicle Recovery UK, 24/7 Breakdown Recovery and Nationwide Vehicle Transportation.

City coverage includes London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Bristol.

Pre-book a port run on a flatbed transporter from Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool or Felixstowe via Ipswich, or call 24/7 for breakdown recovery in London, Birmingham or Manchester.