A licensed mover holds an active commercial (trade) licence for furniture moving/transport issued by the Emirate’s economic department (e.g., Dubai DET/DED) and any sector permits required to operate vehicles and premises. Status must be verifiable on government portals.
Which permits and activity codes apply to furniture moving in Dubai?
Movers operating trucks in Dubai require activities recognized by RTA under commercial transport. Example listing shows “New and Used Furniture Removal” among approved activities, and RTA issues/endorses NOCs tied to trade-licence activities for new/renewal.
Practical takeaway (Dubai):
- Confirm the company’s trade licence is active (activity includes moving/transport).
- Confirm the company can obtain or hold the RTA NOC for relevant activities (e.g., New and Used Furniture Removal).
How do I verify a mover’s licence in each Emirate?
- UAE (federal gateway): “Verify business licences” consolidator with links to Emirate systems.
- Dubai DET/DED: Licences & permits hub; use DET consumer portals for checks/complaints.
- Abu Dhabi (TAMM): TAHAQAQ licence enquiry—search by licence/permit number.
(Tip: ask movers for the licence number and registered trade name; verify “Active” status + correct business activity.)
What insurance must legitimate movers carry?
At minimum, legitimate operators carry:
- Goods-in-Transit (GIT): covers loss/damage while goods are being transported. Policy details and limits are shown on the mover’s certificate (insurer, policy number, period, territorial scope). (Limits vary by policy; insist on a certificate.)
- Public Liability: covers third-party injury/property damage at premises or during operations. (Issued by UAE-licensed insurers under the Insurance Law framework.)
- Workers’ compensation/occupational injury cover: mandated under Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 (Labour Law) and federal HSE guidance: employers must protect, treat, and compensate injured workers. This protects you from liability if a crew member is injured on your move.
Which UAE laws and rules actually apply?
- Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 — Labour Law: employer obligations for worker safety, prevention, and compensation for occupational injuries.
- UAE HSE (u.ae) guidance — confirms obligation to treat and compensate a worker for work-related illness/injury.
- RTA Commercial Transport conditions/procedures — governs commercial goods transport activities and permits in Dubai.
- Dubai Municipality — waste/environment controls; movers disposing packing waste or unwanted items must follow DM permits/guidelines (e.g., Technical Guideline No. 10 for disposal workflows).
- DET/DED (Dubai) — licensing authority; consumer complaint jurisdiction for registered businesses.
What does “insured mover” look like on paper?
Ask for three documents (pdf/email copy acceptable):
- Trade licence (Emirate economic department) — activity includes moving/transport/storage.
- Insurance certificates:
- Goods-in-Transit (sum insured per vehicle/per trip; list of covered perils).
- Public Liability (limit of indemnity per occurrence).
- Workers’ Compensation/Employer’s Liability (meets Labour Law obligations).
- Transport permit evidence (e.g., Dubai RTA NOC or activity acknowledgment for New and Used Furniture Removal).
(Check that the company name on licence and policies is identical, and policy dates cover your move date.)
What policy limits should I expect?
There’s no single statutory GIT limit; UAE policies are commercial contracts. Many movers set limits per truck or per event; high-value loads require declared value or special extensions. Use the insurer’s certificate to confirm the sum insured, deductible, and territorial scope. (Use only UAE-licensed insurers as listed via u.ae Insurance section.)
What are the clear red flags?
- Licence not “Active” or activity mismatch on the Emirate portal
- No RTA-related activity/NOC for removal trucks in Dubai.
- Refusal to provide GIT/Public Liability certificates.
- Cash-only, no written contract or invoice.
- No plan for waste handling or DM permits when disposing unwanted materials.
How do I file a complaint if something goes wrong (Dubai)?
Use the Consumer Rights Dubai complaint portals. You’ll need the company’s licence number, invoice, and evidence.
Step-by-Step: Verify a UAE Mover Before You Book
- Check licence status (5 min):
- Go to u.ae → Verify business licences → pick your Emirate portal → search trade name/licence no. (Dubai: DET/DED; Abu Dhabi: TAMM TAHAQAQ).
- Confirm activity: Licence must include moving/transport/removal. In Dubai, also confirm RTA activity/NOC is obtainable for New and Used Furniture Removal.
- Request insurance certificates: Goods-in-Transit, Public Liability, Workers’ Compensation. Check limits and valid dates.
- Waste & disposal plan: If you will discard furniture/packing waste, ask how they comply with Dubai Municipality disposal rules/permits.
- Contract & inventory: Get a written contract, detailed inventory, and claims window in writing.
- Escalation path: Save the Consumer Rights Dubai complaint link.
Also Read: Best Furniture Movers in UAE: Services, Costs, and Regulations
FAQ
Is a trade licence alone enough?
No. Movers need the right activity, proper RTA acknowledgment/NOC for removal trucks (Dubai), and valid insurance. Verify all three.
Which law protects workers on my job?
Does UAE law set a fixed “goods-in-transit” limit?
No. Limits are contractual. Confirm the sum insured on the mover’s certificate; request a higher limit or declared value for expensive shipments.
Who do I complain to in Dubai?
Use Consumer Rights Dubai online complaint forms with your licence/invoice evidence.
Do movers need waste permits?
For disposal of unwanted items/packing, movers must follow Dubai Municipality procedures and permits (Technical Guideline No. 10).
