Send us the Dutch plates, build year and declared value of your vehicle. Lucas assesses the export options and sends you an indicative quote within one business day. For exclusive models, you're welcome to call for a personal conversation.
// Dubai specialist, from pickup to Jebel Ali
Car export to Dubai
Dubai draws worldwide demand for European premium and exclusive vehicles. Marlog ships your car through the port of Jebel Ali and arranges the entire export process: RDW export in the Netherlands to clearance in the UAE.
Regular
sailings to Jebel Ali
25+
years of experience
A to Z
export & customs
4-7
weeks lead time
// European luxury in demand
Why export a car to Dubai?
Dubai acts as a trading hub for the Middle East automotive market. The port of Jebel Ali is one of the largest transshipment points in the world, giving direct connections from Europe. European premium and exclusive vehicles are sought after: they suit the right-hand traffic, and on export from the Netherlands they come with a BPM refund (a refund of the Dutch registration tax).
Costs clear up front
The UAE charges import duty on vehicles, and the rate depends on the value and the type of vehicle. We map out the total export costs in advance, so you can weigh up whether the export makes sense.
Reliable shipping
A RoRo vessel sails regularly from Rotterdam or Antwerp toward Jebel Ali. Marlog books your car with established carriers and arranges transport insurance and a timely departure.
The right shipping method
RoRo is the usual choice for standard vehicles. If you’re exporting an exclusive or special model, a closed container offers more protection during the roughly two-week voyage
LHD fits, mind the GCC specs
Dubai drives on the right, so European left-hand drive cars are perfectly usable. Newer vehicles built or specified for the UAE meet GCC requirements (cooling, lighting). European-built vehicles may need modifications; we advise you on this.
// Our solution
Our export services to Dubai
You want to export your car to Dubai; we handle the whole route. These are the services Marlog provides as standard for an export to Dubai:
- Export declaration with Dutch customs (0% VAT rate)
- RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority) export and certificate of indemnity (you're no longer liable)
- Road transport from your address to the departure port
- Shipping by RoRo or container to Jebel Ali
- Transport insurance and customs clearance in the UAE via a local agent
// The process
How to export your car to Dubai
From your first question to delivery in Dubai, your export runs through six steps. The total lead time is usually four to seven weeks, depending on sailing dates and handling time in the UAE.
01
Documents and RDW export
We check your registration certificate, apply for the RDW export. You receive the certificate of indemnity as soon as the plates are deregistered.
02
Pickup and transport to port
Your car is collected anywhere in the Netherlands and taken to our site in Roosendaal or directly to the port of Rotterdam or Antwerp.
03
Export declaration and loading
The Dutch customs export declaration is filed. Your car goes aboard the RoRo vessel or into a container, ready to depart for the Persian Gulf.
04
Sea voyage to Jebel Ali
The vessel sails to the port of Jebel Ali, one of the largest container ports in the world. The sailing time is usually one to two weeks; we keep you posted on arrival dates.
05
Clearance and customs
Our agent in Dubai handles clearance with UAE customs. Import duty and any other charges are settled; we inform you in time so the required amounts are available.
06
Delivery on location
After release, your car is delivered to the address you provide in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE. You receive the documents needed for local registration in your name.
Start vandaag met uw export naar Curaçao
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Request a quote
// Costs
What does car export to Dubai cost?
The export costs consist of a Dutch part (transport, documents, BPM refund) and a part on arrival in the UAE (import duty, local handling).
UAE import duty is a percentage of the vehicle’s CIF value. The exact basis and applicable rate are set by UAE customs. With your quote, we provide an estimate based on the value you declare.
// What we arrange for you in the Netherlands
RDW export & customs
When you export a car on a Dutch registration to Dubai, three Dutch administrative processes take center stage.
- RDW export. The plates are deregistered under export status, and you receive a certificate of indemnity (the Dutch ‘vrijwaring’) proving the vehicle is no longer registered in your name in the Netherlands. This protects you legally and fiscally after transfer.
- Customs export declaration. This document is mandatory for export outside the EU. It confirms the export and forms the basis for the 0% VAT rate on the sale; without a correct export declaration, the VAT exemption can lapse.
