Send a parcel from Italy to United Arab Emirates

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Cheapest international shipping to the United Arab Emirates

As a middle-eastern hub, importation of goods to the United Arab Emirates is important, and whether you are shipping a package to an expat, business or customer, people in the UAE will all expect a great delivery service. Though the country has previously lagged behind many of its neighbours, the United Arab Emirates has become a force to be reckoned with in the region. It wasn't until 1971 that the UAE broke away from Great Britain and gained independence, with seven independent nations combining under the rule of a group of emirs. The country has some of the most authoritarian rules in the region but paradoxically, the United Arab Emirates remains a largely free and open society.

When looking at the country's demographics, however, the picture becomes clearer; with the population is mainly foreign workers or expatriates, with a significant British presence. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE in 1950, the petroleum industry has been the major hub of economic growth for the entire country. Abu Dhabi became the first region in the United Arab Emirates to export the liquid gold, moving the country from a dying agricultural economy to a booming industrial nation. Careful planning over the years has seen the oil business successfully joined with a conscious campaign to attract business, construction and tourism to the nation, creating a more stable and diversified economic base.

Shipping to Dubai can be booked in minutes if you use our shipping calculator.

Today, Dubai is considered to be a major destination for both business and pleasure. Most people who reside in the UAE, live in the city of Dubai, which is, by far, the most liberal area of the UAE. Shipments will still be subject to the government rules of importation. Dubai, however, does have many tax-free zones because of the large amount of foreign trade accomplished in the city, so it could pay to ship goods straight to this metropolitan hub. On our marketplace you will find expres international courier services to ensure a quick delivery of your package. With some of the best transport links in the UAE located in Dubai, transit times are normally fast no matter where you are shipping from. 

 

UAE’s eCommerce market is currently valued at 9.2 billion dirham ($2.5 billion USD), but is projected to grow to 36.7 billion dirham ($10 billion USD) by 2018, this slow growth is partially down to the vast and expansive shopping malls found in the UAE, however millions of parcels are still sent to not only Dubai but also Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Remember you can compare couriers online in a matter of minutes and use our shipping calculator to find either the quickest shipping time or the best price. 

Customs Information

Almost all shipments to the United Arab Emirates are subject to a customs duty upon arrival. Any exceptions are stated specifically in the laws that pertain to import to the UAE. The basic duty fee is five percent of the shipment's value. Some goods, such as alcohol and cigarettes, have a much higher duty fee- as much as 50 to 100 percent.

To send goods to the UAE, proper documentation is required; this can include the original invoice about the shipment, a certificate of origin, the bill of entry, and a customs duty receipt or exemption certificate. While the United Arab Emirates is quite open to the movement of goods across the border, the country is still largely controlled by the central governing body, which is conservative in nature. Because of that, expect to experience scrutiny of any shipment that contains printed material or media.

Books, music and movies will probably be inspected, censored and possibly banned from importation if the government agency finds them to be against the values of the nation. On the other hand, things like loose diamonds may enter the country duty-free. Products like medications need to be approved by the Ministry of Health. 

Prohibited items

Gambling devices, Ivory, Precious metals and stones

View our full list of prohibited goods

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you offer door to door delivery?

    The Parcel Monkey marketplace uses a shipping calculator to find the best prices for shipping your items door to door via a range of different couriers. 

    With full tracking on almost all of our delivery services, you can follow your package from the moment it leaves you until it arrives with the recipient. We always advise providing the contact number of the recipient so that if needed, the courier can contact them to resolve any issues with the delivery.

    Some of our courier services are delivered to a local Post Office, where the recipient will need to collect the package from such as with DHL eCommerce to some remote areas so it is essential to provide a working contact number. Items shipped with Parcel Monkey are also done so DDU, so it might be that Customs need to collect payment from the recipient before delivery. We offer Customs Advice to help with the completion of any Customs Documents. 

    If you want to know more about what a courier is and how to choose the best service for your package, we can help. 

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  • Can I add protection cover to my order?

    When you place an order via the Parcel Monkey marketplace, during the booking process you can add protection cover to your item. As long as your item is not prohibited, has been packaged properly and you follow our Claims Procedure, you will be protected should your item be lost or damaged. 

    Some of our services offer no protection cover, but others do and some even offer free cover up to a certain value. You can view this information when you get a price via our shipping calculator. 

    Please ensure that the item is not on the prohibited items list as this will make it void.

    It is also vital to remember your package is going to be sent with global carriers, likely to be handled in various customs and airport departments so be sure to package the item correctly so it is well protected and cannot move around in the box. 

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  • How long will it take for my package to be delivered?

    Before you choose how to send your package, consider how quickly you need it to arrive. Transit times depend on two key factors- the shipping destination and the courier service you choose from the Parcel Monkey marketplace. 

    When choosing a courier from our marketplace, we will display an estimated delivery time, provided by the couriers themselves as they handle the goods.

    You can see how long it will take to arrive with the receiver and we advise that you share this tracking with the recipient so they can see when it is set to arrive. Always provide the recipient contact number when you book in case the delivery courier needs to contact them. 

    You can choose slower economy services such as DHL eCommerce if looking to save on the cost, or you can choose a speedy Express service that gets the package delivered more quickly like our 2-5 day International Drop Off service provided by FedEx, also available as a Pickup. 

    Still need help?
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