Al Basma Express provides shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE for personal belongings, furniture, cars and goods. We review the pickup and destination cities and cargo type to clarify transport, packing, documents and delivery scope before booking.
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Route: Saudi cities → Al Batha Crossing → Al Ghuwaifat Crossing → Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah · Distance Riyadh to Dubai: about 1,050 km · Land transit: 1–3 days · Contact: +966553923364
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE at a glance
- Land border: Al Batha on the Saudi side and Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE side, the direct road crossing between the two countries.
- Distance: about 1,050 km from Riyadh to Dubai, about 900 km from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, and about 2,000 km from Jeddah to Dubai.
- Land transit time: 1–3 days from Riyadh and the Eastern Province; 3–5 days from Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah.
- Air transit time: 24–48 hours from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports.
- Prices: a small carton up to 10 kg starts from SAR 140, land freight from SAR 14 per kg, and air freight from SAR 46 per kg.
- Furniture and cars: a bedroom set starts from SAR 1,110, an apartment from SAR 1,390, and a car from SAR 1,110.
- Delivery: to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain, right to the door.
This page is the main Al Basma Express reference for shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. It covers the route and transit time for each mode, the price table, how furniture, cars, cartons and commercial goods are shipped, the documents and prohibited items, and the booking steps. If you are shipping from a specific city, the city guides are linked at the end of the page.
Get the price of your UAE shipment in minutes
Shipping services available from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Al Basma Express offers eight services on this route, all booked through one number and followed with one shipment number. Choose the service by what you are shipping, not by the transport mode, and we will settle the right mode with you.
| Service | What it includes | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Full household move | Survey, dismantling, packing, enclosed truck, clearance, assembly | Families relocating to the UAE |
| Single furniture items | Packing the item and moving it in a shared load | Anyone sending a room, a sofa or an appliance |
| Car shipping | Shared or enclosed carrier, with a photographed handover report | Individuals and dealerships |
| Cartons and parcels | Door pickup, weighing, numbering, tracking | Individuals, students and small shops |
| Commercial freight, FTL and LTL | Dry, refrigerated and flatbed trucks, with commercial clearance | Factories, suppliers and online stores |
| Air freight | Pickup, air booking, clearance, delivery | Urgent and light shipments |
| Sea freight | 20 ft and 40 ft containers to Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port | Large and heavy volumes |
| Temporary storage | A closed warehouse until the delivery address is ready | Anyone whose furniture leaves before the new home is handed over |
Families
Relocating for work or residence and needing the whole home to arrive in order, room by room.
Individuals and students
Sending cartons, suitcases and personal effects without a full truck.
Companies
Supplying goods or equipment to customers and branches in the UAE on fixed schedules.
Online stores
Sending consolidated orders weekly at a per-kg or per-cubic-metre rate.
Route details and transit time from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Land freight is the first choice on this route because a single international highway links the two countries, ending at Al Batha Crossing, which faces Al Ghuwaifat Crossing in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. From Al Ghuwaifat the truck continues along the coastal road to Abu Dhabi, then Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
- Distance from Riyadh: about 550 km to Al Batha via the Riyadh – Al Kharj – Haradh road, then about 350 km from Al Ghuwaifat to Abu Dhabi.
- Distance from Dammam: about 390 km to Al Batha via Hofuf and Salwa; about 900 km in total to Dubai.
- Distance from Jeddah: about 2,000 km to Dubai via Taif and Riyadh, then Al Batha.
- Land freight: 1 to 3 days from Riyadh and the Eastern Province; 3 to 5 days from the Western Region.
- Air freight: 24 to 48 hours from pickup to delivery in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
- Sea freight: 7 to 12 days from Dammam Port or Jeddah Islamic Port to Jebel Ali Port.
| Mode | Transit time | Best for | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared land freight (LTL) | 1–5 days | Cartons, a few furniture items, part loads | SAR 14 per kg |
| Dedicated truck | 1–4 days | A full household or a full commercial load | Quoted by truck size |
| Air freight | 24–48 hours | Urgent parcels, documents, light items | SAR 46 per kg |
| Sea freight (container) | 7–12 days | Heavy commercial loads and large volumes | SAR 2,320 per 20 ft container |
| Car carrier | 2–5 days | Private cars and dealership vehicles | SAR 1,110 |
How long does shipping take from each Saudi city to the UAE?
