Moving from UAE to Riyadh: The 2026 Ultimate Guide | Costs & Customs

The "Regional Headquarters" (RHQ) boom has made the Dubai to Saudi Arabia relocation route the busiest corridor in the GCC for 2026. But moving to the Kingdom is not just a longer version of a local move.

Between the Al Batha (UAE–Saudi main border crossing) inspections, the mandatory Fasah electronic authorizations, and the strict 5-year rule for cars, there are plenty of traps for the unprepared.

This guide is your single source of truth for 2026. We break down the real road freight Dubai to Riyadh costs, the documentation you absolutely need, and how to navigate the Riyadh housing crunch.

This Guide Is For:

Corporate Transferees relocating for RHQ roles.
Families moving personal household goods by road.
UAE Residents returning to KSA.

⚡ Quick Summary: 2026 Moving Costs & Timeline

Budgeting for 2026? Costs have risen slightly due to fuel and border handling fees. Estimates below are for Door-to-Door Service.

Shipment Size	Est. Cost (AED)	Timeline
Studio / Small 1-Bed	AED 8,500 - 13,000	5-7 Days
2-Bedroom Apt	AED 14,000 - 18,000	5-8 Days
3-Bedroom Villa	AED 20,000 - 28,000	6-10 Days
Car Shipping	AED 3,000 - 5,000	3-5 Days

⚠️ Hidden Cost Warning: Most quotes exclude Saudi Customs Duty (estimated 5% if applicable) and VAT on new items (15%). For a full breakdown of potential extra charges, read our Guide to Hidden Moving Costs.

1. The Critical Step: "Fasah" & Customs

In 2026, you cannot just hand paperwork to a driver. You must engage with the digital system.

The "Fasah" Authorization

Saudi Customs now requires the owner of the goods (you) to authorize the clearing agent electronically.

Register: Create an account on the Fasah Portal.
Authorize: Your mover will give you their Saudi Clearing Agent's license number. You must enter this to create a "Tafweez" (authorization).
Result: Without this digital handshake, your truck will be turned back at the Al Batha border.

Common Fasah Authorization Mistakes

Avoid these errors to prevent week-long delays at the border:

Wrong Clearing Agent License: Using the transport company's license instead of their specific customs broker's license number.
Late Authorization: Completing the process after the truck has already departed Dubai.
Name Mismatch: Ensuring your name on the Fasah account matches your passport exactly.

Documents You Must Have Ready

Copy of Passport & UAE Visa (showing exit stamp or cancellation).
Copy of Saudi Iqama (or printed Muqeem visa copy).
Packing List: Detailed, in English and Arabic.
Authorization Letter: Stamped by your Saudi employer (chamber of commerce attestation is sometimes requested).

Avoid Fasah Rejections. Get Quotes from Movers Clearing Al Batha Weekly.

2. Moving Checklist: 8 Weeks to Go

8 Weeks Before

Check Housing: Riyadh is facing a supply shortage in 2026. Secure your villa or compound before shipping. Storage costs in Riyadh are high.
Book Movers: Good movers are booked weeks in advance due to high demand.

4 Weeks Before

Filter Goods: Household goods customs Saudi Arabia rules are strict. Do not pack:
- Alcohol or pork (Zero tolerance).
- Binoculars, drones, or surveillance cameras (Require Ministry of Interior approval).
- Statues or art that could be deemed sensitive.
Car Check: If shipping a car, ensure it is a 2021 model or newer.
Download Checklist: Ensure you haven't missed a step by using our Comprehensive Moving Checklist.

1 Week Before

Perform the "Fasah" Authorization.
Disconnect UAE Utilities: Don't forget to close your account and get your final bill. See our guide to cancelling UAE utilities.

Who Should Delay Shipping to Riyadh

Not everyone should ship immediately. Pause your shipment if:

You are an RHQ employee without finalized housing: Temporary storage in Riyadh is expensive.
You are awaiting Iqama issuance: You generally cannot clear personal effects on a tourist visa.
You are arriving during peak holidays: Border congestion during Eid can cause multi-day delays for trucks.

3. Shipping Your Car (The 5-Year Rule)

Shipping a car to KSA is popular but regulated strictly.

The 5-Year Rule: For 2026, you cannot permanently import a personal car manufactured before 2021. If your car is a 2020 model, you must sell it in Dubai.
The Cost:
- Customs Duty: 5% of the car's current assessed value.
- VAT: 15% of the value + duty.
- Total Tax: Expect to pay roughly 21% of your car's value in taxes upon entry.
Right Hand Drive: Strictly banned.

For more details on luxury vehicles, read our Car Shipping Guide.

4. Life in Riyadh vs. Dubai (2026 Comparison)

Factor	Dubai	Riyadh
Rent (2-Bed)	High (AED 140k+)	Rising Fast (SAR 100k - 160k+)
Schooling	High availability	Waitlists Common (Apply early!)
Traffic	Heavy	Very Heavy (Metro is helping, but traffic remains)
VAT	5%	15%
Lifestyle	Open / Global	Rapidly opening / Family-centric

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Do I have to pay customs duty on my household furniture? A: Used personal effects are often granted an exemption from the 5% Customs Duty, subject to inspection and officer discretion at the Al Batha border clearance process. However, brand new items (in original boxes) will definitely attract 5% Duty + 15% VAT.

Q: Can I move to Riyadh on a tourist visa? A: You can enter the country, but you generally cannot clear a shipment of household goods without a residency visa (Iqama). The shipment will be held at the border (accumulating fines) until your Iqama is issued.

Q: How long does the move take? A: Door-to-door transit is typically 5 to 8 days. The drive itself is short, but customs clearance at Al Batha can take 24-48 hours depending on congestion.

Don't get stuck at the border. You need a mover who understands Fasah, exemptions, and Riyadh logistics.

Moving from the UAE to Riyadh: The Complete 2026 Guide