One of the most in-demand service industries in the UAE is facilities management. All residential towers, commercial buildings, hotels, shopping malls, hospitals, and industries require adequate maintenance and support. With continuous development and a growing population, the need for reliable facilities management services has increased more than ever.

If you are looking to enter a stable and long-term business industry in 2026, starting a facilities management company could be a good idea. This guide covers all the details you need to know about the industry, licensing, costs, activities, and step-by-step setup.

Why start up a business of managing facilities?

The UAE is characterized by its great infrastructure and huge construction projects. New constructions are being built annually and old constructions are being constantly renovated to keep them safe, comfortable and valuable.

Facilities management does not have just one type of customer. It serves residential areas, offices, hotels, entertainment, warehouses and industrial units. This large customer base creates stable demand and reduces business risk.

Continuity is another significant advantage. The demand for facilities management services remains year-round, compared to seasonal businesses. The sector is reliable and viable as there is no possibility of downtime for maintenance, cleaning, safety inspections and repairs.

What Is Facility Management?

Facilities management aims to keep buildings and properties functional, safe and efficient. It includes the technical systems that support residents and the day-to-day operational services.

Primary features of Facility management.

Facility management services are broadly classified into two categories.

Hard Facility Management

Hard services are associated with the physical architecture of a building. Such services are essential for safety and efficiency and include:

• Fire safety systems
• Electrical and mechanical systems
• Plumbing and drainage
• Lift and escalator maintenance
• Renovation and repair works

These services can be considered as a guarantee that all necessary systems are functioning properly and do not violate safety standards.

Soft Facilities Management

Soft services are related to the comfort, cleanliness, and security of a property. They include:

• Cleaning and housekeeping
• Pest control
• Security services
• Ground maintenance and landscaping
• Waste management

A large number of companies provide hard and soft services, depending on their licenses and resources.

Advantages of Opening a Facility Management Company

1. Strong and Growing Demand

There is a constant need for professional maintenance services as a result of continuous construction and large-scale development.

2. Consistent revenue through the use of contracts.

Facility management companies have long-term contracts, which provide predictable cash flow.

3. Access to a skilled workforce

The UAE has a vast source of labor and therefore it is easy to recruit technicians, cleaners, and support staff.

4. Scalable business model

You have the option of starting with a small number of services and gradually building up by incorporating more activities or maintaining larger establishments.

5. Favorable business environment

The regulations and licensing process are streamlined and an entrepreneur finds it easy to enter the market.

Step by Step Guide to setting up a facility management business

The process of starting a facility management company is systematic. The main steps are as follows.

Step 1: Choose a business name

There are strict rules in naming companies. The name should not contain immoral words, religious expressions or mention some well-known names. If you want to use your personal name, you will have to complete it without shortening it.

Before registering one of them, you will have to provide several name options, which will be approved.

Step 2: Choose a business jurisdiction.

You need to decide where your firm will be incorporated. There are two main options:

Free Zone

Allows businesses to operate freely in the UAE in the form of full ownership, tax benefits and profit repatriation. Applies to business associations that are in certain sectors or have certain agreements.

Mainland

Allows businesses to operate freely in the UAE. Depending on the structure, a local partner may be required.

This will depend on the target market, type of contract, and long-term objectives.

Step 3: Obtain initial approval.

The first approval ensures that the government will not object to your business proposal. This is required to apply for a trade license.

Step 4: Select facility management activities.

Your trade license should list all the services your company provides. These are activities that you are legally permitted to engage in.

Common facility management activities are:

• Fire safety services
• Plumbing
• Elevator maintenance
• Carpentry
• Renovation work
• Cleaning services
• General maintenance
• Pest control
• Security services

It is important to select the right activities to avoid fines or license complications.

Step 5: File the trade license application

Once your activities and documents are complete, you submit the application for a trade license to the relevant authority. Any errors or mistakes can slow down the approval process and therefore accuracy is important.

Step 6: Submit applications for residency visa

Once you are granted a trade license, you are allowed to apply for a residency visa. Employees and family members can also be sponsored depending on your license.

Step 7: RERA Facility Management Grading

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority requires facility management companies to be graded. Through this grading, it is determined what types of projects your company can bid on.

Grading with a higher grade gives you the opportunity to participate in larger and more complex contracts, while with a lower grade, the range of projects narrows.

Step 8: Open a corporate bank account

It is necessary to have a corporate bank account where payments, salaries and operating expenses can be handled. This comes after completing the previous last stage.

Paperwork to be installed.

In order to open a facility management business, you will need the following:

• Completed application form
• Copies of passport of owners and partners
• No Objection Certificate (where necessary)
• Preliminary approval certificate
• Ejari registration and Tenancy contract
• Memorandum of Association
• Approval certificate of name of the company
• Passport-size photographs

All the documents should be right and attested where necessary.

Challenges and How to Prevent Them

Most novice entrepreneurs fall behind by choosing the wrong activity, failing to prepare the right documentation, or misunderstanding the jurisdiction’s regulations. Challenges can be prevented by planning and following the right setup process during the initial stages.

Early awareness of regulatory requirements helps in smooth and quick launch approvals.

Final Thoughts

Facility management is a profession that has high prospects with long-term demand and continuous growth. This field has good prospects in 2026, as modern infrastructure and continuous development, as well as a large number of people living on quality maintenance, provide good opportunities for entrepreneurs.

With the right steps and activities and organization of your facility, you can build a strong and expanding facility management organization.

Read more: How To Start A Part-Time Business In Dubai, UAE (Guide 2026)

Make Your Business Establishment Stress-Free

If you need professional help with licensing, government approvals, visas, corporate banking, and ongoing compliance, DBS Group will provide complete business setup services to guide you every step of the way. Their long-serving team is familiar with the process and knows how to make it hassle-free and stress-free so you can open and run your facility management business with the utmost confidence and clarity by the end of 2026.