What is community management? 

Community management in real estate refers to the process of building, nurturing, and maintaining a vibrant ecosystem—both online and offline—where residents, property managers, and service providers interact seamlessly.  

Property management, particularly in regions like the UAE, goes beyond conventional maintenance seen elsewhere. Over here, it primarily includes creating a space where communication, engagement, and responsive service converge. 

Some key functions of community managers include: 

1. Facilitating communication: Enable real-time messaging, announcements, and feedback loops to ensure swift issue resolution and seamless coordination between residents, managers, and vendors. 
2. Resident engagement and relationship building: Organize events, virtual forums, and social initiatives to foster belonging, boost resident satisfaction, and strengthen tenant retention. 
3. Streamlining service coordination: Use quality community management software like a connected CMMS and CAFM to manage maintenance requests efficiently, reducing response times and operational inefficiencies. 
4. Make informed decisions with data: Track key metrics like occupant feedback and asset usage to optimize resources, improve service efficiency, and adapt to residents' evolving needs. 
5. Handling resident requests: Address inquiries, resolve complaints, and ensure residents’ needs are met quickly. 
6. Coordinating maintenance and repairs: Oversee facility upkeep to ensure timely repairs and maintain property value. 
7. Organizing community events: Plan social gatherings and meetings to foster engagement and a strong sense of community. 
8. Enforcing community rules: Ensure residents follow guidelines for a peaceful, well-managed living environment. 
9. Managing budgets and finances: Handle budgets, track expenses, and ensure efficient use of community resources. 

Facility management vs property management vs community management: What’s the difference? 

The terms facility management, property management, and community management each serve unique roles, but they often overlap.  

Here’s how they compare in terms of responsibilities and focus areas. 

Why is there a shift towards community-focused property management in the UAE? 

Well, there are a few key reasons—rapid urbanization, a diverse expat population, and a growing digital ecosystem are all pushing property management in a more community-driven direction.  

Here’s what’s driving this shift: 

• UAE is a melting pot of cultures: With expats making up 90% of the population, communities are more diverse than ever. Property managers now need to cater to different cultures, languages, and expectations to create a truly inclusive environment. 
• Urban sprawl and the rising desire for smarter living: As cities grow, traditional property management just isn’t cutting it anymore. Platforms like Facilio now combine facility management with resident engagement solutions, making everything from service requests to amenity bookings seamless. 
• Tech-powered engagement: With Dubai’s Smart City initiatives in full swing, community management software like a connected CMMS, Connected CAFM, and AI-powered analytics are transforming how communities interact—residents now get real-time updates, automated support, and faster resolutions. 
• Increasing expectations from tenants and evolving regulations: Today’s residents demand transparency and more personalized service. Meanwhile, the new regulations push property managers to focus more on community satisfaction beyond just maintenance and facilities management.  
• Residents want a lifestyle beyond amenities: While pools, spas, and green spaces are great, they’re not enough. Today’s residents want more than just luxury—they crave meaningful social interactions and a sense of belonging in their community.

So, the long story short is that the UAE’s real estate landscape is evolving faster than ever. So, community management is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s the key to keeping residents happy and engaged. 

What long-term benefits does effective community management bring to the real estate industry? 

Effective community management in the UAE goes far beyond just operational efficiency—it can significantly enhance your tenant satisfaction, lead to an appreciation of your property value manifold, and ensure long-term sustainability. 

1. Happier residents, higher retention 
When people feel a sense of belonging, they stay longer. Studies show that engaged communities—where events, forums, and seamless communication are the norm—see better tenant retention and higher renewal rates. 

2. Increased property value and market appeal 
Good management isn’t just about maintenance; it’s an investment. Well-run communities with proactive management and engaged residents can see property values rise by 5-15% over time. 

3. Smoother operations, lower costs 
Smart community platforms powered by IoT and AI make property management more efficient. From automated maintenance requests to energy optimization, these tenant satisfaction solutions can cut costs by up to 30%. 

4. Stronger community ties 
A thriving community isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. Cultural events, wellness programs, and sustainability initiatives bring residents together, creating a more connected and collaborative living space. 

5. Compliance without the hassle 
With evolving regulations in the UAE, staying compliant is going to be the key. A proactive approach to community management helps property managers avoid disputes, reduce liabilities, and ensure everything runs smoothly. 

6. Sustainability and enhanced brand reputation 

Focusing on eco-friendly practices and energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet—it also boosts your property’s image. Sustainable initiatives and transparent operations help build a strong, reputable brand that attracts environmentally conscious residents and investors. 