Transit time depends on the pickup city, because every land shipment ends up heading for Al Batha Crossing. The table below gives the approximate distance to Dubai and the usual Al Basma Express land transit time.
| Pickup city | Approx. distance to Dubai | Land transit | Air transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | about 1,050 km | 1–3 days | 24–48 hours |
| Dammam and Khobar | about 900 km | 1–2 days | 24–48 hours |
| Al-Ahsa | about 750 km | 1–2 days | 48 hours via Dammam airport |
| Qassim | about 1,400 km | 2–4 days | 48 hours via Qassim or Riyadh airport |
| Jeddah | about 2,000 km | 3–5 days | 24–48 hours |
| Makkah | about 1,950 km | 3–5 days | 48 hours via Jeddah airport |
| Madinah | about 1,900 km | 3–5 days | 48 hours |
What lengthens or shortens the transit time?
Three things: the pickup time (a shipment collected in the morning moves the same day), having the documents complete before the truck reaches the border, and congestion at Al Batha during holiday seasons. That is why Al Basma Express checks the documents before loading, not at the crossing.
Shipping from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other cities to the UAE
The pickup city changes the time and cost more than the delivery city does. Cities near Al Batha Crossing are faster and cheaper; the western cities are about a thousand kilometres farther.
Shipping from Riyadh to the UAE
Riyadh ships more to the UAE than any other Saudi city. Al Batha is about 550 km away, and a shipment reaches Abu Dhabi in 1–2 days and Dubai in 1–3 days. Trips run almost daily, so shared loads do not wait long. Details are in the guide to the shipping and furniture moving company from Riyadh to the UAE.
Shipping from Dammam, Khobar and Al-Ahsa to the UAE
The Eastern Province is closest to the border: about 390 km from Dammam and about 250 km from Al-Ahsa. A shipment collected in the morning can cross the same day and be delivered the next. Most commercial and refrigerated loads start here. Details are in the guide to land freight and car shipping from Dammam to the UAE.
Shipping from Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah to the UAE
From the Western Region the truck covers about 2,000 km via Riyadh and arrives in 3–5 days. For urgent parcels, air freight from Jeddah airport saves time; for heavy commercial loads, sea freight from Jeddah Islamic Port to Jebel Ali is considered. Details are in the guide to the furniture shipping and moving company from Jeddah to the UAE.
Shipping from Qassim, Hail and other cities
From Qassim the shipment passes through Riyadh and then Al Batha; the distance to Dubai is about 1,400 km and transit takes 2–4 days. Cities with no direct trips have their shipments consolidated in Riyadh or Dammam first, which adds a day.
Shipping prices from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Al Basma Express prices for shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE start from SAR 140 for a small carton. The final price depends on weight or volume, the shipping mode, the pickup city, the delivery city and added services such as dismantling and packing.
- Small carton (up to 10 kg): starts from SAR 140 by land.
- Medium carton (10–20 kg): starts from SAR 210 by land.
- Land rate per kg: starts from SAR 14 for shipments over 20 kg.
- Air rate per kg: starts from SAR 46.
- Bedroom set: starts from SAR 1,110 including dismantling and packing.
- Apartment furniture: starts from SAR 1,390.
- Car shipping: starts from SAR 1,110 on a shared carrier and SAR 2,300 on a dedicated enclosed carrier.
