Buying a bike in the UAE
 

I'm planning a trip from the UAE to the UK starting in April/May next year. I have a Suzuki GS 500 here in Sydney.

I would like to know whether it will be necessary to ship my bike to the UAE, or whether it is possible for an Australian citizen to buy a bike in the UAE.

If so, is it possible to get a carnet through the local motoring organisation? The NRMA (the body that issues carnets in Australia) has advised me that they won't issue a carnet for a foreign registered bike.

Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks,

Dom.

Dom
You don't mention if you are going to be working here or just passing through. Only holders of a valid residence visa can buy and register vehicles in the UAE. If you fit this criterion, then you can go to the next stage of getting a 'siaha' (traffic police overseas tourism document) and then a carnet.

There's a bit more on this here:
Hope this helps.
Stephan

Hi Stephan,

Thanks for your reply.

I suspected that might be the case. I am just passing through- I am moving to London for work, and so want to do a trip to get there. I thought that buying a bike in the UAE might be a good way to avoid incurring shipping and other bits and pieces, which I think would amount to something like half of the value of the bike.

It looks as though I will have to bring my bike over though, unless anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks again for the info.

Dom.