RoRo is cheapest for running cars; a container protects high-value or non-running cars and fits spares.

Which ports are used?

EU load ports Bremerhaven, Zeebrugge or Antwerp to Jebel Ali (Dubai) or Khalifa Port.

What is the duty on cars?

5% on the CIF value plus 5% VAT on import to the UAE mainland.

GCC spec vs Euro spec?

Cooling and AC differ; GCC-spec cars resell better in the Gulf heat.

What documents are needed?

Export certificate, title/registration, invoice and Bill of Lading; a VIN check is advised.

Can electric cars be shipped?

Yes, but EV traction batteries are dangerous goods needing special handling.

Shipping cars from Europe to the UAE: a forwarder's guide

Europe → UAE9 min read

Europe — Germany above all — is a major source of new and used cars for the UAE, which in turn re-exports vehicles to Africa and the CIS. This guide covers how to ship cars from Europe to the UAE: modes, ports, documents, duty and the spec nuances that affect resale.

Shipping modes

Mode	How it works	Best for
RoRo (roll-on/roll-off)	Driven on/off a car carrier; cheapest for running vehicles	Standard cars in volume, running condition
Container (20ft / 40ft)	1 car in a 20ft, 2–3 in a 40ft; more protection	High-value, classic, non-running or with spares
Air	Rare, very expensive	Supercars, urgent single units

RoRo is cheapest for running vehicles; a container protects high-value or non-running cars and lets you ship spares alongside.

Ports

Main EU load ports: Bremerhaven, Zeebrugge, Antwerp. Arrival: Jebel Ali (Dubai's main auto terminal) or Khalifa Port.

Documents

Export certificate, title/registration, commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, and a Certificate of Conformity where required. A VIN check is strongly advised before purchase.

Duty and spec

Duty 5% on the CIF value on import to the mainland.
GCC spec vs Euro spec — cooling and AC differ; GCC-spec cars resell better in the Gulf.
EV traction batteries count as dangerous goods — special handling.

Re-export onward

Many cars only transit the UAE — held in a free zone duty-free and re-exported to Africa or the CIS.

How we help

ABU JORJIA arranges RoRo or container booking, export paperwork, customs at Jebel Ali and onward re-export — one operator. See the lane guide — Europe → UAE shipping.

Development prospects

Gulf demand for European cars stays strong, and the UAE keeps growing as a used-car re-export hub — expanding auto-terminal capacity at Jebel Ali makes the lane faster and more reliable.

Summary

Cars move Europe → UAE by RoRo or container; plan the export certificate, VIN check, 5% duty and GCC spec up front. ABU JORJIA handles it end to end — request a rate.

Get a rate on car shipping to the UAE