Start Your UAE Maintenance Company General Maintenance License
A UAE general maintenance license covers facility maintenance, repair, and technical services — AC, electrical, plumbing, civil works, cleaning, and more for residential and commercial properties.
Services Your Maintenance License Covers
AC Maintenance
Provide AC installation, servicing, duct cleaning, and repair for residential and commercial properties — one of the highest-demand maintenance categories in the UAE.
Electrical Works
Deliver electrical maintenance, wiring, panel upgrades, lighting installation, and DEWA-compliant electrical work for residential and commercial clients.
Plumbing & Civil
Offer plumbing installation, pipe repairs, water tank cleaning, bathroom renovation, and civil maintenance works across residential and commercial properties.
Painting & Carpentry
Provide interior and exterior painting, wallpaper installation, custom carpentry, joinery, and furniture assembly as part of your maintenance offering.
Cleaning Services
Include deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and regular housekeeping services under your general maintenance license.
Annual Maintenance Contracts
Secure recurring AMC revenue from residential buildings, hotels, schools, and commercial facilities — the backbone of a sustainable UAE maintenance business.
Launch Your Maintenance Company in 5 Steps
Activity Selection
Choose your maintenance activities from the approved list — AC, electrical, plumbing, painting, and cleaning can be combined under a general maintenance license.
DED Mainland License
General maintenance is a regulated activity requiring a mainland DED license in most cases. Arab First handles the full DED application and documentation.
Staff Visa Quota
Secure a visa quota based on your registered office size. Maintenance companies typically require 5–20 technician visas at launch — Arab First manages the full visa process.
Equipment & Vehicles
Register company vehicles and procure equipment. Vehicle registration under the company name requires your trade license and must comply with RTA standards.
Annual Contract Templates
Develop compliant AMC contract templates and service-level agreements. Arab First's legal team provides vetted contract templates for your maintenance business.
General Maintenance vs Alternatives
| Feature | General Maintenance | Specialized Maintenance | Civil Contracting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple trade activities covered | Yes — 20+ trades | No — single trade | Civil works only |
| Mainland DED license required | Yes — recommended | Yes | Yes — plus contractor grade |
| Annual maintenance contracts | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Residential + commercial | Yes — both | Yes — both | Commercial focus |
| Setup cost (approx) | AED 9,500–20,000 | AED 8,000–15,000 | AED 15,000–40,000 |
General Maintenance License FAQs
Does a UAE general maintenance license require a mainland setup?
Yes, in most cases. General maintenance activities — particularly those involving on-site work at residential and commercial properties across the UAE — require a mainland trade license. Freezone companies cannot directly contract for property maintenance within the UAE without a mainland entity or local service agent. Arab First recommends DED mainland for maintenance businesses serving UAE clients.
What trades are included under a general maintenance license?
A UAE general maintenance license can cover AC servicing, electrical works, plumbing, painting, carpentry, cleaning, and minor civil repair works — all under a single license. You can list multiple activities to maximize your service offering. Specialized activities like DEWA-approved electrical contracting may require additional certifications beyond the standard DED license.
Do I need DEWA approval to do electrical work in Dubai?
For standard electrical maintenance and repair work, your DED maintenance license covers most day-to-day activities. However, for major electrical installations, new connections, or works requiring DEWA inspections, you need a DEWA-approved contractor registration. Arab First guides you through the DEWA contractor approval process as an add-on to your maintenance license setup.
Can cleaning services be included in a general maintenance license?
Yes. Cleaning services — including regular housekeeping, deep cleaning, and post-construction cleaning — can be listed as activities under a UAE general maintenance license. Some emirate authorities issue separate cleaning company licenses. Arab First determines the most efficient activity combination for your specific service model.
Can a maintenance company also handle facility and property management?
Maintenance and property management are distinct activities. A general maintenance license covers the physical upkeep of properties. Property management — including leasing, rent collection, and tenant management — requires a real estate management license or RERA registration. Many maintenance companies partner with licensed property managers, while others hold both licenses. Arab First can set up a dual-license structure for businesses wanting both capabilities.
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