How to Set Up a Landscaping Business in the UAE
Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: November 18, 2024
Category: Business Activity
Market Overview: UAE Landscaping Industry
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.
Market Size and Growth
- Current Market Value: Approximately AED 1.2 billion (2023)
- Projected Growth Rate: 6.5% CAGR through 2030
- Growth Drivers: Increased investments in residential and commercial landscaping, government initiatives promoting sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments
Market Demand Factors
The growing demand for landscaping services in the UAE can be attributed to multiple factors:
- Tourism Sector: Booming tourism emphasizes the need for attractive outdoor spaces
- Residential Demand: Increasing number of residents seek well-designed gardens and recreational areas
- Government Investment: Heavy investment in urban greening projects, enhancing public spaces and encouraging businesses to improve outdoor environments
Business Activities for Landscaping Licenses in UAE
When establishing a landscaping business in the UAE, you can choose from several business activities under your license. Each activity has specific requirements regarding third-party approvals, Economic Substance Return filing, and Anti-Money Laundering compliance.
8130.00 – Landscape Care and Maintenance Service Activities
Activity Description
This business activity encompasses a range of services aimed at the care, upkeep, and enhancement of landscaped areas.
Services Included
- 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
Regulatory Requirements
| Requirement |
Status |
| Third-party Approval |
Not required |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return |
Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance |
Exempt |
Activity Focus
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.
8130.01 – Planting, Care and Maintenance of Parks and Gardens, Greenery and Plants
Activity Description
This business activity outlines the requirements for the planting, care, and maintenance of various green spaces and landscaping elements across multiple environments.
Scope of Services
Parks and Gardens
- Residential Areas: Includes both private and public housing developments
- Public and Semi-Public Buildings: Landscaping for institutions such as schools, hospitals, administrative buildings, and places of worship
- Municipal Grounds: Parks, green spaces, cemeteries, and other public areas maintained by municipal authorities
- Highway Greenery: Landscaping alongside transportation corridors, including roads, railways, waterways, and ports
Greenery Associated with Buildings
- Architectural Integration: 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: 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
Regulatory Requirements
| Requirement |
Status |
| Third-party Approval |
Required from Sharjah Municipality (post-issuance of license) |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return |
Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance |
Exempt |
Activity Focus
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.
8130.02 – Maintenance of Land in Order to Keep it in Good Ecological Condition
Activity Description
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
- 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
Regulatory Requirements
| Requirement |
Status |
| Third-party Approval |
Required from Sharjah Municipality (post-issuance of license) |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return |
Requires compliance with GoAML requirements |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance |
Exempt |
Activity Focus
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.
8130.96 – Residential Property Care Services
Activity Description
Residential property care services refers to a category of services focused on the maintenance, management, and improvement of residential properties.
Services Included
- Routine cleaning
- Landscaping
- Lawn care
- Pest control
- Property inspections
- Repairs
- General upkeep to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of homes
Service Delivery
These services are typically offered by specialised companies or contractors and may involve:
- Scheduled maintenance tasks
- Emergency repairs
- Seasonal services
Service Objectives
Aimed at preserving property value and ensuring optimal living conditions for occupants.
Regulatory Requirements
| Requirement |
Status |
| Third-party Approval |
Not required |
| Filing of Economic Substance Return |
Exempt |
| Anti-Money Laundering Compliance |
Exempt |
Regulatory Compliance Summary
Business Activities Comparison
| Business Activity Code |
Third-Party Approval |
Economic Substance Return |
AML Compliance |
| 8130.00 |
Not required |
Exempt |
Exempt |
| 8130.01 |
Required (Sharjah Municipality) |
Exempt |
Exempt |
| 8130.02 |
Required (Sharjah Municipality) |
Required (GoAML) |
Exempt |
| 8130.96 |
Not required |
Exempt |
Exempt |
Exclusions from Landscaping Business Activities
The following activities are NOT included under business activities 8130.00, 8130.01, 8130.02, and 8130.96:
- Commercial production and planting for commercial production of plants and trees
- Tree nurseries (except forest tree nurseries)
- Maintenance of land to keep it in good condition for agricultural use
- Construction activities for landscaping purposes
- Landscape design and architecture activities
- Operation of botanical gardens
Getting Started with Your Landscaping Business
Resources Available
- Activity Hub: Explore unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate business setup essentials
- Cost Calculator: Calculate your business setup costs easily
- Company Setup Packages: Choose from customized packages to find your perfect fit
- Business License: Get your business license in the UAE
Related Guides
- Business ideas in Dubai
- Business setup guide
- Business activities information
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This guide provides comprehensive information about setting up a landscaping business in the UAE, including detailed business activity descriptions, regulatory requirements, and available support services.