Customs Advice for Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Moving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the UAE?

To ensure a hassle-free customs experience, you need to be aware that there are strict rules as to what can be imported within your personal possessions. All sea and air shipments are thoroughly checked by customs at the port or airport before being released for delivery.

Many items which may seem suitable to most westerners are often prohibited from importation into the Emirates, so we suggest that you double-check what you’re planning to send well in advance of packing. If the item you take is interpreted incorrectly, it could lead to awkward questioning and lengthy delays, and if the item is simply not allowed, it may be confiscated, and you could find yourself facing a large fine.

Banned Items: What you can’t take to Dubai or Abu Dhabi

Customs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai might seem severe, but they are in place for a number of reasons. Firstly, to protect national security and keep citizens safe, and secondly, to uphold cultural and religious values which are deeply rooted in the UAE. You’ll need to be aware of exactly what is prohibited or banned before travelling to ensure your items will be cleared at customs.

If you are moving with a removal company associated with FIDI, like ourselves, they should give you a list of prohibited items. However, even the most innocent of items can cause problems:

1. Drugs/medicine

The UAE has a zero-tolerance drug policy; recreational/controlled drugs and narcotics are banned.

If you take any prescribed medication, make sure you take these with you in your luggage and ask your doctor before you fly for a copy of all your prescriptions. Keep this with you in case of questions when you land. Medical devices, equipment and tools are also restricted.

2. Pirated content 

There are various laws in place in the UAE protecting intellectual property rights and combating content/media piracy. Illegal downloads will not receive customs clearance, and you may find yourself in trouble with the law if you’re caught with them.

3. Items used in witchcraft, sorcery or black magic

Items related to these practices are banned as they contradict Islamic beliefs. Some items regularly intercepted include talismans, animal blood, books and amulets.

4. Gambling tools and machines

Islamic principles do not permit gambling, and therefore, any tools or machines which are used for gambling are banned.

Restricted Items: What to be aware of

Restricted items are typically allowed to be taken into the UAE provided they meet the clear guidelines and/or are declared to the relevant authority prior to their arrival in the country.

1. Children’s toys 

While most toys aren’t restricted, toy swords, guns, and handcuffs can all show up on an X-ray, leading to extra examinations and even a meeting with the authorities to explain yourselves. (The importation of firearms and dangerous weapons is restricted.)

2. CDs & DVDs

Check your CDs & DVDs for any sexual situations and/or religious content, including audio or print, in contradiction to the Islamic religion. It has been known for James Bond movies to cause problems.

3. Art

Works of art, including sculptures and paintings of nudes, will also be checked for impropriety. Anything showing bare flesh may cause an issue.

All these items will be checked by the relevant controlling authority in the UAE. If nothing abnormal is found, they will be released; however, this procedure can take 10-15 days or even longer.

4. Money

You are required to declare cash exceeding AED 60,000 (or equivalent), precious metals, valuable stones or any financial instruments on arrival in the UAE. This is simply for monitoring and statistical purposes as the UAE are combating money laundering or other suspicious financial activities. If you are moving with children under the age of 18, their cash will be added to your permitted limit. 

If you need help moving your money internationally, we recommend using experts, such as Currencies Direct.

Customs Duty in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Customs duty is a fee that is placed on certain imported items. The majority of personal belongings are exempt from customs fees provided they are not being imported commercially. Restrictions you may need to be aware of are:

• – There is a limit of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500g of tobacco. 
• – New furniture and household goods are subject to a 5% customs fee if you cannot provide an invoice.
• – Alcohol is limited to 2 cartons of beer (cans must be equal to or smaller than 355 ml) or 4 litres (spirits/wine). 

If you’re relocating to Abu Dhabi or Dubai and planning to bring any of the things mentioned above, or an item you’re simply unsure about, check them out with your moving surveyor when they come to quote or ask your relocation company. Knowing exactly what you can and can’t take with you helps to avoid any unexpected delays, as well as any potential fines. Haven’t secured a removals expert yet? Find out more about Bishop’s Move’s international removals services.