How to Choose Movers in Dubai (Checklist + Red Flags + Verification)

After vetting 200+ moving companies and handling 1,500+ customer inquiries, we've seen everything—from flawless relocations to absolute disasters. Hired the wrong movers? You could end up with damaged furniture, surprise charges, or worse—belongings held hostage until you pay more. This guide shows you exactly how to vet moving companies in Dubai so you hire professionals, not problems.

What Has Changed in Hiring Movers for 2026?

Dubai's moving industry has evolved significantly. Instant DED license verification, more reliable Google Reviews after fake review crackdowns, video surveys as standard, and stricter building insurance requirements have all shifted the landscape in the customer's favour.

Here's what's new:

• DED online verification: You can now instantly verify trade licenses through the Dubai Economy app—no more waiting or guessing
• Google Reviews reliability: Google has cracked down on fake reviews throughout 2025; a 4.5+ star rating with 100+ reviews now carries far more weight than before
• Video surveys as standard: Most reputable companies offer video walkthrough surveys via WhatsApp or Zoom, making it easier to get accurate quotes remotely
• Insurance requirements: Building management in areas like Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai increasingly requires proof of mover insurance before approving move-in/move-out permits
• Free zone vs mainland licensing: Understanding whether a mover holds a mainland DED license versus a free zone license matters—mainland licenses carry broader operational authority within Dubai
• New scam tactics: Watch for "quote-jacking" where fake companies intercept legitimate inquiries by impersonating established movers on social media

Why Does Choosing the Right Moving Company in Dubai Matter?

Choosing the right movers prevents damaged furniture, surprise charges, and belongings held hostage—the difference between smooth moves and nightmares comes down to this single decision.

Consider these real scenarios we've encountered through customer inquiries:

• The hostage situation: A family in Palm Jumeirah hired unlicensed movers who loaded the truck, then demanded double the quoted price before unloading. With no contract, the family had no legal recourse.
• The disappearing act: A tenant paid a 50% deposit to a mover who advertised heavily on Instagram. The company vanished three days before the scheduled move, leaving the tenant scrambling.
• The damage denial: A couple's antique dining table was scratched beyond repair. The mover had no insurance and refused to acknowledge the damage.

The difference between a smooth move and a nightmare often comes down to one decision: which moving company in Dubai you hire. With hundreds of operators—ranging from licensed professionals to unlicensed trucks—making the right choice protects your belongings, time, and sanity. For more on the risks of cutting corners, read our guide on licensed vs unlicensed movers in Dubai.

How Do You Verify a Moving Company's License in Dubai?

Verify movers by requesting their trade license number and checking it on the Dubai Economy app or website to confirm active status and authorized moving activities.

This is non-negotiable. In Dubai, legitimate moving companies must have:

• Valid UAE Trade License: Issued by Dubai DED (Department of Economic Development) for mainland companies, or the relevant free zone authority
• Activity matching services: The license should specifically list "moving," "relocation," or "freight" services—a general trading license does not cover moving operations
• Insurance coverage: Goods-in-transit insurance at minimum, plus third-party liability
• Dubai Municipality compliance: Companies must comply with Dubai Municipality regulations for waste disposal, vehicle standards, and worker welfare

How to Verify a DED Trade License (2026 Method)

1. Ask the moving company for their trade license number
2. Download the "Dubai Economy" app or visit dubaided.gov.ae
3. Enter the license number to see registration status, expiry date, and authorized activities
4. Confirm the licensed activities specifically include "moving" or "relocation" services
5. Check the company name matches exactly—scammers sometimes use similar names to impersonate legitimate operators
6. Verify the license is current—expired licenses mean the company is operating illegally

Free Zone vs Mainland Licensing: What's the Difference?

A mainland DED license allows companies to operate freely throughout Dubai. Free zone licenses (from DMCC, JAFZA, etc.) may have geographical restrictions. For residential moves within Dubai, a mainland license is generally preferable as it demonstrates full regulatory compliance with Dubai's moving industry standards.

How Do You Analyse a Moving Company's Reviews and Reputation?

Check Google Reviews for 4.5+ stars with 100+ reviews, Facebook page reviews, UAE platforms like ServiceMarket, and expat forums—look for consistency over time, not just recent ratings.

