Import Cars In The UAE: What You Need To Know Before Buying One

By Punith Bharadwaj May 28, 2025 , 6 Min Read Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, UAE, Ultimate Buyers Guide

Buying a car in the UAE gives you two main choices: a GCC-spec vehicle or an import. Imported cars come from all over the world and are often 10–20% cheaper than their GCC counterparts.

Another reason for the popularity of imports is the wide range of models not officially sold in the UAE. For example, the Toyota Tundra remains hugely popular and is sold only in North America.

Important: If the imported vehicle has a built-in navigation system, it may not work properly in the UAE unless updated or replaced.

Why Buy An Imported Car?

There are many reasons why people choose to import cars into the UAE:

Lower Cost: Imported cars can be 10–20% cheaper than GCC models.
More Variety: Some models are not sold officially in the region.
Higher Specifications: Imported vehicles often come with more features compared to local versions.

American Imports

Today, American imports are still among the most common in the UAE market. With the economic shifts and supply chain issues after 2020, even more American vehicles have entered the UAE, often at competitive prices. Here is a detailed guide on GCC specs vs American specs.

How to tell if a car is American:

The speedometer shows Miles Per Hour (MPH), not Kilometres Per Hour (KPH).
The door panel sticker is in English only.
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can be checked through Carfax, AutoCheck, or similar services.

Watch out:

Many American imports are salvage vehicles (accident or flood-damaged). Always check the VIN history before buying.

Some say American cars cannot handle the UAE’s extreme climate. This is not always true. However, changing the air conditioning compressor to a GCC-spec one is still recommended.

Japanese Imports

Japanese left-hand-drive imports continue to grow in popularity in 2025. Thanks to Japan’s strict road laws, many imported cars are in excellent condition with lower mileage.

How to tell if a car is from Japan:

The chassis plate has Japanese characters.
A flare (safety item) is often found inside, usually near the passenger footwell.

Advantages:

Superior overall condition.
Lower mileage.
Higher specifications compared to similar models from other regions.

Possible issues:

The radiator and cooling systems might struggle with the UAE heat.
Dust filtration systems may not be strong enough.
Air conditioning performance is crucial — it must blow ice-cold air.
Replacing key systems with GCC-spec parts can fix these issues.

Chinese Imports

In 2025, Chinese cars will have become extremely popular in the UAE. Brands like BYD, Geely, Changan, MG, and GAC are growing in demand across the country—here are the top 10 Chinese cars to buy in the UAE.

Why are Chinese imports so popular?

Affordable pricing: Chinese vehicles offer modern features at lower costs compared to Japanese, Korean, and even some American brands.
Modern technology: Many Chinese cars come equipped with the latest tech like ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems), large touchscreens, and hybrid engines.
Warranty support: Some Chinese brands now have local dealership support in the UAE, making after-sales service easier.

How to identify a Chinese import:

Most Chinese cars imported to the UAE are left-hand drive (perfect for local use).
The user manuals and dashboard settings may initially be in Chinese or partially translated — make sure English settings are available or updates are done.
The chassis plate and VIN might include Chinese characters.

Pros:

Value for money — modern features for much less.
Newer models are more reliable than before.
Good availability of spare parts for top brands like MG and BYD.

Cons:

Lesser-known brands may have limited service centres.
Resale value can be lower compared to Japanese or German cars.
Build quality varies between brands — important to inspect carefully.

Other Imports In The UAE

European imports, especially from Germany, remain popular. German vehicles are known for their quality, luxury, and performance. However, always check the service history carefully.
Korean imports, particularly Hyundai and Kia models, have increased significantly. Korean cars are affordable and come with strong warranties, but it’s important to check if parts are easily available in the UAE.
Canadian imported cars are usually similar to US specs but better equipped for cold weather.

Converting Imports

Professional companies can convert imported cars to meet UAE regulations, but this can be expensive. Always get a cost estimate before buying a non-GCC car.

Right-Hand Drive (RHD) Imports

Cars imported from Australia or the UK are usually right-hand drive.

In the UAE, RHD vehicles cannot be registered for regular use unless they qualify as classic cars (at least 25 years old).

Final Buyer’s Tips

Always verify the car’s history with a VIN check.
Inspect the car with a trusted mechanic.
Budget for possible modifications.
Make sure all UAE registration papers are complete.

Importing a car into the UAE can save you money and offer exciting choices not found locally. However, careful checks and smart buying decisions are key to avoiding trouble. With the rise of electric cars and more global options, 2025 is a great time to find your dream car — just make sure it is ready for UAE roads.

FAQs

What are the basic requirements for importing a car into the UAE?

You must have a UAE residence visa, a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and all original documents. The car must meet UAE standards before it can be cleared by customs and registered.

What taxes and duties apply when importing a car into the UAE?

You must pay 5% customs duty based on the car’s value, plus 5% VAT. Extra costs like inspection, modifications, and registration fees may also apply, depending on the vehicle.

Can I import a car older than 10 years into the UAE?

Normally, cars must be under 10 years old. Older vehicles need special permission from the authorities and must meet additional inspection and approval requirements.

Are there any exemptions or reduced rates for certain types of vehicles?

Electric vehicles often get customs duty exemptions. Classic cars may also get special rates if they meet age and originality standards. Hybrid vehicles still pay the normal customs fee.

What is the process for registering an imported car in the UAE?

After clearing customs, your car must pass inspection. Then submit the documents to the RTA, pay the fees, and collect your registration card and UAE license plates.

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