Moving guides
Moving Between Emirates: Dubai to Sharjah, Ajman, RAK and Back
Plenty of UAE residents move across emirate borders, sometimes more than once. Families leave Dubai for bigger, cheaper homes in Sharjah or Ajman. Others swap a long commute for a flat back in Dubai, or head north to Ras Al Khaimah for space and quieter weekends.
The furniture is the easy part. What catches people out is that each emirate has its own tenancy registration, its own utility provider and its own traffic patterns. This guide sets out the differences so you can plan ahead.
Tenancy registration in each emirate
Every emirate requires the tenancy contract to be registered or attested. You will normally need this before utilities can be connected in your name, so make it the first job after signing.
| Emirate | System or authority | How it is done |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Ejari (Dubai Land Department) | Online, by tenant, landlord or agent |
| Sharjah | Tenancy contract attestation by Sharjah Municipality | Tenant takes the contract to the municipality after the SEWA application |
| Ajman | Tasdeeq (Ajman Municipality and Planning Department) | Online, or in person at Ajman Municipality |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Tenancy registration through RAK Municipality’s Land Department | Online by landlord or agent, via the RAK government portal |
| Abu Dhabi | Tawtheeq (Department of Municipalities and Transport, via TAMM) | Online by landlord or property manager |
Dubai: Ejari
If you are leaving Dubai, cancel your Ejari once the tenancy ends and handover is complete. If you are moving into Dubai, you will need a registered Ejari contract to open your DEWA account and for many other services. Our Dubai moving checklist for DEWA and Ejari covers the steps in order.
Sharjah: municipality attestation
In Sharjah, tenancy contracts are attested by Sharjah Municipality. Attestation is tied to your SEWA connection. The usual order is to apply for the connection and pay the SEWA deposit, then take the approved contract to the municipality for attestation. Sharjah has previously warned that properties with unregistered tenancy contracts risk having power and water cut off, so do not leave this step until later.
Ajman: Tasdeeq
Ajman’s system is Tasdeeq, meaning “attestation”. It was introduced by the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department and works much like Ejari. It can be done online or in person at Ajman Municipality. Expect to need the tenancy contract, Emirates IDs for landlord and tenant, and the landlord’s title deed. Some tower apartments also need proof of ownership or an NOC.
Ras Al Khaimah: RAK Municipality
In RAK, tenancy contracts are registered by the Land Department’s lease and registration unit, part of RAK Municipality. Landlords and agents can register online through the Ras Al Khaimah government portal using UAE Pass. If you are renting privately, confirm who is responsible for registration before you pay the rent.
Abu Dhabi: Tawtheeq
Abu Dhabi uses Tawtheeq, registered by the landlord or property manager through TAMM. If that is where you are heading, our guide to moving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi goes into more detail.
Utilities in each emirate
Water and electricity accounts do not transfer between emirates. You close one account, get a final bill and clearance, then open a new account with the provider where you are moving.
| Emirate | Electricity and water provider |
|---|---|
| Dubai | DEWA |
| Sharjah | SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority) |
| Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah | EtihadWE (Etihad Water and Electricity, formerly FEWA) |
| Abu Dhabi | TAQA Distribution (formerly ADDC and AADC) |
A few practical points:
- Keep your DEWA clearance. When you leave Dubai, your landlord will usually want the DEWA final clearance (and district cooling clearance, if the building has it) before returning your deposit.
- Budget for a new deposit. Each provider takes its own security deposit when you open an account. Check the current amount on the provider’s website, as it depends on property type and size.
- Gas and cooling are often separate. Many buildings bill gas and district cooling through other companies. Ask the building management which ones apply.
- Allow time for connection. Apply as soon as your tenancy paperwork is registered so you do not arrive to a flat with no power.
Commute and traffic considerations
Moving to another emirate often means a longer commute, and traffic affects move day as well as everyday life.
Dubai and Sharjah
The roads between Dubai and Sharjah are among the busiest in the country at peak times. Mornings run heavy towards Dubai and evenings heavy towards Sharjah. For move day, this matters in two ways:
- A truck stuck in traffic is time you pay for, or at least time lost from your moving day.
- Building move slots are fixed, so a late arrival can push unloading past the permitted hours.
The fix is simple: load early, or plan loading so the truck travels against the main flow of traffic. A good mover will suggest timings based on your two addresses.
Ajman and the northern emirates
Ajman is close to Sharjah, so a Dubai–Ajman move usually runs through Sharjah traffic too. Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah are further away. They tend to be easier once you are clear of the Dubai–Sharjah corridor, but they add drive time, and bulky loads may need a longer day.
Moving back into Dubai
If you are returning to Dubai, think about Salik. Your daily route may now pass more gates than before, which adds a recurring cost to factor into your rent comparison.
What to tell your mover before they quote
Intercity moves need slightly more information up front than local ones. Share this when you ask for a quote:
- Both full addresses, including building name, floor and community.
- Building rules at each end: permitted move hours, lift booking, any permits required.
- Parking and loading access: is there a loading bay, or will the truck park on the street?
- The list of large or fragile items: pianos, glass tables, big mirrors, artwork, safes, gym equipment.
- Dismantling needs: wardrobes, beds, kids’ bunk beds, TV wall mounts, curtains.
- Your dates and flexibility: if you can avoid month-end, you may get a better slot.
- Whether you need storage: if there is a gap between leaving one home and getting the keys to the next, items can be stored in between with storage services.
If you are relocating to Sharjah specifically, our house movers in Sharjah page explains how we handle moves there.
Choosing a mover for cross-emirate work
Look for a company that does these routes regularly, uses its own staff and gives you a written, fixed quote that includes transport, labour, materials and any tolls. Check what damage cover is included, and whether the same crew loads and unloads.
RM Movers has been moving homes and offices across the UAE for 12 years. We work from our office in Deira with our own trained in-house crew and closed trucks, and we do not outsource jobs. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees, and moves include full-value damage protection. For moves within Dubai or across emirates, our house movers team plans timings around both buildings’ rules.
Questions worth asking any mover
- Will the same crew pack, load, drive and unload?
- Is the truck closed, and how is furniture secured inside it?
- Are tolls, parking and packing materials included in the price?
- What happens if one building delays the lift booking?
- Can you store items for a few days if the new home is not ready?
Ask RM Movers, or any company you are comparing, to answer these in writing so you know exactly what you are paying for before move day.
A short cross-emirate checklist
- Give notice on your current tenancy as your contract requires
- Book move-out and move-in permits with both buildings
- Get your new tenancy registered (Ejari, attestation, Tasdeeq, RAK registration or Tawtheeq)
- Apply for the new utility connection
- Request DEWA, SEWA or other final bills and clearances
- Arrange a move-out deep clean before handover
- Update your address with your bank, employer, schools and delivery apps
Get a fixed quote
Moving between emirates is straightforward with the right planning. Send us both addresses, your home size and preferred date. We will come back with a fixed, itemised quote and suggested timings to avoid the worst traffic. Contact us here. We work 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ejari valid if I move to Sharjah or Ajman?
No. Ejari only covers Dubai properties. Sharjah tenancy contracts are attested by Sharjah Municipality, Ajman uses Tasdeeq, Ras Al Khaimah registers leases through RAK Municipality and Abu Dhabi uses Tawtheeq. Cancel your Ejari when your Dubai tenancy ends.
Can I keep my DEWA account if I move to another emirate?
No. DEWA only supplies Dubai. You close the DEWA account and get your final bill and clearance, then open a new account with the provider in your new emirate: SEWA in Sharjah, EtihadWE in Ajman, RAK, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, or TAQA Distribution in Abu Dhabi.
How long does a Dubai to Sharjah move take?
Most apartment moves between Dubai and Sharjah are done in a single day. The drive is short, but traffic on the main connecting roads at peak times can add significantly to it. An early start, or loading after the morning rush, usually gives the smoothest day.
Do I need a move permit in Sharjah or Ajman buildings?
Many buildings in every emirate ask for some form of move-in or move-out approval from the building management, along with fixed move hours and service lift booking. Rules vary by building, so ask the watchman or property manager for their requirements as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to move from Dubai to Sharjah than within Dubai?
Not necessarily. Distance is only one part of the price. Volume, packing, floor level, lift access and building time restrictions often matter more than the extra kilometres, especially when traffic between the two cities is heavy.