| Shipment type | Unit | Starts from | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small carton | up to 10 kg | SAR 140 | 1–5 days |
| Medium carton | 10–20 kg | SAR 210 | 1–5 days |
| Parcels and personal effects by land | per kg | SAR 14 | 1–5 days |
| Air box | up to 15 kg | SAR 295 | 24–48 hours |
| Air box | up to 30 kg | SAR 510 | 24–48 hours |
| Air freight | per kg | SAR 46 | 24–48 hours |
| Single furniture item | sofa, table or wardrobe | SAR 790 | 2–5 days |
| Complete bedroom set | with dismantling and packing | SAR 1,110 | 2–4 days |
| Apartment furniture | two to three rooms | SAR 1,390 | 2–5 days |
| Villa furniture | dedicated truck | After a free survey | 2–5 days |
| Part-load goods | per cubic metre | SAR 830 | 2–5 days |
| Car on a shared carrier | sedan | SAR 1,110 | 3–5 days |
| Car on an enclosed carrier | one car only | SAR 2,300 | 2–4 days |
| 20 ft sea container | port to port | SAR 2,320 | 7–12 days |
How to read these prices
All figures are starting prices in Saudi riyals for the nearest route (Riyadh or the Eastern Province to Abu Dhabi and Dubai). Shipments from the Western Region or to the Northern Emirates cost more in line with the distance. UAE customs duty, where it applies, is calculated separately because it follows the value of the goods.
Villa furniture and full trucks
We do not publish a fixed figure for villa furniture or a dedicated truck, because the difference between one villa and another can be a whole truck. Send photos or ask for a free survey on +966553923364 and you will have the price the same day.
Furniture shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Moving furniture to the UAE with Al Basma Express starts from SAR 1,110 for a bedroom set, covering dismantling, packing, loading, transport and delivery. The trip passes two border posts and can run over a thousand kilometres, so the packing is heavier than for a move within one city.
- Survey and inventory: a free survey at home or by video, then a numbered list of every item and carton.
- Dismantling: bedroom sets, wardrobes and dining tables are taken apart, with the fixings kept in numbered bags alongside each piece.
- Packing: quilted blankets then stretch film for wood, bubble wrap and corrugated card for glass, and wooden crates for chandeliers and marble.
- Loading: heavy pieces at the bottom, glass standing on its edge, everything strapped inside an enclosed truck.
- Crossing: the packing list is presented at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat, and the truck stays sealed from pickup to delivery.
- Delivery and assembly: each piece goes to its room, whatever was dismantled is reassembled, and the list is checked with the consignee.
| Item | Packing used | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom sets and wardrobes | Full dismantling + blankets + stretch film | Panels are numbered so they go back in the same order |
| Sofas and majlis seating | Quilted blankets + clear film | Corners protected with heavy card |
| Glass and mirrors | Corner guards + bubble wrap + corrugated card | Loaded upright, never flat |
| Electrical appliances | Original carton, or foam + carton | Empty and dry the fridge 24 hours ahead |
| Chandeliers, antiques, marble | Padded wooden crate | One crate per valuable piece |
| Carpets and curtains | Rolled and wrapped in film | Loaded on top of the load |
Shared load or dedicated truck?
If the furniture fills less than half a truck, a shared load is cheaper because you pay only for the space you use. For a whole household, a dedicated truck is faster because it leaves directly without waiting for the load to fill.
Moving offices and showrooms to the UAE
An office move differs from a home move in three ways: files are numbered by department, devices are packed with their cables in labelled bags, and delivery is arranged outside working hours. Workstations and metal cabinets are dismantled and reassembled; servers and screens travel in padded crates.
Shipping appliances and electronics
Fridges, washing machines and air conditioners are shipped upright, never tilted, with their moving parts secured before loading. Screens travel in their original carton or a wooden crate. Note that UAE mains voltage is 220–240 V with a three-pin socket, so Saudi appliances work there and may need only a plug adaptor.
Temporary storage before delivery
If you leave your home in Saudi Arabia before your UAE home is handed over, the shipment is kept in a closed warehouse until the address is ready. Storage is charged by cubic metre and duration, and the items stay packed and numbered as they were loaded.
Car shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Shipping a car from Saudi Arabia to the UAE with Al Basma Express starts from SAR 1,110 on a shared carrier and SAR 2,300 on a dedicated enclosed carrier. The car arrives in 2–5 days depending on the pickup city and the carrier type.
| Carrier type | Best for | Transit time | Starts from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared open carrier | Everyday cars and dealership vehicles | 3–5 days | SAR 1,110 |
| Dedicated enclosed carrier | Luxury, classic and sports cars | 2–4 days | SAR 2,300 |
| Sea container | More than one car, or a car with furniture | 7–12 days | By container size |
Documents required to ship a car to the UAE
- Vehicle registration (Istimara): valid and in the owner’s name, or with an authorisation.
