Office Cleaning Cost Dubai 2026 | Commercial Cleaning Price Guide AED

The Ultimate Commercial Cleaning Cost Guide 2026: Budgeting for Dubai Offices & Facilities

Introduction: The “Price vs. Quality” Dilemma in Dubai

In Dubai's busy business areas, efficiency is important. These areas include Business Bay, DIFC, JLT, Dubai Media City, and Downtown Dubai. Every detail of your workplace reflects your brand standards, compliance culture, and management discipline.

Yet, for many Office Managers, Procurement Teams, and Facility Managers, one task remains persistently confusing every year:

“How much should commercial cleaning actually cost in Dubai?”

The Dubai market is saturated with cleaning providers. A simple Google search returns hundreds of companies—ranging from international Facility Management (FM) firms to unlicensed freelancers advertising “rock-bottom” prices.

When you request quotes for a 5,000 sq. ft. office, the variation can be shocking:

• AED 1,800 per month from one vendor

• AED 3,500 from another

• AED 6,000+ from a premium FM provider

Why such a massive difference?

Because in the UAE, commercial cleaning is not just about cleaning.

It is a structured operational service governed by:

• UAE Labour Law

• Dubai Municipality (DM) regulations

• MOHRE compliance

• Visa and WPS obligations

• Health, safety, and hygiene standards

The cheap quote often hides serious risks:

• Illegal or improperly sponsored staff

• No insurance or liability coverage

• Poor hygiene leading to staff complaints or DM fines

• High turnover and inconsistent service

The expensive quote, on the other hand, may include management layers or services you don’t actually need.

As a professional Facility Management company operating in Dubai, we believe in pricing transparency.

This 2026 Commercial Cleaning Cost Guide breaks down:

• Realistic AED price benchmarks

• UAE-specific cost drivers

• How to calculate a fair cleaning budget

• How to spot a bad contract before you sign

The 3 Pricing Models Dominating the Dubai Cleaning Market

Before comparing prices, you must understand how cleaning contracts are structured in the UAE. Most disputes and budget overruns happen because buyers compare different pricing models as if they were the same.

1. The Manpower Supply Model (Monthly Per Head)

This is the most common model for corporate offices in Dubai.

Best for

• Offices needing a Tea Boy, Pantry Girl, Office Assistant, or Day Porter

• Facilities requiring constant daytime support

How It Works

You pay a fixed monthly fee per cleaner.
The FM company handles:

• Visa and residency

• Medical insurance

• Emirates ID

• Accommodation

• Transport

• Payroll and leave cover

You control the cleaner’s daily tasks on-site.

"2026 UAE Price Benchmark: AED 2,200 – AED 3,200 per cleaner per month"

What This Cost Includes

• Basic salary

• Visa & labour card

• Medical insurance

• Accommodation (labour camp or shared housing)

• Transport to/from site

• Annual leave replacement

• WPS-compliant payroll

Why Prices Vary

• AED 2,200–2,400: General cleaning staff

• AED 2,600–3,200: Office assistants with English skills, hospitality training, or pantry service experience

⚠️ Red Flag: Any quote below AED 2,200 usually indicates visa shortcuts, unpaid insurance, or illegal sponsorship.

2. The Square Footage Model (Large Offices & Industrial Facilities)

Common in DIP, JAFZA, Al Quoz, Dubai South, and large commercial buildings.

How It Works

Pricing is calculated based on:

• Total cleanable area

• Cleaning frequency

• Layout complexity

• Machinery usage

"2026 UAE Price Benchmark:  AED 0.30 – AED 1.20 per sq. ft. per month"

Economy of Scale Explained

• 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse: Lower rate due to machine cleaning

• 5,000 sq. ft. office: Higher rate due to desks, glass, restrooms, pantry, and detail work

This model works best when:

• Scope is clearly documented

• KPIs and audit frequency are defined

3. The Output-Based Model (Lump Sum AMC)

Also known as Scope-Based or Performance-Based Cleaning.

How It Works

You don’t pay for manpower.
You pay for a defined cleanliness standard.

The FM company decides:

• How many cleaners are required

• Shift timings

• Supervision structure

Best For

• Companies that don’t want to manage cleaners

• Senior management offices

• Regional HQs

Hidden Advantage

If a cleaner is sick or on leave, replacement is the FM company’s responsibility at no extra cost.

UAE Cost Factors – Where Your Cleaning Budget Actually Goes

1. Government & Regulatory Costs (Visa & Compliance)

Every legally employed cleaner in the UAE requires:

• Employment Visa & Residency

• Emirates ID

• Medical fitness testing

• Labour card

• MOHRE registration

• WPS salary compliance

Estimated Cost

AED 7,000 – AED 9,000 per employee every 2 years

If a vendor offers AED 1,800/month, they are likely bypassing these requirements,  putting your company at risk during inspections.