Past performance predicts future behaviour. Investigate thoroughly across multiple platforms:

Where to Check Reviews

• Google Maps Reviews: Most reliable for local businesses—look for verified reviews with photos
• Trustpilot: Growing in the UAE market; useful for spotting patterns in customer complaints
• Facebook: Check both page reviews and Dubai community group mentions (search the company name in groups like "Dubai Expats" or "Dubai Moving Tips")
• ServiceMarket / HomeGenie: UAE-specific platforms with verified bookings
• Expatwoman / Dubizzle forums: Real resident experiences with unfiltered opinions

Review Analysis Scoring System

Criteria	Green (Score 3)	Yellow (Score 2)	Red (Score 1)
Google Rating	4.5+ with 100+ reviews	4.0-4.4 or fewer than 100 reviews	Below 4.0 or fewer than 20 reviews
Review Recency	Multiple reviews in last 30 days	Reviews within last 3 months	No reviews in 6+ months
Review Detail	Specific move details mentioned	Generic positive comments	Suspiciously similar wording
Response to Complaints	Professional, solution-oriented	Defensive but responsive	No response or hostile
Multi-Platform Presence	Positive across 3+ platforms	Present on 1-2 platforms	Only one platform, or conflicting reviews

Scoring: Total 13-15 = excellent choice. 10-12 = proceed with caution. Below 10 = keep looking.

How Many Moving Quotes Should You Get and How Do You Compare Them?

Get 3-5 moving quotes to understand market rates—never accept the first offer, and be suspicious of quotes 40-50% below average as they often indicate bait-and-switch tactics.

For a detailed breakdown of what drives costs, see our guide on movers cost in Dubai and our moving cost breakdown.

What a Professional Quote Should Include

• Detailed breakdown of services (labour, truck, packing materials, assembly/disassembly)
• Clear statement of what's included vs what incurs extra charges
• Estimated duration and crew size
• Payment terms and accepted methods (card, bank transfer, cash)
• Cancellation and rescheduling policy
• Insurance coverage details and claim procedure
• Building permit coordination responsibilities

Red Flag: Significantly Lower Quotes

If one quote is 40-50% lower than others, investigate further. Watch for hidden moving charges that turn a cheap quote into an expensive nightmare:

• May be bait-and-switch (low initial quote, then charges added on moving day)
• May lack insurance or proper equipment
• May use untrained daily-wage labour rather than permanent staff
• May not include services that other companies quote for (packing materials, furniture protection, disassembly)

Should You Request an In-Person or Video Survey Before Moving?

Pre-move surveys ensure accurate pricing by letting movers see actual volume, access issues, and specialty items—quotes without surveys are guesses that often change on moving day.

Professional movers should offer a survey (in-person or video) before providing a final quote. Understanding how movers and packers work helps you evaluate whether a company follows proper survey procedures.

In-Person vs Video Survey: Which Is Better?

Factor	In-Person Survey	Video Survey
Accuracy	Highest—surveyor sees everything	High—depends on thoroughness of walkthrough
Convenience	Requires scheduling and presence	Can be done in 15-20 minutes from anywhere
Best For	Villas, large homes, specialty items	Apartments, studios, standard moves
Access Assessment	Surveyor checks parking, lifts, stairs	May miss access challenges

What Surveyors Should Assess

• Access at both locations (elevator availability, staircase width, parking distance)
• Specialty items (piano, safe, artwork, gym equipment, chandeliers)
• Building permit requirements and move-in/move-out time restrictions
• Packing needs (full service, partial, or DIY)
• Timeline constraints and flexibility for scheduling
• Items requiring disassembly (wardrobes, beds, dining tables)

What Questions Should You Ask Movers Before Booking?

Ask about trade license, insurance coverage, crew details, damage claims process, what could cause additional charges, and cancellation policy before booking any moving company. For a comprehensive list, see our dedicated guide on questions to ask movers before booking.

About the Company

• "How long have you been operating in Dubai?"
• "Can I see your trade license and verify it on the DED portal?"
• "What insurance coverage do you carry, and can I see the policy?"
• "Are your crew members permanent employees or daily-hire contractors?"
• "How many moves do you handle per month?"

About the Move

• "Who will be the team leader on my move, and how many crew members?"
• "What truck size will you use, and is it a company-owned vehicle?"
• "What happens if the move takes longer than estimated?"
• "How do you handle damage claims, and what is the typical resolution time?"
• "Do you have experience with my building's management requirements?"