- Owner’s ID or Iqama: a clear, valid copy.
- Export plates or transit authorisation: issued by the traffic department when the car is exported permanently.
- Clearance authorisation: an electronic authorisation for the customs broker through the Fasah platform.
- Consignee details in the UAE: name, Emirates ID or passport number, and mobile number.
- Before handover: a quarter tank of fuel only, and all personal belongings removed from the car.
- Record: the car is photographed from all four sides with the odometer, and a handover report is signed by both parties.
- Securing: straps on all four wheels, plus a full protective cover in the enclosed carrier.
Permanent export is not the same as temporary entry
A car entering the UAE to be registered there is subject to 5% customs duty on its value and a technical inspection before registration, under UAE customs rules. Temporary entry on Saudi plates follows a different procedure. Decide the purpose before shipping so the right documents are prepared.
For the full preparation checklist see the car shipping guide.
Shipping cartons, parcels and personal effects to the UAE
Shipping a carton from Saudi Arabia to the UAE with Al Basma Express starts from SAR 140 for a small carton up to 10 kg. The service suits clothes, books, kitchenware, gifts and belongings sent to family or sent ahead when relocating.
| Tier | Weight | Starts from by land | Starts from by air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small carton | up to 10 kg | SAR 140 | SAR 295 (box up to 15 kg) |
| Medium carton | 10–20 kg | SAR 210 | SAR 510 (box up to 30 kg) |
| Larger shipment | over 20 kg | SAR 14 per kg | SAR 46 per kg |
- Pickup: from your home or office door in any Saudi city.
- Weighing and measuring: each carton is weighed and measured in front of you, and the price is based on the higher of actual and volumetric weight.
- Numbering: every carton carries a number that matches the packing list.
- Tracking: a shipment number you can follow on the shipment tracking page.
How to prepare a carton
Use a double-wall carton, fill the gaps with paper so nothing moves, and seal it with wide tape in an H pattern. Put liquids in sealed bags, and keep each carton under 25 kg so the base does not give way when it is lifted.
Commercial freight: full truckload (FTL) or part load (LTL)
Commercial freight from Saudi Arabia to the UAE with Al Basma Express starts from SAR 830 per cubic metre for part loads and SAR 14 per kg. It serves factories, suppliers and online stores shipping to Dubai, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
| Type | When to choose it | Pricing basis | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part load (LTL) | Goods that do not fill a truck | Per cubic metre or per kg | 2–5 days |
| Full truckload (FTL) | Goods that fill a truck or need their own truck | Per truck, by type | 1–3 days |
| Refrigerated truck | Food, dates and medicines | Per truck | 1–3 days |
| Flatbed truck | Equipment, machinery and building materials | Per truck and weight | 2–4 days |
- Palletised loading: speeds up handling at the border and protects cartons from crushing.
- Certificate of origin: goods of GCC origin benefit from the customs exemption between GCC states when a certificate of origin is presented.
- Foreign goods: subject to the unified customs tariff, 5% for most items, unless duty has already been paid and documented.
- Clearance: through a licensed broker at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat, with an electronic authorisation from the owner of the goods.
Air freight from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Air freight from Saudi Arabia to the UAE with Al Basma Express starts from SAR 46 per kg and arrives in 24–48 hours. The Riyadh–Dubai flight takes under two hours; the rest of the time goes to pickup, clearance and delivery.
- Suits: documents, urgent spare parts, commercial samples, electronics and gifts.
- Does not suit: large furniture and heavy loads, because the cost climbs with weight and volume.
- Airports: Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia; Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the UAE.
- Air box: up to 15 kg starts from SAR 295; up to 30 kg starts from SAR 510.
How is weight calculated for air freight?
The price is based on the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight = length × width × height in centimetres ÷ 6,000. Example: a carton measuring 60 × 40 × 40 cm that weighs 12 kg has a volumetric weight of 16 kg, so it is charged at 16 kg, that is 16 × 46 = SAR 736 as a starting price. Try your own dimensions in the volumetric weight calculator.
