Export Cars to the UAE

Exporting to the UAE

The UAE is one of the world's most active prestige and ultra-luxury vehicle markets, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi both home to sophisticated, wealthy buyer bases. Imports are regulated at the Emirate level — Dubai Customs for Dubai, Abu Dhabi Customs for the capital — but the federal 5% customs duty and 5% VAT apply UAE-wide.

UK Car Source handles the entire export process including vehicle sourcing, documentation, sea freight and customs support. The UAE drives on the right and requires genuine left-hand drive vehicles — we source LHD models directly from manufacturer and dealer networks in Europe rather than converting right-hand drive cars.

Import Tax Breakdown

Tax rates are indicative and subject to change. Verify with local customs authority before shipping.

Port Guide

Jebel Ali Port is the UAE's primary vehicle import gateway and one of the largest man-made harbours in the world, with dedicated RoRo terminals and high-volume vehicle handling. Dubai Customs processes import declarations electronically, and clearance for a straightforward personal import is typically efficient by regional standards.

Khalifa Port serves Abu Dhabi directly and is the better routing for vehicles destined for the capital rather than Dubai. Both ports are well set up for high-value and prestige vehicle handling, including enclosed transport options recommended for collector and ultra-luxury models.

Estimated Timelines

Local Market Advice

Dubai and Abu Dhabi represent one of the strongest ultra-luxury vehicle markets anywhere in the world. Rolls-Royce, Bentley and top-tier Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz models are genuinely mainstream purchases among the UAE's wealthy resident and expatriate population, not rare status symbols — the depth of demand is unusual even compared with other prestige markets this site serves.

Because the UAE requires left-hand drive, UK dealer stock (which is predominantly RHD) is not directly transferable — the opportunity here is specifically in sourcing genuine manufacturer LHD vehicles through UK-based factory-order channels and European dealer networks, which is exactly the specialism this site already has for Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Large-capacity 4x4s — Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser — also have very strong demand for desert and family use alongside the prestige segment.

Most Popular Vehicles

Rolls-Royce and Bentley both have an established, high-volume presence in the UAE — Cullinan, Ghost, Phantom, Bentayga and Continental GT are all regularly seen in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and genuine manufacturer LHD sourcing is essential since RHD cannot be registered. Range Rover holds similar status, with the SV and Autobiography trims particularly sought after.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and S-Class are both extremely strong sellers, reflecting the same demand pattern seen across the Gulf. Beyond outright prestige brands, large-capacity Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser models are UAE staples for both family and desert use, and the supercar segment — Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche GT models — has a genuine, active buyer base rather than being a niche interest.

Common Questions