About Pricing

• "Is this a fixed quote or an estimate subject to change?"
• "What specific situations could cause additional charges?"
• "What's your payment schedule—deposit, balance, and accepted methods?"
• "What's your cancellation and rescheduling policy?"

What Insurance Should Moving Companies in Dubai Carry?

Moving companies should carry goods-in-transit insurance (minimum AED 50,000 coverage), third-party liability insurance, and have a documented claims process—never hire movers without insurance documentation.

Types of Moving Insurance Coverage

• Basic (Released Value): Minimal coverage calculated per kilogram—typically AED 2-5 per kg, meaning a 50kg wardrobe damaged beyond repair might only net you AED 100-250
• Full Value Protection: The mover must repair, replace, or compensate you for the current market value of damaged items
• Third-party Insurance: Independent coverage purchased through an external insurer, offering the most comprehensive protection

Insurance Verification Questions

• "What does your standard liability cover per item and per shipment?"
• "Is there a maximum claim amount, and what is the deductible?"
• "What's the claims process—do you handle it internally or through an insurer?"
• "Can I purchase additional coverage for high-value items?"
• "Will you provide a certificate of insurance for my building management?"

What Red Flags Should Make You Avoid a Moving Company?

Avoid movers who refuse to show trade licenses, demand large cash deposits upfront, won't provide written quotes, offer prices far below market rate, or only communicate via WhatsApp with no company email.

Communication Red Flags

• Won't provide trade license when asked, or gives excuses for delays
• Only accepts cash payments with no receipt
• No written quote or formal contract offered
• Unprofessional communication (no company email, personal WhatsApp only, no website)
• Can't answer basic questions about insurance, crew, or equipment
• Pressures you to book immediately with "today only" discounts

Pricing Red Flags

• Quote significantly below market rate (40%+ cheaper than competitors)
• Demands large deposit upfront (more than 20-30% of total)
• Vague pricing with "approximately" or "starting from" throughout
• Won't put the final quote in writing or email it to you
• Quotes over the phone without any survey or inventory discussion

Operational Red Flags

• No physical office—only a PO Box or virtual address
• Can't describe their insurance coverage or produce documentation
• Rents trucks on demand rather than maintaining a company fleet
• No uniformed or identifiable staff on moving day
• Company was established less than 6 months ago with no track record

What Green Flags Indicate a Trustworthy Moving Company?

Look for movers who proactively share their trade license, offer detailed written quotes after surveys, have consistent positive reviews, maintain a professional website, and communicate clearly through official channels.

• Transparent credentials: Trade license number displayed on website and readily shared
• Proactive communication: Company emails, branded documents, and a professional point of contact
• Detailed quoting process: Survey offered before finalising the price, with a written breakdown
• Building management experience: Familiar with NOC processes, elevator bookings, and parking arrangements in major Dubai buildings
• Complaint resolution history: Negative reviews are addressed professionally with resolution outcomes described
• Industry membership: Membership in moving associations (FIDI, IAM, BAR) signals commitment to standards
• Established track record: 3+ years of continuous operation with growing review count

What Should a Moving Contract Include?

A proper moving contract protects both parties. Before signing, ensure these elements are documented:

• Company details: Full legal name, trade license number, office address, and contact details
• Service scope: Exactly what is included—packing, disassembly, transport, reassembly, unpacking
• Inventory list: Documented list of items to be moved, especially high-value pieces
• Price and payment terms: Total cost, deposit amount, balance due date, and payment methods
• Dates and times: Moving date, arrival time window, and estimated completion
• Insurance and liability: Coverage type, limits, deductibles, and claims procedure
• Cancellation policy: Notice period, refund terms, and rescheduling options
• Dispute resolution: Process for handling disagreements, damage claims, and escalation

How Does Company Size Affect Your Moving Experience?

Company size influences availability, pricing, and service quality. Here's how different sized movers compare:

Factor	Small Company (1-3 trucks)	Mid-Size (4-10 trucks)	Large Company (10+ trucks)
Personal Attention	High—owner often involved	Moderate—dedicated coordinator	Variable—may feel like a number
Pricing	Often competitive	Mid-range	Premium pricing
Availability	Limited during peak periods	Good availability	Almost always available
Equipment Range	Basic equipment	Solid equipment selection	Comprehensive equipment
Best For	Studio/1-bed apartments	Family homes and villas	Commercial moves and large villas

What Extra Vetting Is Needed for Specialised Moves?