When is air cheaper than land?
For parcels under 5 kg that need to arrive within two days. Above that, land is clearly cheaper, and from Riyadh and the Eastern Province the difference in time is only a day or two.
Sea freight from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Sea freight from Saudi Arabia to the UAE with Al Basma Express starts from SAR 2,320 for a 20 ft container, port to port, and takes 7–12 days. It is used for heavy commercial loads that are not in a hurry.
- Ports: King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and Jeddah Islamic Port, to Jebel Ali Port in Dubai or Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.
- 20 ft container: holds about 28 cubic metres, a large apartment or a medium commercial load.
- 40 ft container: holds about 58 cubic metres, enough for villa furniture plus a car.
- When we choose it: mainly for goods from Jeddah and the Western Region, where the road trip stretches to 2,000 km.
Work out what fits with the container capacity calculator.
Land, air and sea freight to the UAE compared
| Criterion | Land | Air | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit time | 1–5 days | 24–48 hours | 7–12 days |
| Starts from | SAR 14 per kg | SAR 46 per kg | SAR 2,320 per container |
| Best for | Furniture, cars, cartons and goods | Urgent, light parcels | Heavy commercial volumes |
| Door to door | Yes | Yes | Port to port, plus inland transport |
| Size limits | Up to a full truck | Limited by weight and dimensions | 20 ft or 40 ft container |
The working rule: anything over 30 kg that does not need to arrive within two days goes by land. Anything under 5 kg and urgent goes by air. Sea is chosen when the shipment is commercial, heavy and coming from the Western Region.
Documents required for shipping to the UAE
The documents required for shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE depend on the shipment type. Personal effects need only an ID and a packing list; commercial goods need an invoice, a commercial registration and a certificate of origin.
| Shipment type | Documents |
|---|---|
| Cartons and personal effects | ID or Iqama + packing list + consignee details |
| Used household furniture | ID or Iqama + packing list + proof of purpose if requested (tenancy contract, title deed or UAE residence) |
| Car | Registration + owner’s ID + export plates or transit authorisation + consignee details |
| Commercial goods | Commercial invoice + packing list + commercial registration + certificate of origin + export declaration |
| All types | Electronic authorisation for the customs broker through the Fasah platform |
Check your documents before booking
Use the shipping documents checker to see what is missing for your shipment type, or send photos of the documents on WhatsApp and Al Basma Express will review them before the pickup date.
Customs and duties when shipping to the UAE
- Personal effects and used furniture: usually exempt from duty when relocating to live in the UAE, provided they are used and in non-commercial quantities, under UAE customs rules.
- Goods of GCC origin: exempt between GCC states when a valid certificate of origin is presented.
- Foreign and new goods: 5% duty on value for most items, plus 5% UAE VAT on commercial imports.
- Cars: 5% duty on the car’s value when it is registered permanently in the UAE.
Customs rules change, and the duty rate varies by item. Get a first estimate from the customs duty calculator; the broker then confirms the final figure before shipping.
Prohibited and restricted items when shipping to the UAE
| Category | Examples | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited | Narcotics and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition, counterfeit goods, gambling equipment | Not shipped |
| Hazardous | Compressed gas, flammable materials, loose batteries | Not shipped with furniture and parcels |
| Permit required | Prescription medicines, wireless communication devices, drones | Need a permit from the competent authority |
| Conditional | Foodstuffs, cosmetics in commercial quantities, plants and seeds | Health or agricultural certificates |
| Not accepted in a shipment | Cash, gold, jewellery and original documents | Carry them yourself |
Do not hide anything inside furniture
Every shipment is inspected at both border posts. One prohibited item inside a single carton holds up the whole truck and makes its owner liable. If you are unsure about an item, ask before it is packed.
Steps for shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
- Get in touch: call or WhatsApp +966553923364 and give the shipment type and the two cities.
- Estimate: send photos or a list, or ask for a free furniture survey.
- Price and date: you receive a price covering the agreed services, and the pickup day is set.
- Documents: you send copies of your ID and the packing list and issue the Fasah authorisation.
- Pickup and packing: the crew arrives on time, dismantles, packs, numbers and loads.
