Guide5 min readUpdated 7 September 2026
Moving glossary: the terms movers use
Plain-English definitions of the terms that turn up on moving quotes and building paperwork in Dubai.
Moving quotes and building paperwork are full of jargon. Here is what the terms actually mean, so nothing on your quote is a surprise.
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| NOC (No Objection Certificate) | A letter from building management confirming you may move in or out. Most Dubai buildings require one before releasing the service lift. |
| Ejari | The Dubai Land Department system that registers a tenancy contract. Required for DEWA connection and visa processing. |
| DEWA | Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. You close the account at the old address and activate at the new one. |
| Survey | A pre-move visit to assess volume and access. It is what makes a fixed quote possible. |
| Volumetric assessment | Measuring what you own by the space it occupies rather than its weight, how moving volume is actually priced. |
| Service lift | The goods lift in a building, usually bookable in blocks and often the constraint on how long a move takes. |
| Dismantling / reassembly | Taking furniture apart to move it and rebuilding it at the other end. Should be included, not billed as an extra. |
| Goods in transit insurance | Cover for your belongings while they are being moved. Ask for the cover level in writing. |
| Inventory | The itemised list of what is being moved or stored, signed by both sides. |
| Shuttle vehicle | A smaller truck used where the main vehicle cannot reach the building, common in height-restricted podium car parks. |
| Bill of lading | The transport document listing goods being shipped. Relevant for international moves rather than local ones. |
| Crating | Building a custom wooden case around a high-value or fragile item such as artwork, marble or a chandelier. |
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