Ship Car To Abu Dhabi


Ship Your Car To Or From Abu Dhabi
Typical Shipping Prices—How Much Does It Cost?
- The cost of shifting a to standard-sized car to Abu Dhabi from the United States ranges from $1,500 up to $7,000, depending on the type of vehicle and where in the U.S. it’s being relocated from.
- Larger cars, trucks, and SUVs will cost slightly more.) Customs are generally assessed at 4-5% of the vehicle's value.
Exporting a vehicle to Abu Dhabi (or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, for that matter) is no easy task, and it’s essential to understand the restrictions, limitations, and required documents when doing so.
One of the main concerns when importing a car to Abu Dhabi is whether it can handle the extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees during the summer months. The weather can wreak havoc on air conditioning systems and radiators, so fire extinguishers are now required in vehicles in Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, it may be more challenging to locate car parts for less common models. Even though Toyotas are common and their parts are readily available, it won't be easy to find a mechanic to assist you if your vehicle has a manual transmission (stick shift) rather than an automatic transmission. A commercial license is required to import more than one vehicle annually into Abu Dhabi, and cars with tinted windows are prohibited entry. Having no Arab on hand to help you through the paperwork procedure might be a significant headache.
Abu Dhabi uses street cameras to catch speeding motorists; you might not know you’ve been ticketed until well after the fact. It’s often not until you pay yearly registration fees that you find out you’ve been ticketed, which can confuse you with unfamiliar drivers. You can use the Abu Dhabi police’s online portal to inquire about a ticket or fine.
See this map for traffic camera locations in Abu Dhabi.
Required Documents For Hauling
When shipping a car to UAE, a Lack of proper paperwork will most certainly cause a delay in retrieving your vehicle. Here are the required documents, though we highly recommend contacting the U.S. Embassy to ensure everything is in order (see link below) before Exporting.

- Registration from country of origin.
- Vehicle purchase invoice.
- Title.
- Passport.
- Proof of ownership.
- Residence permit.
- Valid insurance.
- Export certificate from country of origin.
- Customs declaration.
Auto Transport Methods For Abu Dhabi
- RoRo (Roll on, Roll off) - RORO auto transport to Abu Dhabi is the most popular method of vehicle transport. The car must be operable since it is driven up a ramp onto a ship, which then travels to the local port for delivery. Vehicles are securely held in place during RoRo transport and then driven off the shipping vessel upon arrival. Items may not be stored in the car when using roll-on/roll-off transport.
- Container Shipping - Containerized shifting is another option, and it’s the best choice if you need goods or personal items relocated along with your vehicle. As with RORO, the car is securely held in place during transit, but you can include other items in the container and, often, in the car itself.

Process of registering a vehicle in Abu Dhabi.
Auto Transport Resources
Abu Dhabi Visitor Information - If you’re unfamiliar with the Persian Gulf or United Arab Emirates, it’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with the area before visiting and especially before shipping a car.
U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi - The Embassy of the U.S. in Abu Dhabi is the best resource you have at your disposal when traveling, visiting, or exporting a car to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Abu Dhabi from the USA?
Shipping a car to Abu Dhabi from the United States usually costs $1,500 to $3,500, depending on distance to the U.S. port, vehicle size, shipping method, and seasonal demand. Roll-on/roll-off shipping is typically cheaper, while container shipping costs more but offers added protection. Import duties in the UAE may also affect the final price. For a detailed estimate and breakdown of pricing variables, see the international car shipping rates calculator.
What documents are required to ship a car to Abu Dhabi?
You typically need the original vehicle title, bill of sale (if applicable), passport copy, export declaration, and shipping booking documents. U.S. Customs requires the vehicle title to be submitted at least 72 hours before export for verification. When the vehicle arrives in Abu Dhabi, UAE authorities may also require proof of ownership and import paperwork. Preparing accurate documentation early helps prevent customs delays and ensures the vehicle clears both U.S. and UAE regulations.
How long does it take to ship a car from the USA to Abu Dhabi?
Shipping a car from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi typically takes 25 to 45 days door to port. Ocean transit itself often lasts 3 to 5 weeks, while additional time is required for inland transport to the port, export clearance, vessel scheduling, and UAE customs inspections. Shipping schedules from major ports such as Houston, Los Angeles, and New York also influence timing. International logistics timelines generally follow the process explained in international car shipping.
Can I ship my car from the USA to Abu Dhabi using container shipping?
Yes, container shipping is a common option for transporting vehicles to Abu Dhabi. Cars are secured inside 20 foot or 40 foot containers, protecting them from weather, salt exposure, and port handling risks. This method is often preferred for luxury, classic, or high value vehicles that require extra protection. Container transport is commonly arranged through professional international car shipping by sea services operating between U.S. and Middle East ports.
Can I ship a car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi after importing it?
Yes, vehicles imported through Dubai ports can be transported to Abu Dhabi using licensed vehicle carriers or flatbed transport trucks. The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) and delivery usually takes one day or less after customs clearance. Transport companies move vehicles between UAE cities for dealerships, relocation, or private owners, making inland delivery fast once the vehicle arrives in the country.
Is roll-on roll-off shipping available for vehicles going to Abu Dhabi?
Yes, roll-on roll-off (RoRo) shipping is widely used for transporting vehicles to Abu Dhabi and other UAE ports. The vehicle is driven onto a specialized cargo vessel and secured inside the ship’s vehicle deck. RoRo shipping is generally more affordable than container shipping, making it popular for standard sedans and SUVs. Costs depend on vehicle size, port handling fees, and vessel availability, which are explained in the RoRo shipping cost guide.

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