Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from the United Arab Emirates
Death certificate (with MOFA attestation); Cremation certificate; Police clearance; Transport documentation This page covers what United Arab Emirates requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
Generally yes, with documentation. Emirates and Etihad accommodate ashes transport.
Cremation is available for non-Muslims only, at Al Foah Cemetery (Al Ain) and at sites in Dubai and Sharjah. Children under 3 cannot be cremated (GOV.UK, checked 6 Oct 2026).
3-10 days to arrange
What does United Arab Emirates require before ashes can leave?
Death certificate (with MOFA attestation); Cremation certificate; Police clearance; Transport documentation
Carrying ashes out: Generally yes, with documentation. Emirates and Etihad accommodate ashes transport.
Where cremation happens: Cremation is available for non-Muslims only, at Al Foah Cemetery (Al Ain) and at sites in Dubai and Sharjah. Children under 3 cannot be cremated (GOV.UK, checked 6 Oct 2026).
Burial is the norm for Muslims. Cremation is available for non-Muslims only, at Al Foah Cemetery (Al Ain) and at sites in Dubai and Sharjah; children under 3 cannot be cremated.
Documentation language: Arabic (official). English is widely used as the de facto business and daily language.
The rules that apply on any route, and what you may do with ashes once home, are covered in bringing ashes into the UK.
Documents you need
- Death certificate (with MOFA attestation)
- Cremation certificate
- Police clearance
- Transport documentation
What are the airline rules for carrying ashes?
Hand luggage guidance
Generally yes, with documentation. Emirates and Etihad accommodate ashes transport.
What does United Arab Emirates require to export ashes?
Cremation is available in the United Arab Emirates. Crematoriums will issue a cremation certificate, which is the core document for export. In some countries, additional certificates from health or foreign affairs authorities are required. The funeral director who handled the cremation will guide you on this.
What affects the cost?
Carrying ashes home yourself is the least expensive way to bring someone back from the United Arab Emirates, and for many families it costs little more than the return flight they are already taking. We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.
| What changes the cost | Why |
|---|---|
| Whether the cremation has already taken place | Arranging it locally adds funeral director and crematorium involvement |
| Where the death happened | Crematoria: Cremation is available for non-Muslims only, at Al Foah Cemetery (Al Ain) and at sites in Dubai and Sharjah. Children under 3 cannot be cremated (GOV.UK, checked 6 Oct 2026).. Distance to the nearest one changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation United Arab Emirates requires | Export permits and translation, where they apply |
Send us the details of your situation and we will give you a figure, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide
Complete guide: repatriation from the United Arab Emirates
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in the United Arab Emirates: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
If you are unsure about the paperwork or airline requirements, we can take it from here.
Send an enquiryFurther guidance
Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from the United Arab Emirates
More on ashes and cremation abroad
Bringing ashes home from the United Arab Emirates
Tell us where the ashes are now and where home is. We will explain what is needed and send you a quote. We send ashes home to the UK, Ireland or any other country.