Moving to Dubai from Canada
Dubai’s tax-free salaries and fast-growing job market are pulling more Canadians than ever, but this isn’t a move to plan on the fly. UAE customs is stricter than almost anywhere else about what’s allowed through, and getting it wrong can hold up your entire shipment.
Items You Cannot Bring
- Alcohol and any alcohol-related items
- Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, check UAE restrictions before you pack
- Politically or religiously sensitive materials
- Some consumer electronics without prior approval
Good to know: a valid UAE residency visa is generally required to import household goods duty-free, and high-rise deliveries in Dubai usually need building access coordinated in advance.
Average Shipping Cost
- Groupage / LCL (1-2 bedrooms): Typically CAD $3,000-$4,800, a 4-6 week sea crossing into Jebel Ali port.
- Full container, 20ft (villa/family home): Usually CAD $5,500-$8,200 for the same route.
- Air freight (urgent or high-value items): CAD $12-$18/kg, measured in days rather than weeks.
The Movers We Work With
We only work with movers who’ve cleared Jebel Ali port before and know exactly which paperwork keeps a shipment out of a customs hold. Every partner is checked for valid licensing and insurance, and rated on genuine reviews, not handpicked testimonials.
Get Your Moving Quotes
Tell us your Canadian city and Dubai destination and you’ll have quotes within a working day.