- Transport and crossing: the truck heads to Al Batha then Al Ghuwaifat, and you follow it by shipment number.
- Delivery: the shipment is delivered to the UAE address, the furniture is assembled and the list is checked.
Take the first step now
Delivery across UAE cities
Al Basma Express delivers to the door in all seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the closest emirate to the border, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah the farthest, and the difference between them is about one day.
| City | Approx. distance from Al Ghuwaifat | Land transit from Riyadh | Delivery notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | about 350 km | 1–2 days | Towers require the service lift to be booked ahead |
| Al Ain | about 430 km | 2–3 days | Villa and farm deliveries available |
| Dubai | about 480 km | 1–3 days | Some communities require a move-in permit from management |
| Sharjah | about 500 km | 1–3 days | Delivery outside rush hours is preferable |
| Ajman | about 510 km | 2–3 days | Tower and villa deliveries |
| Umm Al Quwain | about 540 km | 2–4 days | Direct delivery |
| Ras Al Khaimah | about 590 km | 2–4 days | Direct delivery |
| Fujairah | about 600 km | 2–4 days | Mountain road; truck size is taken into account |
Prepare the delivery address before the truck arrives
Send the map location and the consignee’s name and UAE number. If delivery is to a tower or a gated community, ask management for the move-in permit and book the lift, because waiting at the gate delays unloading.
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to Dubai
Dubai is the most requested destination. A land shipment arrives in 1–3 days from Riyadh, and an air shipment in 24–48 hours through Dubai International Airport. Commercial goods are delivered in Jebel Ali, Al Quoz, Ras Al Khor and Deira; furniture in the Marina, Al Barsha, Mirdif and the other districts. Some communities ask for a move-in permit before the truck enters.
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the closest emirate to the border, about 350 km from Al Ghuwaifat, so a shipment arrives in 1–2 days from Riyadh. Delivery covers Abu Dhabi Island, Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Mussafah industrial area.
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to Sharjah and Ajman
Sharjah and Ajman sit side by side and are reached in 1–3 days. Delivery in Sharjah covers the industrial areas, Al Taawun, Al Nahda and Al Majaz; in Ajman, Al Rashidiya, Al Nuaimiya and Al Jurf. Morning delivery is preferable to avoid congestion on Al Ittihad Road.
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to Al Ain
Al Ain belongs to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and lies about 430 km from Al Ghuwaifat. A shipment arrives in 2–3 days, and deliveries there are mostly to villas and farms, which makes truck access easy.
Shipping from Saudi Arabia to Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain
The northern and eastern emirates are the farthest delivery points, 540 to 600 km from the border, with a transit time of 2–4 days. The road to Fujairah is mountainous, so a suitably sized truck is chosen, and small shipments are consolidated there two or three times a week.
How to calculate the cost of shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
Shipping cost = unit rate × weight or volume + added services. Five factors set the figure:
- Weight or volume: cartons by the kilogram; furniture and part-load goods by the cubic metre.
- Shipping mode: land is cheapest, air is fastest, sea is for volume.
- Distance: the pickup city in Saudi Arabia and the delivery city in the UAE.
- Added services: dismantling and assembly, special packing, wooden crates and storage.
- Season: demand rises in summer and at the end of the school year.
| Example | Calculation | Cost as a starting price |
|---|---|---|
| 3 medium cartons by land (45 kg) | 45 × SAR 14 | SAR 630 |
| Small 8 kg carton by land | small-carton tier | SAR 140 |
| 16 kg air parcel (volumetric weight) | 16 × SAR 46 | SAR 736 |
| 3 cubic metres of part-load goods | 3 × SAR 830 | SAR 2,490 |
| Bedroom set + sedan | 1,110 + 1,110 | SAR 2,220 |
For a quick figure use the moving cost calculator and the shipping time calculator.
The cheapest way to ship to the UAE
The cheapest way to ship from Saudi Arabia to the UAE is shared land freight, from SAR 14 per kg with Al Basma Express. Five ways to bring the cost down further:
- Choose a shared load: you pay for your space only, not a whole truck.
