Shipping Luxury Cars from Dubai: The 2025 Specialist Guide (Ferrari, Lamborghini & High-Value Cargo)
Published on December 6, 2025
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Logistics Brief
- Method Matters: For speed, Air Freight is king (2-4 days), but costly ($18k+). For value, Enclosed Sea Containers are the standard (25-50 days, $4.5k+).
- "White Glove" is a Technical Term: It means using specialized gear like Race Ramps for low-clearance vehicles, over-the-tire straps to protect rims, and air-ride suspension trucks to prevent vibration damage.
- Documentation is Not Optional: You will need an RTA Export Certificate and a Police Clearance Certificate. For temporary touring, a Carnet de Passages en Douane is essential.
- The Biggest Risk is a "Standard Mover": Do not trust your supercar to a general household moving company. They lack the specific equipment and insurance to handle a high-value automotive asset.
Introduction: The Anxiety of Shipping an Automotive Masterpiece
You don’t "move" a Pagani Huayra; you strategically relocate a multi-million-dollar asset. The moment you decide to ship your supercar from Dubai, you are not just booking a service—you are entrusting a piece of automotive art to a chain of logistics handlers. The anxiety is immediate and justified. A standard vehicle transporter who is used to handling family SUVs will not understand the critical importance of a 4-inch front splitter clearance or the nuances of securing a carbon fiber monocoque chassis.
As logistics partners who have managed the transport of everything from royal car collections to Gumball 3000 rally fleets, we operate on a simple principle: precision mitigates risk. This guide is not a sales pitch. It is a technical brief on the exact protocols, costs, and documentation required to move a high-value vehicle from the UAE to anywhere in the world.
The "White Glove" Difference: How We Handle Supercars
This is not a marketing term; it is a strict operational protocol. The difference between moving a standard car and a supercar lies in the equipment and the expertise.
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Low Clearance Loading: A Lamborghini Revuelto has a ground clearance of less than 4 inches. Using a standard tow truck ramp will destroy the front splitter. We use a combination of hydraulic lift gates on our trucks and specialized Race Ramps that create a gentle, extended slope, ensuring a scrape-free loading angle.
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Secure Lashing (No Scratched Rims): You will never see us use chains or hooks on the chassis or through the wheels. This is archaic and guarantees damage to expensive forged alloy or carbon fiber rims. Our protocol mandates the use of soft, nylon "over-the-tire" straps. These loop over the tire itself, securing the car by its rubber, not its chassis or wheels, preventing any stress on the suspension and ensuring zero scratches.
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The Enclosed Carrier & Air-Ride Suspension: Your vehicle should never be exposed to the elements or road debris. We use fully enclosed, single-car carriers. Critically, these trucks are fitted with air-ride suspension. Standard truck suspension is harsh and transfers high-frequency vibrations directly into the vehicle, which can damage sensitive electronics or stress delicate carbon fiber body panels. Air-ride suspension absorbs these vibrations, providing a ride as smooth as a passenger aircraft.
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Battery Conditioning: For modern hybrids like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale or new EVs, long-term transport can drain the battery. We use specialized battery conditioners (trickle chargers) during storage and transport to maintain battery health, ensuring the vehicle starts on arrival.
2025 Luxury Car Shipping Rates (Air vs. Sea)
Costs are based on a standard supercar (e.g., Ferrari 296 GTB) from Dubai.
| Destination | Method | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London, UK | Air Freight | $18,000 - $25,000 | 2-4 days | For urgent needs (e.g., car shows, events). |
| London, UK | Sea Freight (Enclosed) | $4,500 - $6,500 | 25-30 days | The standard, most cost-effective method. |
| Los Angeles, USA | Sea Freight (Enclosed) | $5,500 - $8,500 | 40-50 days | Longer sea transit and higher port fees. |
| Riyadh, KSA | Land Freight (VIP Flatbed) | $1,200 - $1,800 | 2-3 days | Dedicated, enclosed single-car carrier. |
Note: These are door-to-door estimates excluding destination duties. Need a precise figure? Get a bespoke valuation here.
Documentation: The "Exit Strategy" from the UAE
Exporting a vehicle from Dubai requires a precise paper trail.
- RTA Export Certificate: This is the primary document. You must take your vehicle for a physical inspection at an RTA-approved center (like Tasjeel). They will verify the chassis and engine numbers. The certificate fee is typically 120 AED (plus testing and plate fees). Upon completion, you surrender your license plates and are issued a temporary export certificate.
- Police Clearance Certificate: For high-value exports, a clearance certificate from Dubai Police is required to confirm the vehicle is not subject to any outstanding financial claims or legal issues.
- Carnet de Passages en Douane (For Temporary Export): If you are not permanently exporting your car but simply want to take it to Europe for a summer driving tour, you need a Carnet. This acts as a "passport" for your vehicle, allowing it to enter multiple countries temporarily without paying import duties.
Destination Specifics (The "Gotchas")
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USA: Be aware of two key rules.
- The 25-Year Rule: It is difficult to permanently import a modern "GCC-spec" vehicle that was not built to US safety/EPA standards. This rule is waived for cars 25 years or older (classics).
- The "Chicken Tax": This is a 25% tariff on imported light commercial trucks. If you are shipping a luxury SUV classified as a light truck (like a modified G-Wagon or Defender), you could face this tax, compared to the standard 2.5% duty on passenger cars.
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UK/Europe: The key is the "Transfer of Residence" (ToR1) relief. If you are moving permanently to the UK, you can use the ToR1 scheme to import your car free of the standard 20% VAT and 10% duty, provided you have owned it for at least 6 months.
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Saudi Arabia/GCC: For permanent import into KSA, there is a strict 5-year age limit for standard passenger vehicles.
Insurance: Why "Total Loss" Coverage Isn't Enough
Standard shipping insurance often defaults to "Total Loss Only" (payout only if the ship sinks). This is inadequate for high-value vehicles.
- The Gold Standard: You must insist on "Institute Cargo Clauses (A)" coverage. This is "All-Risk" marine insurance, covering accidental damage, scratches, dents, and theft.
- Expert Tip: Before loading, take high-resolution photos of the undercarriage and front splitter. This creates an undeniable record of condition.
FAQ
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Q: Can I ship personal items inside my Ferrari? A: No. Customs authorities will flag this immediately, and your insurance policy explicitly excludes loose items. If a box shifts and damages the leather interior, you are not covered. If you have boxes to move, use our volume calculator to book a separate LCL shipment.
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Q: How much fuel should be in the tank? A: For safety regulations (IMO/IATA), the fuel tank must be 1/4 full maximum.
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Q: How do you ship a dead battery hybrid? A: Our teams use professional jump packs and specific manufacturer override procedures to shift the car into neutral for safe loading without dragging the tires.
Conclusion
Shipping a supercar from Dubai is not a commodity service; it is a specialized, technical operation. It requires a partner who understands that the value of the asset demands a zero-compromise approach to equipment, handling, and documentation.