Are cleaning companies in Dubai insured?

Reputable cleaning companies in Dubai must hold a valid trade licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and should carry public liability insurance, typically covering AED 1–5 million. This protects you if a cleaner damages property — for example, scratching a marble floor in Downtown Dubai, breaking a glass shower screen in Jumeirah or causing a water leak in a JVC apartment. Workers' compensation insurance is also mandatory under UAE labour law and covers injuries to the cleaner during work.

Key details for Dubai residents

Before booking, ask the company for: (1) a copy of their DET trade licence with cleaning activity listed, (2) a certificate of public liability insurance, and (3) confirmation that staff are sponsored under that licence rather than working on tourist or family visas. Freelance cleaners working without a sponsor are technically illegal in the UAE and offer no insurance protection if something goes wrong. The small premium you pay for a licensed company is essentially an insurance policy against very expensive accidents.