// In demand for Dubai
Popular cars for export to Dubai
The Dubai market has a strong preference for European premium and performance models. Below are the vehicle types and makes Marlog ships to the UAE most often:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
BMW 7 Series
Porsche Cayenne
Lamborghini
Range Rover
Rolls-Royce
Ferrari
Bentley
Is your vehicle not listed? We export virtually every type of vehicle to Dubai.
// Choosing your shipping method
RoRo or container to Dubai?
From Rotterdam or Antwerp to Jebel Ali, the sailing time is usually one to two weeks. For standard vehicles, RoRo is the usual choice. If you're exporting an exclusive car or a supercar, a closed container offers maximum protection.
Container
For a premium or exclusive vehicle, a closed container offers the best protection. Your car stays dry and shielded for the entire sea voyage. For special models this is the method of choice; Marlog handles expert loading and securing.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Your car is driven aboard a RoRo vessel and professionally secured. This is the standard method for most vehicles to Dubai: efficient, cost-effective and reliable. Sailings from Rotterdam and Antwerp are regular.
// What suits your situation
Who exports to Dubai?
Export to Dubai is requested from a wide range of situations, from private car trade to relocation.
Exporting several vehicles
Dealers and traders who regularly ship European cars to Dubai benefit from Marlog's fixed procedures and carrier relationships. We handle the documentation per shipment efficiently and reliably.
Supercar or exclusive model
A Ferrari, Lamborghini or rare classic deserves extra care. Marlog is experienced in shipping exclusive vehicles in closed containers; the vehicle stays safe from pickup to delivery.
Selling a car in Dubai
You've found a buyer in Dubai and want the car moved efficiently. Marlog guides the entire export process, from the first document check to clearance in the UAE.
Other reasons to export
Do you have another reason to export? Contact us to discuss the possibilities.
Contact
// What clients say
Our clients' experiences exporting to Dubai
Export Advisor
Lucas
// Personal export advice
Ready to export your car to Dubai?
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions about car export to Dubai
The total lead time for export to Dubai is usually four to seven weeks, counting from the moment all documents are ready. The sailing time from Rotterdam or Antwerp to Jebel Ali is one to two weeks; the rest goes to the Dutch export procedure and clearance in the UAE. The exact timeline also depends on the available sailing date and the handling speed at UAE customs. With your quote, you receive a realistic overview of the expected schedule.
The United Arab Emirates charges import duty on imported vehicles. The rate is calculated on the CIF value (cost, insurance and freight) of the vehicle. Alongside the basic import duty, additional local charges may apply to specific vehicles. With your quote, we provide an indication based on the declared value of your car. The final amount is set by UAE customs on arrival in Jebel Ali.
Vehicles built specifically for the GCC market (Gulf Cooperation Council) are equipped for the hot climate: heavier air conditioning, adapted lighting and protected cooling systems. European-built vehicles usually don’t meet these GCC specs. For standard used passenger cars this is often no obstacle in practice, but for a brand-new car that has to be registered in Dubai it can be relevant. We advise you per vehicle on the implications.
Dubai is an active market for exclusive European cars, from sports cars to rare classics. Marlog is experienced in shipping this type of vehicle and does so as standard in a closed container to prevent damage during the sea voyage. The vehicle is professionally loaded, secured and released by our agent on arrival in Jebel Ali. For special models we recommend discussing the specific insured value and loading method in advance.
As soon as your car is registered for export, we deregister the plates via the RDW. You receive a certificate of indemnity (the Dutch ‘vrijwaring’) showing the vehicle is no longer registered in your name in the Netherlands. This document matters: it protects you as the owner if there’s an accident or fine after transfer while the car is en route. Keep the certificate of indemnity with the other export documents. After deregistration with the RDW, the vehicle is formally exported from the Netherlands.
For standard passenger cars, RoRo is the most efficient and cost-effective option: the car is driven aboard and stands in the hold. For exclusive, sporty or special vehicles, a closed container is the better choice: the car stays protected from Rotterdam to Jebel Ali, with no risk of damage during transshipment. Shared containers are possible for smaller vehicles or a limited budget. Marlog advises which method suits your vehicle and the level of protection you want.
Can't find your question? Then please contact us.