Movers›International moving›United Arab Emirates
Cost to move to the United Arab Emirates from the US
Household goods to the United Arab Emirates go by sea. Movers price it by volume at roughly $14.00 per cubic foot door to port, with a $4,000 minimum. Here is what that comes to by home size, and what costs extra.
$11,305 – $17,2902-bedroom home
$14.00/cfDoor to port
30–50 daysTypical transit
Jebel Ali (Dubai)Main port
| Home size | Volume | Usually ships in | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 400 cf | Shared container | $4,760 – $7,280 |
| 1 bedroom | 600 cf | Shared container | $7,140 – $10,920 |
| 2 bedrooms | 950 cf | 20ft container | $11,305 – $17,290 |
| 3 bedrooms | 1,400 cf | 40ft container | $16,660 – $25,480 |
| 4 bedrooms | 1,900 cf | 40ft container | $22,610 – $34,580 |
What the price covers
A typical door-to-port quote covers pick-up at your home, loading, transport to a US port such as New York / New Jersey, Savannah or Houston, export paperwork, and ocean freight to Jebel Ali (Dubai) or Khalifa (Abu Dhabi).
What costs extra
- Destination service: customs clearance at Jebel Ali (Dubai) or Khalifa (Abu Dhabi), delivery to your door and unloading. Ask for a door-to-door quote to have it priced in.
- Duties and taxes: many countries let people relocating bring used household goods in duty free, usually with proof of residence and a detailed inventory. New items, vehicles and alcohol are commonly taxed.
- Destination port charges: terminal handling and port fees at arrival.
- Inspections, demurrage and port storage if customs holds the container or paperwork is late.
- Marine insurance: usually 2–3% of the value you declare. Worth it on an ocean move; carrier liability alone is minimal.
Ports
Shipments to the United Arab Emirates usually leave from New York / New Jersey, Savannah or Houston and arrive at Jebel Ali (Dubai) or Khalifa (Abu Dhabi). Movers away from those ports truck your goods there first; that leg is part of the door-to-port price.
Before you hire
- Get the quote as cubic feet × rate, and confirm the service: door to door, door to port or port to port. Two quotes on different terms cannot be compared.
- Ocean forwarders should hold a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) licence as an ocean transportation intermediary. The US leg needs FMCSA authority. Check a mover's licence →
- A quote far under $11,305 for a 2-bedroom home usually means the volume was underestimated or destination charges were left out.
- Keep a numbered inventory with values. Customs, insurance and any claim all run off it.
Moving elsewhere in Middle East
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