Car shipping from Dubai, UAEYour car, shipped with care.
Airlift Logistics provides car shipping from Dubai, UAE, for luxury cars, classic cars and other vehicles. Compare RO-RO, shared or sole container, and air freight, with help on the RTA export certificate, customs clearance and transport insurance from our Dubai Airport Free Zone office.
Three ways to ship a car
The right choice depends on the car's value, your deadline and the destination port. We confirm what is available for your route.
| Option | How it works | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| The car drives on to a specialised vessel | Standard cars and larger vehicles | Car must run, and shares the deck with others | |
| The car is loaded and secured inside a shared or sole container | Valuable cars, or personal items packed separately | Loading and lashing add cost | |
| The car flies on a cargo aircraft | Supercars and urgent moves | Highest cost, and treated as regulated cargo |
Cars from our own photos
Luxury and classic cars at cargo facilities in Dubai.
Vehicles at a cargo facilityPhoto: Airlift Logistics 
Sports car at a cargo terminalPhoto: Airlift Logistics 
Classic car in a cargo yardPhoto: Airlift Logistics
Have a car to ship?
Send the model, its value and the destination, and we will compare the options.
What you need to export a car
The list changes with the emirate, the car and the destination. Check import rules before you ship, because some countries limit a vehicle's age or specification.
| Document | What it is for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Confirms the car is leaving the UAE registration system | Issued by the RTA for Dubai vehicles, with insurance for export | |
| Shows ownership and vehicle details | Any loan on the car must be cleared first | |
| ID or trade licence | Identifies the shipper | Passport and Emirates ID, or company licence |
| Commercial invoice or bill of sale | States the value for customs | Must show the true value |
| The transport document | Issued by the carrier or forwarder | |
| Destination import permit | Allows entry at the destination | Your agent there confirms what is needed |
Getting the car ready
- 01
Clear the paperwork
Settle fines and any loan, and get the export certificate.
- 02
Record its condition
Take dated photos of every side, the interior and the mileage.
- 03
Remove loose items
Personal items are often not allowed in a shipped car.
- 04
Low fuel and a secured battery, to the airline's rules.
- 05
Arrange insurance
Ask about marine or air cargo cover for the car's full value.
- 06
Plan the arrival
Duty, tax and collection at the destination, before it leaves.
Car shipping cost depends on the method and the destination. RO-RO is usually the lowest, a container costs more, and air freight costs the most. The total also includes port charges, documents, insurance and destination costs. Send the car model, its value, the destination and your date to get a current quote.
- Ask what is included at the destination.
- Duty and tax at the destination are usually separate.
RO-RO drives the car aboard, and containers carry it inside a box. RO-RO often costs less and suits standard running cars. A container gives more protection, suits valuable cars and can allow a shared load. The choice also depends on which service sails to your destination port.
- RO-RO vehicles must usually be able to drive.
- Check how the car will be secured in a container.
Yes, cars can be shipped by air from Dubai. Air freight suits supercars, classic cars and urgent moves, because it is the fastest option. Cars with fuel or batteries are regulated cargo under IATA rules, listed under UN3166 or UN3171. Airlines set their own limits on fuel level, battery condition and acceptance.
- Ask us to check your car and route.
- Electric cars have extra battery checks.
You usually need an RTA export certificate and the vehicle registration. You also need your ID or trade licence, and a commercial invoice or bill of sale. Any loan on the car must be cleared first. The destination country may require an import permit, so check its rules before the car leaves Dubai.
- Some countries limit a car's age or specification.
- See how customs clearance in Dubai works.