Need a gardener? Dubai launches Careem platform with licensed experts
New platform offers maintenance, irrigation and landscaping support
DUBAI – Dubai residents will soon be able to book licensed gardening and landscaping professionals through the Careem app under a new government-backed initiative designed to regulate home gardening services across the emirate.
The new digital platform, called Al Freej Gardener, brings together Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police General Headquarters, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFA Dubai), Careem and its partner Justlife. The service is expected to become available in September, providing residents with easier access to qualified professionals while strengthening quality, security and regulatory standards.
The initiative represents another example of collaboration between Dubai government entities and the private sector to modernise community services through digital solutions. Officials said the platform will improve the quality and reliability of home gardening services while supporting sustainable practices that contribute to greener and more attractive neighbourhoods across Dubai.
Al Freej Gardener
The Al Freej Gardener initiative has been developed to regulate requests for home gardening and landscaping services through a single digital platform. Residents will be able to choose from specialised agricultural maintenance companies offering tailored service packages suited to different household requirements.
Available services will include home garden maintenance, landscaping, regular upkeep, irrigation system installation and maintenance, as well as agricultural consultancy. By bringing these services together on one regulated platform, the initiative aims to simplify the booking process while ensuring that customers are connected only with qualified and licensed service providers.
The project also seeks to encourage sustainable gardening practices by giving residents access to professional agricultural advice designed to improve the quality and sustainability of residential green spaces throughout the emirate.
Senior officials from the participating government entities witnessed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation to support the initiative and accelerate its implementation. Those attending included Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai, and Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
The agreement establishes a framework for delivering the initiative through digital solutions that enhance service quality, improve operational efficiency and regulate the provision of gardening services in residential communities. It also covers knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint oversight of projects linked to the initiative.
Responsible gardening
Dubai Municipality is leading the initiative in coordination with its government partners to ensure residents have convenient access to trusted gardening professionals while maintaining high standards of service quality.
Alongside the digital platform, the municipality will support engagement with local communities through awareness campaigns and training programmes that promote responsible gardening practices and sustainable landscaping methods.
Dubai Police will complement these efforts by conducting awareness campaigns and field activities across residential neighbourhoods. The campaigns are intended to improve public understanding of security measures and procedures linked to regulated gardening services, helping maintain safe residential communities while supporting compliance with official requirements.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai will provide guidance on visa and permit requirements applicable to gardening professionals working under the initiative. The authority will also participate in awareness programmes aimed at promoting compliance with regulatory procedures and ensuring services are delivered within an organised legal framework.
Officials said these measures will help reduce irregular practices while supporting a secure and regulated environment for both residents and service providers.
Service standards
Careem will develop and operate the digital platform while coordinating with participating companies throughout the registration, qualification and onboarding process.
The company will also oversee customer support requirements needed to provide a safe, reliable and accessible experience for users booking gardening services through the app.
All participating gardeners and service providers will be required to comply with relevant laws and regulations. The platform will also encourage wider adoption of regulated digital gardening services while raising awareness of security, safety and operational requirements.
Major General Hareb Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs at Dubai Police, said the force remains committed to community initiatives developed in partnership with government bodies and the private sector.
He said the initiative supports Dubai's vision of becoming a more sustainable, attractive and civilised city while delivering services that respond to the needs of residents. He added that Dubai Police would continue conducting security awareness campaigns and field activities across neighbourhoods in line with its strategic objectives to enhance safety and security.
Major General Dr. Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said the success of community services depends on clear regulatory frameworks and compliance with them.
He said the authority would support the initiative by providing guidance on visas and permits for workers in the sector, increasing awareness of regulatory procedures and promoting compliance mechanisms that protect the rights of all parties while limiting irregular practices.
Green communities
Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said the Al Freej Gardener initiative combines service and community objectives through close cooperation between the government and private sector.
He said the programme would strengthen the regulation and delivery of gardening services while giving residents access to specialised and licensed professionals capable of delivering reliable, high-quality home gardening and landscaping services.
BuShehab added that Dubai Municipality aims to encourage sustainable agricultural practices that support the city's green spaces while strengthening the role of residents in preserving Dubai's urban landscape and visual appeal. These efforts, he said, complement the municipality's wider objective of making Dubai greener, more sustainable and more attractive while improving quality of life across residential communities.
Mudassir Sheikha, CEO of Careem, said the partnership reflects the company's mission to simplify everyday life across the region.
He said Careem, together with its partner Justlife, is building a platform that will provide residents throughout Dubai with reliable and high-quality home gardening services. Sheikha added that the company is proud to contribute to an initiative that raises service standards while making essential household services safer, easier and more accessible through digital technology.