1) By Sea - Takes a few weeks to get to Dubai but is cheaper than by air.

2) By Air - Takes a few days to a week reach Dubai. This method tends to be more expensive to reflect the speed.

Get insurance to cover your belongings and especially to cover invaluable items.

Ask for all of your goods to be shipped in 1 container if possible as this makes it easier when your goods are checked through at Customs when they arrive in Dubai.

The goods then only need to be packed in to 1 box rather than a lot of boxes.

Find a removal company that has a good reputation. Some companies provide samples of the packing materials they use. It is worth asking questions if they are moving your prized possessions.

Relocation companies can assist in making the move as stress free as possible.

Customs will call you when your goods arrive in Dubai as you must attend while they open your boxes. (to ensure illegal items do not enter Dubai) Remember: this checking may occur outside (i.e: no air-conditioning!) so be prepared for the heat. When you instruct the shipping/forwarding company, check that they will deliver your belongings to your door. If they just deliver to the port you must arrange a local company to take them to your door.

Remember - when trying to find locations in Dubai, as many streets do not have names (some have numbers & some are given nicknames other than what is on the road-sign. e.g: Al Ittihad road - is known as the Dubai-Sharjah road, Khaled Bin Al Whaleed Road is known as ‘Computer Street’) people will direct you by landmarks. So it is important to learn the landmarks & remember where they are!

Self Storage

If your furniture arrives before you do you can arrange to have your items stored on a short or long term basis. Please see the following website for more details: www.storageuae.com

Shipping your stuff