Jebel Ali is the busiest car-receiving port in the Middle East and the standard arrival point for UK shipments to the UAE. The clearance process is well-organised but document-heavy. Here is what 2026 looks like end-to-end.
Before the vessel arrives
Two weeks before ETA, send your clearing agent the original bill of lading, the V5C, the commercial invoice, your passport copy and Emirates ID (or POA if you are not in the UAE).
Day-by-day clearance
Day 1–2: vessel berths and offloads, customs delivery order is requested
Day 3: customs valuation and 5% duty payment
Day 4–5: RTA inspection booking and physical check at Al Aweer
Day 6: ownership transfer and plate issue
Day 7: car is yours, on UAE plates, road-legal
Frequently asked questions
About the author
TheShipCars Editorial Team
Logistics specialists at TheShipCars Worldwide with hands-on experience moving vehicles from UK ports to over 60 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe.