Cremation Cost UAE: What Families Should Know
Introduction:
When faced with the loss of a loved one, families often find themselves unprepared for the financial aspects of final arrangements. Understanding the cremation cost in the UAE is an important step in planning with clarity and peace of mind. Whether you're living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or northern Emirates —or navigating cross-border rules in the GCC—it's crucial to know what to expect in terms of expenses, legal requirements, and available support. This guide breaks down the costs involved, the cremation process in Dubai, and how to access affordable, dignified options for expatriates across the region.
What We’ll Cover:
Average Cremation Cost in the UAE
Cremation Process and Fees in Dubai
Legal Requirements and Documentation Costs
Cremation Services in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Beyond
1. Average Cremation Cost in the UAE
The total cremation cost in the UAE can vary depending on where the death occurred, the nationality of the deceased, and whether repatriation of ashes is required. On average, families can expect to pay between AED 9,000 to AED 18,000, which includes paperwork, transport, and cremation itself.
Breakdown of typical cremation costs:
Documentation and permits: AED 2,000 – AED 3,500
Transport of the deceased: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500
Cremation fee (Jebel Ali Crematorium): AED 2,500 – AED 4,500
Death certificate translation/attestation: AED 500 – AED 1,000
Ashes repatriation (if needed): AED 1,500 – AED 4,000
Reputable funeral service providers such as Middle East Assistance offer full packages that include all required steps, easing the burden during this emotional time.
2. Cremation Process and Fees in Dubai
The cremation process in Dubai follows a structured series of steps governed by local authorities. All cremations for non-Muslims are carried out at the crematorium Dubai location in Jebel Ali, under the supervision of Dubai Municipality.
Steps include:
Collection and transport of the deceased
Death certificate issuance from the hospital
Translation and attestation of documents
Embassy coordination for No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Application and approval of cremation permit
Booking and scheduling of the cremation
Ashes handover or repatriation
These services are typically handled by licensed providers. MEA works closely with the New Sonapur Jebel Ali Crematorium and Dubai authorities to ensure a smooth, respectful process. Service fees depend on how many documents need processing and whether additional services like viewing or religious rites are included.
3. Legal Requirements and Documentation Costs
There are strict legal requirements for cremation in the UAE, particularly for expatriates. While cremation is not allowed for Muslims under Islamic law, non-Muslim residents can request cremation with appropriate approvals.
Key documents required:
Death notification from hospital or clinic
Death certificate issued by Ministry of Health
NOC from embassy
Passport and Emirates ID copies
Police clearance
Cremation permit from the local municipality
Each of these steps involves a fee—either for document processing, attestation, or government approvals. MEA offers end-to-end handling of this paperwork, saving families the time and stress of navigating it on their own.
4. Cremation Services in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Beyond
Families living in other emirates such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah still have access to respectful cremation options and can also use the Dubai Crematorium because you don’t need a residency visa in Dubai to be eligible for cremation (only burial).
Abu Dhabi cremation services: The body is transported to Dubai or Al Ain after completing local paperwork and embassy coordination. MEA arranges permits in both emirates.
Sharjah cremation options: Similar process as above. Paperwork is initiated locally, with cremation carried out in Sharja or Dubai.
Other Emirates: RAK, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah all follow the same model—MEA manages transportation and approvals end-to-end.
Costs in these cases may be slightly higher due to additional travel, documentation, or hospital fees in the home emirate.
Conclusion
Understanding the cremation cost in the UAE helps families plan with clarity during a time of grief. With structured regulations and compassionate service providers like MEA, expatriates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the GCC can access professional and dignified support. Whether you're arranging services locally or across borders, Middle East Assistance is here to guide you every step of the way.
Need urgent help or have questions about cremation in the UAE?
Contact MEA today. Our team is on call 24/7 to assist with arrangements, approvals, and compassionate care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
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Yes, but only for non-Muslim residents with the proper embassy and government permits.
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The official crematorium is in Jebel Ali, managed by the Hindu Community and the Dubai Municipality.
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Yes, in Al Ain (Abu Dhabi Municipality) and Sharjah, Cremation can also be carried out in Dubai, but MEA can arrange all transport and documents from other emirates.
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Typically between AED 9,000 – AED 18,000, depending on documents, transport, and repatriation needs.
