Dubai residents will soon be able to book licensed gardeners and landscapers through a single digital platform, as city authorities join forces with ride-hailing and services app Careem to launch the ‘Al Freej Gardener’ initiative. Announced Aug. 3, 2026, the program aims to regulate home gardening and landscaping services across residential neighborhoods, boosting both service quality and community safety. The service will go live on the Careem app in September.
A Digital Hub for Greener Homes
Led by Dubai Municipality in coordination with Dubai Police and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, the initiative creates a centralized, on-demand marketplace for gardening services. Residents can request everything from routine lawn maintenance and irrigation system installation to full landscaping projects and agricultural consultancy from vetted, licensed professionals.
“The ‘Al Freej Gardener’ initiative combines service and community objectives and reflects close collaboration between the government and private sectors,” said Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality. He emphasized that the platform will “strengthen the regulation and delivery of gardening services while providing residents with access to specialized and licensed professionals.”
The municipality will lead implementation, working with specialized agricultural maintenance companies that offer tailored service packages. Training and awareness programs are also planned to educate residents on sustainable gardening practices.
Security and Compliance at the Forefront
Dubai Police will conduct field campaigns and awareness drives across residential areas to reinforce safety protocols for gardening activities. “Through this initiative, Dubai Police will provide security awareness and conduct field activities across Dubai’s neighbourhoods in line with our strategic objectives,” said His Excellency Major General Hareb Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs at Dubai Police.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs will guide residents and service providers on visa and permit requirements for gardening workers. Major General Dr. Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector, noted that “clear regulatory frameworks” are essential for service success, adding that the directorate aims to “limit irregular practices” and “protect the rights of all parties.”
Careem and Justlife Power the Platform
Careem will develop and operate the digital service, coordinating registration and qualification of participating companies. The platform will require all gardeners and providers to comply with Dubai’s laws and regulations, and it will offer customer-support services to ensure a safe, reliable experience.
“Careem’s mission is to simplify and improve everyday life across the region,” said Mudassir Sheikha, CEO of Careem. “Together with our partners at Justlife, we are building a platform that will provide residents across Dubai with reliable, high-quality home gardening services.”
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of cooperation signed by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri (Dubai Police), Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri (General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs), and Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita (Dubai Municipality). The agreement covers knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint oversight of related projects.
Broader Impact on Dubai’s Urban Vision
By formalizing an often informal sector, the ‘Al Freej Gardener’ initiative aligns with Dubai’s long-term goals of enhancing quality of life, improving urban aesthetics, and promoting sustainability. The platform is expected to reduce rogue operators, ensure fair labor practices, and help maintain the city’s lush residential landscapes.
Residents interested in using the service can watch the Careem app for availability starting in September. For those seeking more information, Dubai Municipality plans to release detailed guidelines on service packages and provider qualifications in the coming weeks.