2. Accommodation & Transport

Unlike Western countries:

• Cleaning staff do not commute independently

• FM companies must provide housing and daily transport

Key Cost Drivers

• Rising fuel costs

• Vehicle maintenance

• AC-equipped buses (mandatory for humane transport)

Cheap vendors often use non-AC vans, resulting in:

• Fatigued staff

• Poor performance

• High absenteeism

3. Dubai Municipality Approved Chemicals

Dubai Municipality strictly regulates:

• Biocides

• Disinfectants

• Cleaning agents used in commercial spaces

Why This Matters

DM-approved chemicals:

• Protect indoor air quality

• Prevent surface damage

• Reduce health complaints

Generic bleach damages:

• Carpets

• Marble

• Wooden furniture

• HVAC systems

Sector-Specific Cleaning Costs in Dubai

Medical Clinics & Healthcare Facilities (DHCC, Jumeirah)

Cost: 25–30% higher than standard office rates

Why

• Infection control protocols

• Vaccinated staff

• Hospital-grade disinfectants

• Inspection readiness

Schools & Nurseries (KHDA Regulated)

Unique Challenges

• Child safety

• Green chemicals only

• Seasonal deep cleaning

Additional Costs

• CID clearance

• Enhanced supervision

• Holiday intensive cleaning schedules

Luxury Retail & Showrooms (Dubai Mall, MOE)

Why Costs Are Higher

• High-gloss surfaces

• Night-time cleaning only

• Strict visual standards

Night shifts mean:

• Higher transport costs

• Additional supervision

• Premium staffing

Dubai’s Hidden Enemy – Dust, Sand & HVAC Systems

In Dubai, dust is not seasonal—it is constant.

Fine sand enters:

• Through automatic doors

• Via AC ducts

• From parking areas

Most AMCs cover visible cleaning only.

Critical Add-Ons You Must Budget For

• Quarterly AC duct cleaning

• Semi-annual carpet shampooing

• Regular facade/window washing

Skipping these leads to:

• Poor indoor air quality

• “Sick Building Syndrome”

• Increased maintenance costs later

Sustainability & Green Cleaning in the UAE (2026 Reality)

Does Green Cleaning Cost More?

In 2026: No (Market parity has been reached.)

With UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, ESG compliance is no longer optional.

Our cleaning services

Real Operational Savings

• Microfiber reduces water consumption

• Daily cleaning reduces electricity use

• Low-VOC chemicals improve staff health

Green cleaning is now a risk-reduction strategy, not a premium feature.

Audit Your Current Cleaning Vendor in 10 Minutes

1. The High-Dust Test

Run your finger above partitions or frames.

Dust = Poor supervision.

2. The Pantry Smell Test

A damp smell indicates:

• Dirty cloths

• Bacteria buildup

3. The Store Room Inspection

Check for:

• Labeled chemicals (English & Arabic)

• Organized storage

• Safety data sheets

A messy store room is a DM violation waiting to happen.

The Integrated FM Advantage – Bundling Cleaning & Security

Managing separate vendors for:

• Cleaning

• Security

Means:

• Two contracts

• Two invoices

• Two management chains

Benefits of Integrated Facility Management

• 5–10% cost savings

• Faster incident response

• Single point of accountability

Security guards and cleaners working together create a proactive facility, not a reactive one.

Conclusion: The True Cost of a Clean Office in Dubai

In Dubai’s competitive business environment, your office is more than a workplace—it is a direct reflection of your brand standards, operational discipline, and commitment to quality. A dusty reception area, an unpleasant pantry odor, or poorly maintained restrooms may seem minor, but they send a powerful message to clients, employees, and auditors that details are being overlooked.

As we move into 2026, the golden rule of commercial cleaning in the UAE is clear. Contracts priced below AED 2,200 per cleaner often carry significant risks, including non-compliance with labour regulations, inadequate insurance coverage, and inconsistent hygiene standards. In contrast, a budget range of AED 2,200 to AED 3,200 reflects a compliant, professionally managed, and sustainable cleaning operation that protects both your business and your people.

Choosing the right cleaning partner is not about finding the lowest price—it is about securing a service that safeguards employee wellbeing, preserves your physical assets, and reinforces your company’s professional image. A reliable facility management partner ensures your office consistently meets Dubai Municipality standards while supporting productivity, health, and long-term operational stability.

In the end, the true cost of a clean office is not measured in dirhams alone, but in the confidence it inspires and the reputation it protects.

Ready for a Transparent, Compliant Quote?

At MEBS Facility Services, we operate under:

• UAE Labour Law

• Dubai Municipality regulations

• International FM best practices

No hidden costs.
No illegal manpower.
No shortcuts.

Contact Us