Buying guides
Importing a car from Dubai: the complete guide, step by step
From choosing the model to its arrival at your port: every stage of an import from Dubai, what you pay, the documents you receive and realistic timings.
3 min read
Author
Alexandre Zakaria
Founder and CEO · In car export since 2019, 7 years
Alexandre founded Dubai Export Auto in Dubai in 2019 and has followed every export since: sourcing at the UAE dealerships, the 120-point inspections, the paperwork with the RTA and customs, and the follow-up to the buyer’s port. A car enthusiast from father to son, he writes the guides on this site from the files he handles every week, and answers buyers himself on WhatsApp, in French and English.
Blog
Articles by Alexandre Zakaria.
Buying guides
Buying a car from abroad: 8 checks before you pay
A registered company, an account in the right name, an inspection with the chassis number in view, a bill of lading you can verify: the simple checks that avoid bad surprises when buying a car abroad.
2 min read
Shipping and customs
Shared container, dedicated container or RoRo: how to choose
Three ways to ship a car, three levels of price, protection and timing. How each one works, which vehicle and budget it suits, and what marine insurance adds.
2 min read
Buying guides
Mustang, Challenger, RAM: registering an American car in Europe
American muscle cars and pick-ups can be registered in Europe, as long as you plan the approval. The steps, the usual technical changes and the costs to check before you buy.
2 min read
Shipping and customs
Customs clearance on arrival: duties, VAT and the documents you need
When the ship arrives, the car must be cleared through customs before it can be driven. How duties and VAT are worked out, which documents to present, and how to avoid port storage charges.
2 min read
Markets and models
GCC specs: what they really change on a car
Radiator, air conditioning, filtration: a "GCC" car is built for the Gulf. What the label changes in daily use, and for registration in Europe or Africa.
2 min read
Markets and models
Buying at auction in Japan: how to read the inspection sheet
Overall grade, interior and exterior grades, damage codes: a Japanese auction sheet tells you almost everything about a car. How to read one, and which grade to aim for.
2 min read
A question about your import?
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