This is the decision that determines everything else. Dubai has hundreds of moving companies, from licensed, insured operators with FIDI accreditation to individuals with a rented truck and no accountability. The gap between them is not always visible in a quote. 

These six checks surface it before you hand over a deposit:

1. A valid DED trade licence

Every legitimate moving company operating in Dubai must hold a valid trade licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (formerly DED). Ask for the licence number before any other conversation. Verify it on the DET’s online portal at det.gov.ae. 

An unlicensed operator has no formal accountability mechanism. If furniture is damaged or a deposit is taken and the crew doesn’t show, there is no regulated recourse. This check takes two minutes. Do it before anything else.

2. Goods-in-transit insurance with written coverage details

Most professional movers include basic transit insurance, but the coverage details vary enormously. Ask three specific questions: 

• What is the maximum declared value covered? 
• Which categories are excluded (typically cash, jewellery, documents, and items already damaged before the move)? 
• What is the claims process and timeline? 

Get the answers in writing. For high-value furniture, artwork, antiques, or electronics, ask specifically whether additional specialist insurance is available. Jeebly Plus white-glove delivery service covers premium, specialist deliveries where standard moving protection isn’t sufficient.

3. A pre-move survey before any quote is confirmed

A legitimate mover will not give you a binding quote over the phone based on “a 2-bedroom apartment.” The volume of furniture in a 2-bedroom apartment varies by a factor of three depending on the resident. 

Any reputable mover will conduct a site visit or a detailed video call before confirming a price. This protects both sides: you get an accurate quote, and the mover shows up with the right truck size and crew.

4. An itemised written quote

A quote that says “AED 1,800 – full move” doesn’t tell you anything. An itemised quote tells you: 

• Packing materials and type (bubble wrap, double-walled cartons, wardrobe boxes) 
• Crew size and hours included 
• Truck size and whether a second trip is accounted for 
• Dismantling and reassembly coverage (which items) 
• Staircase and long-carry charges if applicable 
• Building access fees if the mover handles permit coordination 
• What happens if the move runs over the estimated hours. 

Without all of these, you cannot compare two quotes. They are not comparable until they cover the same scope.

5. FIDI accreditation for high-value or specialist moves

FIDI is the international quality standard for relocation companies. Accredited movers commit to quality benchmarks covering crew training, packing standards, insurer relationships, and claims handling. 

For moves involving expensive furniture, custom joinery, artwork, pianos, safes, or server equipment, FIDI accreditation is the most reliable third-party quality signal available in Dubai. 

Accredited movers typically charge more. The premium covers the accountability infrastructure that makes a claim actually recoverable if something goes wrong.

6. Employed staff vs subcontracted crew

Ask directly: is the crew on moving day employed by your company or subcontracted? Directly employed crews have consistent training standards and a clear accountability chain back to the company you’re paying. Subcontracted crews vary by day, by season, and by availability.