How to Set Up a Landscaping Business in the UAE

The landscaping market in the UAE has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by urbanisation, population growth, and a rising demand for outdoor spaces. Valued at approximately AED 1.2 billion in 2023, the industry is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% through 2030. This growth is largely fueled by increased investments in residential and commercial landscaping, as well as government initiatives promoting sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments.

The growing demand for landscaping services in the UAE can be attributed to multiple factors. The booming tourism sector emphasises the need for attractive outdoor spaces, while an increasing number of residents seek well-designed gardens and recreational areas. Additionally, the UAE government is investing heavily in urban greening projects, enhancing the appeal of public spaces and encouraging businesses to improve their outdoor environments.

With the market’s promising outlook and strong demand, entering the landscaping sector in the UAE could be a worthwhile investment. So, if you’re looking to establish a landscaping business in the UAE, here are the many business activities that you can choose under your license:

8130.00 – Landscape Care and Maintenance Service Activities

This business activity encompasses a range of services aimed at the care, upkeep, and enhancement of landscaped areas. This includes activities such as:

• Horticultural Services: Planting, pruning, fertilising, and treating plants to promote health and aesthetics.
• Turf Management: Maintenance of grass areas, including mowing, aeration, overseeding, and pest control to ensure optimal growth and appearance.
• Irrigation System Management: Installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems to manage water distribution effectively.
• Landscape Design and Installation: Planning and executing the layout and installation of plants, hardscaping, and other landscape features.
• Seasonal Maintenance: Activities associated with seasonal changes, including winterization of landscapes, snow removal, and spring or fall clean-up services.
• Environmental Enhancement: Implementing practices that promote ecological health, such as sustainable landscaping, native plant utilisation, and erosion control.

Overall, this classification emphasises the professional management of outdoor spaces to enhance both their functional and aesthetic qualities, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8130.00 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8130.00 is exempt from this requirement.

8130.01 – Planting, Care and Maintenance of Parks and Gardens, Greenery and Plants.

This business activity outlines the requirements for the planting, care, and maintenance of various green spaces and landscaping elements across multiple environments. It encompasses:

Parks and Gardens:

• Residential Areas: Includes both private and public housing developments.
• Public and Semi-Public Buildings: Involves landscaping for institutions such as schools, hospitals, administrative buildings, and places of worship.
• Municipal Grounds: Covers parks, green spaces, cemeteries, and other public areas maintained by municipal authorities.
• Highway Greenery: Pertains to the landscaping alongside transportation corridors, including roads, railways, waterways, and ports.

Greenery Associated with Buildings:

• Architectural Integration: Focuses on the incorporation of green elements in buildings, such as roof gardens, vertical (façade) greenery, and indoor gardens.

Sports and Recreational Facilities:

• Sports Grounds: Maintenance of athletic fields, golf courses, playgrounds, and leisure lawns designed for sunbathing and recreation.

Water Features:

• Aquatic Landscapes: Includes management of stationary and dynamic water bodies such as ponds, swimming pools, basins, and plant sewage systems, along with associated wetland areas.

Protective Planting:

• Environmental Buffering: Implementation of vegetation to mitigate noise, wind, erosion, visibility obstructions, and glare from reflective surfaces, enhancing the ecological and aesthetic quality of the landscape.

This business activity emphasises sustainable practices in the management and enhancement of green spaces to support ecological balance, improve urban aesthetics, and provide recreational opportunities.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 8130.01 requires third-party approval from Sharjah Municipality, post-issuance of the license. 

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8130.01 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8130.01 is exempt from this requirement.

8130.02 – Maintenance of Land in order to Keep it in Good Ecological Condition

This business activity refers to a systematic approach for the ongoing management and upkeep of land resources to ensure their ecological integrity and sustainability. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural characteristics and functions of ecosystems.

Key components include:

• Soil Conservation: Implementation of practices to prevent soil erosion, maintain soil health, and enhance soil fertility through methods such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage.

• Water Management: Strategies to manage water resources effectively, including the maintenance of natural hydrological cycles, ensuring proper drainage, and preventing contamination of water sources.

• Biodiversity Preservation: Efforts to protect and enhance plant and animal diversity by maintaining habitats, controlling invasive species, and restoring degraded areas.

• Sustainable Land Use Practices: Adoption of land management techniques that balance ecological needs with human use, ensuring that land is utilised in a way that does not compromise its ecological functions.

• Monitoring and Assessment: Regular evaluation of ecological health indicators, such as species abundance, soil quality, and water quality, to inform adaptive management strategies.

This activity emphasises the technical aspects and practices involved in maintaining land in an ecologically sound manner, ensuring that it remains viable for future generations while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Third-party Approval: Business activity 8130.02 requires third-party approval from Sharjah Municipality, post-issuance of the license. 

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8130.02 requires compliance with GoAML requirements. 

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8130.02 is exempt from this requirement.

8130.96 – Residential Property Care Services

Residential property care services refers to a category of services focused on the maintenance, management, and improvement of residential properties. This includes activities such as routine cleaning, landscaping, lawn care, pest control, property inspections, repairs, and general upkeep to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of homes. These services are typically offered by specialised companies or contractors and may involve scheduled maintenance tasks, emergency repairs, and seasonal services, aimed at preserving property value and ensuring optimal living conditions for occupants.

Third-party Approval: No third-party approvals are required for this business activity

Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 8130.96 is exempt from this requirement.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8130.96 is exempt from this requirement.

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