- Reduce the volume: dismantle what can be dismantled, and sort out what is not worth moving before the survey.
- Send everything at once: one shipment costs less than two small ones.
- Avoid the peak: June, July, August and late December see the highest demand.
- Be flexible on the date: a day or two of flexibility lets your shipment join a trip that is already running.
When is a dedicated truck the cheaper option?
When the furniture fills more than two thirds of a truck. At that point the shared-space price approaches the price of the whole truck, and you gain speed and privacy for roughly the same money.
How to choose a shipping company from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
The best shipping company to the UAE is the one that fits your shipment type. Global express couriers suit documents and small parcels; freight and moving companies suit furniture, cars and goods.
| Criterion | Express couriers (such as DHL, Aramex and FedEx) | A freight and moving company such as Al Basma Express |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Documents and parcels up to 30 kg | Furniture, cars, many cartons and goods |
| Pricing | Per kg and by volumetric weight | Per kg, per cubic metre or per truck |
| Packing | Done by the sender | Dismantling, packing and assembly included |
| Large items | Usually not accepted | Accepted, up to a full truck |
| Survey | None | Free furniture survey |
- Ask what the price includes: dismantling, packing, clearance, unloading and assembly.
- Ask for a tracking number: with clear update points through to delivery.
- Confirm delivery inside the UAE: not just to the border.
- Ask for a handover report: a numbered list and photos before packing.
- Compare like with like: per-kg against per-kg, cubic metre against cubic metre.
A timeline for preparing your shipment
| Before pickup | What to do |
|---|---|
| Two weeks | Sort what moves and what is sold, and request the survey and price |
| 10 days | Fix the pickup date and tell your UAE building management when the truck will arrive |
| One week | Prepare your ID and the packing list, and issue the Fasah authorisation |
| 3 days | Empty the fridge and washing machine, and set aside what you will carry yourself |
| One day | Photograph valuable items and clear the corridor and lift for the crew |
| Pickup day | Check the numbering with the crew and sign the handover report |
The best time to ship to the UAE
- Quietest periods: September to November and February to April, when shared loads move faster.
- Peak: June, July and August at the end of the school year, and the last two weeks of December.
- Ramadan and Eid: border working hours change, so book at least a week before Eid.
- Days of the week: a pickup between Sunday and Wednesday crosses the border before the weekend.
Common mistakes to avoid when shipping to the UAE
| Mistake | Result | The right way |
|---|---|---|
| Describing the shipment as “belongings” | Delay in clearance | A detailed, numbered packing list |
| Household-style packing for glass and appliances | Breakage on the road | Purpose-made packing or a wooden crate |
| Issuing the authorisation after loading | The truck waits at the border | Fasah authorisation before pickup day |
| Leaving belongings inside a shipped car | Customs remarks and owner liability | An empty car with a quarter tank |
| Not booking the tower lift in the UAE | Delayed unloading and waiting charges | Move-in permit and lift booked in advance |
| Comparing prices without comparing what they include | Surprises at delivery | A price that states dismantling, packing and assembly |
Insurance and shipment tracking
- Tracking: every Al Basma Express shipment carries a number you can follow on the tracking page, and trucks are monitored by GBS on the road.
- Update points: pickup, leaving the city, Al Batha Crossing, Al Ghuwaifat Crossing and arrival in the delivery city.
- Insurance: optional, calculated as a percentage of the declared value, and recommended for high-end furniture, cars and high-value goods.
- Handover report: photos of the items before packing and a signed list, which is the reference for any remark.
Why Al Basma Express for shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE?
Pickup from every city
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Al-Ahsa and the rest of the Kingdom.
Three shipping modes
Land, air and sea, and Al Basma Express helps you choose the one that suits the shipment, not the most expensive.
Packing built for distance
Blankets, film and wooden crates, strapped inside enclosed trucks.
Clearance at both borders
Documents reviewed before loading, with a broker at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat.
An itemised price
Dismantling, packing, transport and delivery stated, with no extras at the door.
Tracking to delivery
A shipment number, updates at each point, and a UAE branch for delivery.