Speciality moves require additional verification beyond the standard checklist. The type of move dictates which extra qualifications matter most.

Villa and Large Residential Moves

Larger scale requires more resources and experience. Verify the company has:

• Experience with garden furniture, outdoor fixtures, and large appliances
• Proper equipment for heavy and bulky pieces (piano boards, furniture dollies, stair climbers)
• Adequate crew size (4-6 movers typically for a 3+ bedroom villa)
• Knowledge of villa community access rules (gate passes, parking, time restrictions)

Office and Commercial Moves

For commercial moving, additional checks are essential:

• Experience with IT equipment handling and server room relocations
• After-hours and weekend availability to minimise business disruption
• Project management capabilities with a dedicated move coordinator
• References from similar businesses in your industry

How Do You Assess Communication Quality Before Booking?

Communication quality during the quoting phase directly predicts the moving day experience. Evaluate these factors:

• Response time: Professional movers respond to inquiries within 2-4 hours during business hours
• Channel professionalism: Look for company email addresses (not gmail/hotmail), branded quote documents, and a professional website
• Question handling: Notice whether they answer your questions directly or deflect with vague responses
• Proactive information: Quality movers volunteer information about building requirements, packing tips, and move-day logistics without being asked
• Follow-up consistency: A company that follows up promptly after a survey is likely to be reliable on moving day

Your Final Decision Checklist: Scoring Your Moving Company Options

Use this weighted scoring system to objectively compare your shortlisted movers. Rate each company on a scale of 1-5 for each criterion:

Evaluation Criteria	Weight	Company A	Company B	Company C
Valid DED License Verified	x3	__/5	__/5	__/5
Insurance Documentation Provided	x3	__/5	__/5	__/5
Google Review Score and Volume	x2	__/5	__/5	__/5
Survey Thoroughness	x2	__/5	__/5	__/5
Quote Detail and Transparency	x2	__/5	__/5	__/5
Communication Quality	x2	__/5	__/5	__/5
Complaint Resolution Track Record	x1	__/5	__/5	__/5
Building Management Experience	x1	__/5	__/5	__/5
Price Competitiveness	x1	__/5	__/5	__/5

Maximum score: 85 points. A score of 70+ indicates a strong candidate. Below 55 = look elsewhere. The highest-weighted criteria (license and insurance) are non-negotiable—a company scoring below 3 on either should be eliminated regardless of total score.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Movers in Dubai

How Do You Verify a Moving Company's License in Dubai?

Verify licenses by requesting the trade license number and checking it on the Dubai DED website or Dubai Now app—confirm it's current and includes moving/relocation services. A valid mainland DED license is the gold standard for movers operating across Dubai.

What Is a Reasonable Deposit for Movers?

A reasonable deposit is 20-30% to secure the booking—be wary of companies asking for 50%+ upfront as this is a common scam indicator in Dubai's moving industry. The balance should be payable upon successful completion of the move.

Should You Get a Survey for a Small Move?

Yes, even for studios a 10-15 minute video survey helps ensure accurate pricing and prevents surprises on moving day when movers see the actual inventory, access points, and any items requiring special handling.

What If a Mover Doesn't Have Insurance?

Never use uninsured movers—without coverage, you have no recourse if belongings are damaged, and many Dubai buildings now require proof of mover insurance for move-in/move-out permits. It's simply not worth the risk.

Can You Negotiate Moving Quotes in Dubai?

Yes, you can negotiate especially when you have competing quotes or flexible dates—mid-week and mid-month moves typically have more room for negotiation due to lower demand. However, be cautious of movers who drop their price drastically just to win the job.

How Far in Advance Should You Book Movers in Dubai?

Book movers 2-4 weeks in advance for best availability—peak season (September-November and month-ends) requires earlier booking, ideally 4-6 weeks ahead, to secure quality crews and your preferred date.

Ready to Choose Your Moving Company?

Apply this checklist and scoring system to every company you're considering. Licensed, insured, reputable movers with written quotes, proper surveys, and transparent communication will pass every verification point outlined above.

Want to skip the research? We've built our entire operation around the standards in this guide. Request a free quote from our DED-licensed, fully-insured team. Or call +971 55 301 3309 to speak with us directly—we'll answer every question on this checklist before you even have to ask.