Shipping a car from Jebel Ali Port to the UK
Cars we ship from Dubai to the UK leave from Jebel Ali Port. We collect the car, get it to the port, ship it and clear it through UK customs.
About Jebel Ali Port
Jebel Ali Port is about 35 km south-west of central Dubai and is operated by DP World. It handles containers and vehicles. In 2025 DP World moved its roll-on roll-off (RoRo) operations to a purpose-built zone at Terminal 4, with a dedicated vehicle storage yard and a quay that can take three RoRo ships at once.
Sources: dpworld.com, en.wikipedia.org
Shipping from Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali is the largest port in the Middle East, and cars ship from it in shared containers.
We collect from your address or dealer anywhere in Dubai and truck it to the port. Depending on its value, we will quote for open or enclosed transport to the port. If you want enclosed, just say so on the quote form.
Unless you pay for a container of your own, your car shares one with other customers’ cars, which keeps the price down. Not sure which suits your car? Our guide to container, RoRo or air goes through the differences.
The route to the UK
Cars from Dubai arrive at a UK port, usually in the south of England, and come by road to our site in Castle Donington, near Derby. Cars shipped in a container are unloaded at our own premises, away from busy port warehouses and long port waiting times.
Paperwork and tax
You will usually need: the original registration card (mulkiya), rta export certificate, passport copy. Our agents handle the RTA deregistration and export plates.
A car from Dubai usually pays 20% import VAT plus 10% duty. Cars over 30 years old pay 5% VAT and no duty. And if you are moving here after more than 12 months abroad, with a car you have owned for over 6 months, Transfer of Residence makes it tax and duty free.
Want a rough idea now? Try the import tax calculator, or read how to bring your car tax free if you are moving here.
Questions people ask
How long does it take to ship a car from Jebel Ali to the UK?
About 4 to 6 weeks at sea, as a guide. Sailing dates, customs checks and how busy the route is all play a part, so your quote will give you a firmer estimate.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Jebel Ali?
Our guide price for Dubai is from £2,150 for a car, built from a year of real jobs. It covers shipping only: registration, other services, import tax and remedial fees are extra. Motorbikes start from £1,250.
Do I have to take the car to Jebel Ali myself?
No. We collect from your address or dealer and truck the car to the port. If you would rather drop it at Jebel Ali yourself, tell us on the quote form.
Will my car definitely ship from Jebel Ali?
Usually it ships from the nearest main port to where it is collected. The shipping line confirms the port and the sailing when we book, and your quote will say which port we are planning to use.
Can you register the car once it is here?
Yes. Shipping a Car is part of My Car Import, so testing and registration happen on the same site. Our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register imported cars within 10 working days.
Shipping from Jebel Ali?
Where it is, what it is and when you need it here. We will come back with a price for the whole job, not just the boat.
Rather talk it through? Call 01332 810442