Related guides on shipping to the UAE and the Gulf
- Shipping and furniture moving company from Riyadh to the UAE
- Furniture shipping and moving company from Jeddah to the UAE
- Land freight and car shipping from Dammam to the UAE
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- Furniture and car shipping company from Jeddah to Dubai
- Furniture and car shipping company from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi
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- Ports and border crossings
Frequently asked questions about shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE
How much does shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE cost?
From SAR 140 for a small carton up to 10 kg and SAR 14 per kg by land with Al Basma Express. A bedroom set starts from SAR 1,110 and a car from SAR 1,110.
How long does shipping from Saudi Arabia to the UAE take?
1 to 3 days by land from Riyadh and Dammam, 3 to 5 days from Jeddah, and 24 to 48 hours by air. Sea freight takes 7 to 12 days.
What is the cheapest way to ship to the UAE?
Shared land freight, from SAR 14 per kg. You pay only for the space your shipment takes up.
What is the air freight rate per kg to the UAE?
From SAR 46 per kg with Al Basma Express, charged on the higher of actual and volumetric weight. A box up to 15 kg starts from SAR 295.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Saudi Arabia to the UAE?
From SAR 1,110 on a shared carrier and SAR 2,300 on a dedicated enclosed carrier. Transit takes 2 to 5 days depending on the pickup city.
Which is the best furniture moving company from Saudi Arabia to the UAE?
Choose a company that dismantles, packs, clears both borders and delivers inside the UAE at an itemised price. Al Basma Express does this from SAR 1,110 for a bedroom set, with a free survey.
How do I send a shipment to the UAE, and what documents are required?
Call +966553923364 and the price and pickup date are set. Personal effects need an ID or Iqama, a packing list, a Fasah authorisation and the consignee’s details.
Is door-to-door shipping available?
Yes. Pickup is from your address in Saudi Arabia and delivery to the consignee’s address in the UAE within 1–5 days by land, including loading, clearance and unloading.
Do you ship to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain?
Yes. Delivery covers all seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, plus Al Ain. Abu Dhabi is reached in 1–2 days from Riyadh.
Is the shipment insured?
Yes. Insurance is optional and calculated as a percentage of the declared value. It is recommended for cars, high-end furniture and high-value goods.
What is the land border between Saudi Arabia and the UAE?
Al Batha Crossing in Saudi Arabia, facing Al Ghuwaifat Crossing in the UAE. Al Batha is about 550 km from Riyadh, and Al Ghuwaifat is about 350 km from Abu Dhabi.
Is customs duty charged on used furniture in the UAE?
Used household furniture in personal quantities is usually exempt when relocating to live in the UAE, under UAE rules. New and commercial goods carry 5% duty for most items.
Which are the cheapest shipping companies from Saudi Arabia to the UAE?
The cheapest depends on the shipment: express couriers for small parcels, shared land freight for furniture and many cartons. Al Basma Express starts from SAR 14 per kg by land.
Is shipping with DHL or Aramex cheaper than a land freight company?
For documents and parcels under 5 kg an express courier may suit. Above 20 kg, land freight is cheaper, starting from SAR 14 per kg against air pricing by volumetric weight.
How do I find out the cost of my shipment before booking?
Send the weight, dimensions or photos of the furniture to +966553923364 and you will have a price within minutes. You can also estimate volumetric weight and cost with the calculators on the site.
Can dates and foodstuffs be shipped to the UAE?
Yes: personal quantities within your belongings, and commercial quantities with a health certificate and a refrigerated truck where needed. Transit takes 1–3 days from Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Do you collect from home in any Saudi city?
Yes, door pickup in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Al-Ahsa and other cities. Cities with no direct trips have one day added for consolidation.
How long do procedures take at Al Batha and Al Ghuwaifat?
From a few hours to one day when the documents are complete. In holiday seasons it can stretch to two days because of congestion.
What information is needed for a shipping quote from Saudi Arabia to the UAE?
Specify the destination city in the UAE, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, and send an inventory and photos of large items. Delivery arrangements depend on the city and vehicle access at the address.
Compare options using our international shipping guide and packing guide. Ask for a quote explaining inclusions, exclusions and the estimated delivery date for your shipment.
Request a shipping quote or call +966553923364.
