Earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates restricted the import of salvage cars from abroad. The change set off an 7% surge in the number of cars shipped from the US to the UAE during the first quarter of 2017. Previous reports have incorrectly stated that all salvage cars are banned from import and registration. However that is incorrect, you can ship salvage cars to the UAE, just with a few caveats. 

There are a number of reasons why car buyers in the United Arab Emirates import salvage cars.

• Price. Salvage cars are typically much cheaper than new or used cars in the UAE. This is because they have been damaged in an accident and have been declared a total loss by their insurance company. However, many salvage cars can be repaired and made roadworthy, and they can still offer a good value for money.
• Selection. The UAE has a limited selection of new and used cars available for sale. This is because the country has high import taxes on cars, which makes them expensive. Salvage cars, on the other hand, can be imported without paying import taxes, which gives car buyers a wider selection of vehicles to choose from.
• Customization. Many car buyers in the UAE like to customize their cars. Salvage cars are often a good option for customization, as they are often cheaper and easier to modify than new or used cars.

It is important to note that there are some risks associated with buying a salvage car. These cars may have been damaged in a serious accident, and they may have hidden structural or mechanical problems. It is important to have a salvage car inspected by a qualified mechanic before buying it.

Despite the risks, buying a salvage car can be a good way to save money and get a car that you want. However, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are buying a car that is in good condition.

You are not allowed to import and register cars with salvage titles marked as:

• Fire
• Flood/Water
• Non-repairable
• Dismantled
• For parts only

All other salvage cars are allowed to be imported. To import a car you must first verify the vehicle and its eligibility with the UAE government. To make the process smoother, a website has been setup allowing you to plugin the VIN, select a reason for the import and receive a 6 month import license for the vehicle. The process takes minutes and costs around $5 USD per vehicle.