Dubai launches ‘Al Freej Gardener’ platform to connect residents with licensed gardening professionals

Dubai: Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police General Headquarters and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai, in collaboration with Careem, have launched the ‘Al Freej Gardener’ initiative, a digital platform designed to regulate home gardening and landscaping services across the emirate. The initiative will provide residents with access to qualified and licensed professionals through a regulated digital platform, helping to improve service quality while enhancing security, safety and the appearance of residential neighbourhoods. The service will become available through the Careem app in September. ‘Al Freej Gardener’ reflects cooperation between government entities and the private sector to deliver essential community services. The platform will provide residents with access to reliable gardening services and agricultural guidance based on sustainable practices that support the quality and sustainability of residential green spaces across Dubai. The initiative will regulate requests for gardening services through specialised agricultural maintenance companies offering tailored service packages. Services will include home gardening, routine maintenance, irrigation system installation and maintenance, and agricultural consultancy through a single on-demand digital platform. The launch was marked by the signing of a memorandum of cooperation witnessed by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai; and Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality. The agreement establishes a framework for implementing the initiative through digital solutions aimed at enhancing service quality and efficiency while ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and regulations. Dubai Municipality is leading the initiative in coordination with relevant government entities to provide residents with convenient access to qualified gardening and landscaping professionals and improve the quality and reliability of services. The initiative will also support training and awareness programmes promoting responsible and sustainable gardening practices. Dubai Police will conduct awareness and field campaigns in residential communities to strengthen public understanding of preventive measures and procedures related to gardening services. These efforts are intended to support regulated service delivery, enhance security and contribute to safer neighbourhoods. GDRFA Dubai will provide guidance on relevant visa and permit requirements and support awareness efforts related to engaging gardening professionals, helping ensure compliance with applicable regulations. Careem will develop and operate the digital platform, coordinate with participating companies through the registration and qualification process, and provide the support services required to deliver a safe and reliable customer experience. Major General Hareb Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Affairs at Dubai Police, said the initiative reflects the value of cooperation between government entities and the private sector in developing services that respond to community needs while supporting Dubai's vision for a sustainable and attractive city. Major General Dr. Ali bin Ajif Al Zaabi, Assistant Director General of the Violators and Foreigners Follow-up Sector at GDRFA Dubai, said clear regulatory frameworks are essential to the success of community services and noted that the directorate will support the initiative through awareness and guidance related to visas, permits and compliance requirements. Eng. Nasser BuShehab, CEO of the Planning and Governance Sector at Dubai Municipality, said the initiative combines service and community objectives by improving the regulation and provision of gardening services while supporting sustainable agricultural practices and preserving Dubai's urban and visual appeal. Mudassir Sheikha, CEO of Careem, said the partnership supports the company's mission to simplify and improve everyday life, adding that the platform will help provide residents with reliable, high-quality home gardening services while raising standards across the sector. The platform will require participating gardeners and service providers to comply with applicable laws and regulations and will promote the adoption of regulated digital gardening services throughout Dubai.