Hi all,

I am planning to leave the United Arab Emirates by riding my motorbike back to Europe, taking either the Saudi or Iran route, in order to import it back home for future use.

At the start of my plan I had two options in mind, either 1) drive back on export plates, or 2) try to obtain the object the export certificate after the trip(from abroad).

Having aligned with the Dubai AutoClub, they confirmed it is not possible to either cross at least The Middle East on export license plates, or to obtain a Carnet de Passage on the same plates. Also not entirely sure if insurance is available on export plates, hence this brings me to my second option.

This means driving back on the original plates, accompanied with international insurance, making the Saudi route possible. If going through Iran, the Carnet de Passage is also obtainable for the original plates, and a separate insurance is available at the border.

However, at the end of the trip I expect I will need the UAE export certificate in order to register the bike in Europe. This means I'll need to fly back to the UAE in order to handover the original license plates and provide evidence of ownership in order officially export the bike.

My main concern is the feasibility of exporting the bike without having the actual bike present in the UAE, hence through this topic I am looking for others who have done a similar trip.

As for the Saudi route, I would obviously avoid Syria at this point in time, hence the ferry from Haifa (Israel) to Izmir (Turkey) would most likely be the way to go. Also, this trip will only go ahead if countries are opening their land borders again after covid restrictions.


Thanks in advance, and any response is welcome!

Regards,
JdV

Not entirely sure about UAE laws, but to register the bike in Europe, it should be sufficient to show that you are the lawful registered owner of the bike (e.g. a UAE registration document listing you as the owner). EU customs and vehicle registration offices should not care whether you did an official export from the UAE, as long as you are paying customs duties and other stuff in the EU.

I drove back from Dubai to UK in 2011.Then,the UAE poli.ce did not need the plates back and they are now on my garage wall BUT you will need to return the Carnet to the Auto Club in order to get your deposit back.I had a friend at work do this for me.
All needs checking as things change over time.
You will have a lot more fun on the Iran route.

Happy trails.

Thanks a lot for this, it seems you're right. Current registration process seems to only require proof you're the owner of the bike in order to registrate.

In case they would need proof of export I found out this is still doable as well, by someone else in person, or worst case to fly back personally and handover the plates myself.

Thanks a lot Tony! I spoke with the AutoClub and they're ok with releasing the payment as long as I can provide proof I arrived on my final location back in Europe. But yes, worst case I'll need to ask someone else instead or fly back myself.

Currently still waiting for Iran to open their borders, and the ferry to operate again, in order to start riding.

a bit off topic here Taferel but im also planning this trip but in reverse. uk initially to jordan where i work and next year once the countries open up again on to dubai.

have you researched the ferry hafia -izmir ferry route? or can you tell me the ferry company? looks like at present there are no ferries. im also looking at a route through cyprus. any help would be much appreciated

Iranian border is open. Visas will be issued from 6th July for tourism.

Hi,

No worries, I haven't looked as much into this route yet as I prefer the Iranian one, but I found 'https://www.adventurism.tv/blog/2019/4/4/how-to-book-a-ferry-from-europe-to-israel' quite helpful regarding ferries on the Mediterranean.

A few companies are suggested though Grimaldi or CruiseCyprus seems to be your safest bet. However, as you said as well, at this point the routes we are looking for aren't operational yet. I suggest calling them regarding any potential opening dates.

Hope it helps a bit.

Hi, that would be amazing news. As I am unable to find this information on the web would you mind sharing your source?