Dubai Municipality has achieved a landmark milestone by becoming the first entity in the world to receive the Maintenance Management and Functions certification (BS EN 17948:2024) from the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Announced in February 2026, the recognition marks a significant advancement in structured municipal maintenance, governance, and operational excellence. The certification reinforces Dubai’s position as a global leader in public asset management and municipal services, demonstrating how strategic planning and efficient maintenance frameworks can elevate service quality across an entire city.
A Global First in Municipal Maintenance
The BS EN 17948:2024 certification is an internationally recognized standard focused on maintenance management and functional governance. It evaluates how organizations define maintenance roles, establish oversight systems, align operational practices with institutional strategies, and measure performance outcomes.
By securing this certification, Dubai Municipality has set a new international benchmark in government asset management. It is the first organization worldwide to meet the comprehensive requirements of this standard, highlighting its structured approach to maintaining public infrastructure and municipal assets.
The certification recognizes not only technical capability but also governance maturity. It reflects a maintenance system where responsibilities are clearly defined, procedures are documented, and accountability mechanisms are firmly in place. More importantly, it confirms that maintenance operations are fully aligned with the municipality’s broader strategic objectives.
Integrated Framework Driving Excellence
At the heart of this achievement is an integrated maintenance framework that connects daily operational functions with long-term municipal strategies. Dubai Municipality has developed a system that ensures every maintenance activity contributes to service quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
The framework includes documented procedures, measurable performance indicators, and transparent oversight mechanisms. These elements work together to ensure that maintenance operations are not reactive but strategic and data-driven.
By embedding measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) into its maintenance processes, the municipality can monitor asset performance, anticipate risks, and allocate resources more efficiently. This structured approach enhances service delivery across roads, public facilities, parks, utilities, and other municipal infrastructure.
The result is a system that optimizes costs while maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability. It ensures that public assets remain functional and resilient, directly improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Leadership Commitment to Governance and Sustainability
Senior leadership at Dubai Municipality has emphasized that this certification is more than a formal recognition—it is a reflection of long-term institutional commitment.
Eng. Nasser BuShehab, Chief Executive Officer of the Planning and Governance Sector, stated that integrated assets and advanced infrastructure are central to municipal operations. He highlighted that the certification demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to governance, efficiency, and sustainable development.
According to BuShehab, continuous investment in asset and maintenance management strengthens Dubai’s global governance standing and ensures the delivery of world-class municipal services.
The municipality’s leadership views maintenance not simply as operational upkeep, but as a strategic pillar that supports urban growth, resilience, and future-readiness. This perspective aligns maintenance governance with Dubai’s broader development ambitions.
Asset Day: Building a Unified Asset Management Culture
As part of its institutional development strategy, Dubai Municipality introduced “Asset Day,” a leadership-driven platform designed to align asset management strategies across departments.
The initiative brings together executive leaders and department directors to enhance coordination, strengthen policy implementation, and ensure regulatory alignment across sectors.
Dr. Shehab Al Ameri, Director of the Assets and Property Management Department, explained that Asset Day has fostered a structured asset management culture within the organization. By encouraging collaboration and performance alignment, the platform ensures that all departments operate under shared standards and objectives.
The initiative is expected to expand into a broader government-level platform, encouraging knowledge exchange and integrated asset management practices across entities. This expansion reflects Dubai’s ambition to create a unified, high-performance governance ecosystem that goes beyond municipal operations.
Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Leadership
The BS EN 17948:2024 certification marks a strategic step in strengthening Dubai Municipality’s reputation as a global reference in modern governance and infrastructure management.
In an era where cities are growing rapidly and infrastructure demands are becoming increasingly complex, structured maintenance systems are essential. The certification demonstrates that Dubai Municipality has built a resilient and future-focused model capable of sustaining large-scale public assets efficiently.
This achievement reinforces Dubai’s leadership in innovation-driven governance. It highlights the emirate’s commitment to setting international standards rather than merely following them. By adopting globally recognized frameworks and integrating them into its operational DNA, Dubai Municipality continues to lead by example.
Impact on Service Quality and Public Value
Beyond institutional recognition, the certification delivers tangible benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Efficient maintenance systems reduce service interruptions, enhance safety, and ensure that public facilities operate at optimal performance levels. From well-maintained roads and public spaces to efficient utility systems and civic facilities, the impact is visible across the emirate.
Clear governance structures also improve transparency and accountability. When maintenance roles are well defined and performance metrics are consistently monitored, service delivery becomes more predictable and reliable.
This structured approach strengthens public trust, as citizens experience improved infrastructure quality and consistent municipal services. It transforms maintenance from a background function into a visible contributor to everyday urban life.
A Milestone Supporting Continuous Improvement
The certification and the launch of Asset Day represent more than a one-time accomplishment. They reflect a broader philosophy centered on continuous improvement.
Dubai Municipality has embedded sustainability, operational excellence, and governance maturity into its core strategy. The global recognition serves as validation of this approach while also setting a new baseline for future progress.
As cities worldwide seek models for resilient and sustainable urban management, Dubai Municipality’s achievement offers a blueprint. Its integrated maintenance framework, performance-driven culture, and leadership alignment demonstrate how municipal governance can evolve to meet modern urban challenges.
By becoming the first entity globally to earn the BS EN 17948:2024 certification, Dubai Municipality has not only raised the bar for maintenance management but also strengthened its standing as a pioneer in structured municipal governance and infrastructure excellence.
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