Marhaba Auctions

New to car auctions in the UAE? This step-by-step guide covers registration, bidding, payment, and collection — everything you need to buy confidently at Marhaba Auctions.

Car auctions in the UAE have exploded in popularity over the last five years and for good reason. Buyers regularly walk away with vehicles priced 30% to 50% below what they would pay at a traditional dealership. But for first-time buyers, the process can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating.

This guide breaks down exactly how it works at Marhaba Auctions, from creating your account to driving your new car home or shipping it internationally.

Why buy a car at auction in UAE?

The short answer: price. Auction vehicles — whether used, repossessed, or salvage — are priced by the market, not by a dealership's profit margin. Here's what you can realistically expect:

• Used GCC-spec cars: 20%–35% below market value

• Repossessed bank vehicles: often in excellent condition at very low starting bids

• Salvage / repairable cars: 50%–70% below market — ideal for mechanics and exporters

• Abandoned vehicles: some of the UAE's lowest prices, sold as-is

Beyond price, auctions offer full transparency. At Marhaba Auctions, every vehicle comes with a Tasjeel inspection report, detailed photos, mileage records, and a condition description before a single bid is placed.

Step 1: Create your free account

Registration at Marhaba Auctions is completely free and takes less than two minutes. Visit marhabaauctions.com and click Register. You can sign up with your email address or use a social login.

Once registered, you'll have immediate access to:

• The full vehicle inventory — browse thousands of listed cars

• Upcoming auction schedule and calendar

• Vehicle inspection reports and photos

• Real-time bidding on all live auctions

Note: You do not need to pay any registration fee or deposit simply to create an account and browse. Fees only apply when you win a bid.

Step 2: Browse the inventory and find your vehicle

Before bidding, spend time in the vehicle inventory. Use the filters to narrow by make, model, year, condition type (run & drive, repairable, salvage), and starting bid range.

For each vehicle, review:

1. The inspection report — issued by Tasjeel, the UAE's official vehicle testing authority

2. All photos — Marhaba provides comprehensive exterior and interior images

3. The condition category — Normal Wear, Front Damage, Rear Damage, or more serious structural damage

4. Starting bid — this is the minimum opening bid, not the expected final price

5. Mileage — in miles or kilometres depending on the vehicle's origin market

If you're buying for export, also check the vehicle specification (GCC spec vs US spec vs other) as this affects registration in your destination country.

Step 3: Understand the auction formats

Marhaba Auctions runs two main formats:

Live online auction

The most popular format. Auctions run in real-time — you can watch and bid from anywhere in the world via the website or the Marhaba app or Website. Each vehicle goes under the hammer for a fixed period, with bids placed in real time. The highest bid when the timer expires wins.

Buy Now

Some vehicles have a fixed Buy Now price — no waiting for an auction. You can purchase instantly at the listed price. These vehicles are available at marhabaauctions.com/buy-now.

Step 4: Place your bid

When an auction you're interested in goes live, navigate to the vehicle listing and click Join Auction. You'll see the current bid price and the time remaining.

To bid:

1. Enter your bid amount — it must be equal to or above the current minimum bid increment

2. Confirm your bid — you'll receive an instant on-screen confirmation

3. Watch the auction — if you're outbid, you'll receive a notification and can bid again

4. Win — if no higher bid comes in before the timer expires, you've won

Note: Set a firm maximum price for yourself before the auction starts. It's easy to get caught up in competitive bidding. Know your limit and stick to it.

Step 5: Payment after winning

If your bid wins, you'll receive a notification with payment instructions. Payment is required promptly — typically within 24 to 48 hours of the auction closing. Accepted payment methods include bank transfer and other options specified at checkout.

After payment is confirmed, you'll receive your vehicle documents and collection/shipping instructions.

Step 6: Collection or shipping

Marhaba Auctions operates from its main facility in Industrial Area 2, Souq al haraj, ind area 12 Sharjah. Local buyers can arrange vehicle collection directly from the site. All necessary paperwork for UAE registration transfer is provided.

International buyers can use Marhaba's shipping coordination service from the Sharjah facility. The team can advise on export documentation requirements for your destination country.

What documents do you need?

For UAE residents buying locally:

• Emirates ID

• UAE driving licence

For international buyers:

• Passport copy

• Business registration (if buying as a company)

• Destination country import licence (if applicable)

Frequently asked questions

Can I inspect the car in person before bidding?

All vehicles are photographed and Tasjeel-inspected, and the reports are available online before bidding. In-person inspection may be available for certain lots — contact Marhaba Auctions at [email protected] or call 800622 to enquire.

What if the car doesn't start or has hidden problems?

Vehicle condition is disclosed upfront through the inspection report and condition category. Vehicles listed as 'Run & Drive' are confirmed operational. Salvage and repairable vehicles are sold as-is, which is reflected in the lower starting bids.

Is there a buyer's premium?

Always check the current Terms & Conditions at marhabaauctions.com/terms for the complete breakdown of fees applicable to your purchase.

Can I bid on multiple vehicles?

Yes — you can bid on as many vehicles as you like simultaneously. If you win more than one, payment and collection is required for all winning bids.

Ready to bid?

Marhaba Auctions hosts 11 auctions per week, 365 days a year. New vehicles are added constantly the inventory turns over quickly, so there's always something new.