7 Best Community Management Companies in the UAE 

According to Grand View Research, UAE's property and community management market is on a significant growth trajectory, valued at approximately USD 3.42 billion in 2023 and expected to expand at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2024 to 2030. 

This surge is largely attributed to increased investments in residential and commercial construction, which has heightened the need for proficient community management services. 

While numerous community management companies operate in the UAE, we've handpicked the top ones for you. 

1. Majid Al Futtaim Properties 

Specialties: Development and management of integrated communities, including shopping malls, hotels, and residential properties. 

Overview: Majid Al Futtaim Properties is renowned for creating fully integrated communities that blend retail, leisure, and residential spaces. Their projects, such as Al Mouj Muscat and Tilal Al Ghaf, emphasize green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and inland waterways, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of life for residents. 

2. Emaar Development 

Specialties: Master-planned residential communities, including apartments, townhouses, and villas. 

Overview: Emaar Development has delivered over 34,500 residential units since 2002, accounting for approximately 22% of all freehold residential units in Dubai. Their integrated approach oversees all aspects of community development, from concept and design to construction and sales, ensuring cohesive and well-managed communities.  

3. Colliers International 

Specialties: Property and real estate management and consultancy services for both commercial and residential sectors. 

Overview: Operating in the UAE with offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Colliers International offers strategic guidance on investment management, rent collection, and property maintenance. Their global presence and local expertise enable them to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the UAE market. Colliers International has been the preferred choice of a number of owners' associations. 

4. Manage My Property 

Specialties: Property management services tailored to individual property owners and owners associations. 

Overview: Founded in 2007, Manage My Property has positioned itself as a top player in Dubai's real estate market. Their personalized approach and commitment to transparency have earned them a reputation for reliability and client satisfaction. 

5. Itihad Community Management 

Specialties: Planning and management of freehold projects, property management, and brokerage services. 

Overview: Established in 2010, Itihad Community Management is among the pioneers in Dubai's community management sector. Their portfolio includes prestigious developments in areas like Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Barsha Heights. In 2020, they expanded their services by introducing Waqar Hasan Real Estate (WHRE) for rental management and brokerage. Their commitment to continuous improvement and customer support has earned them recognition, including the Customer Happiness Award at the Smart Built Environment Awards in 2021 

6. Strata Global 

Specialties: Owners' association management and community management services, focusing on luxury property management. 

Overview: Strata Global is renowned for delivering high standards in community management across Dubai. They emphasize the importance of maintaining properties in the UAE's challenging climate, offering personalized solutions to ensure the longevity and appeal of jointly owned properties. Their approach combines expertise and hospitality, aiming to create thriving communities and ensuring every building and facility reaches its full potential. 

7. Ejadah Asset Management Group 

Specialties: Comprehensive asset management, including integrated facilities management, property management, and security services. 

Overview: Ejadah is a prominent asset management company in the UAE, offering a holistic approach to community management. Their services encompass facilities management, property management, and security, providing a seamless experience for property owners and residents. Ejadah's integrated solutions are designed to enhance asset value and ensure operational excellence across various property types. 

Foster well-managed communities with Facilio community management platform

Managing a vast portfolio of properties can be particularly daunting.

But with the right set of tools, it becomes significantly more manageable.

Facilio's Connected CAFM platform is one such tool that offers a comprehensive solution to streamline daily operations in community management. 

Facilio's community management platform cum owners’ association solution serves as a centralized hub that integrates various systems and applications to provide real-time data and analytics.  

Here's how it enhances day-to-day community management: 

• Centralized data hub: Access all community data in one place for seamless management. 
• Automated maintenance workflow: Schedule, track, and resolve maintenance requests proactively. 
• Vendor performance oversight: Manage vendor contracts, track SLAs, and ensure service quality. 
• Real-time facility scheduling: Optimize amenity bookings and service coordination with live updates. 
• Smart alerts & notifications: Keep residents and stakeholders informed with automated updates. 
• Community insights & reports: Analyze engagement trends, service requests, and resource allocation. 
• Lease & compliance tracking: Automate lease renewals and stay ahead of regulatory requirements. 
• Incident & event logging: Monitor community events and swiftly address resident concerns. 

Al Tayer Group, a leading Middle Eastern conglomerate, was managing over 140 buildings and 70,000 assets but struggled with: 

• Limited operational visibility – Dependency on external vendors for reporting slowed decision-making. 
• Vendor performance gaps – Lack of real-time insights made it difficult to assess service quality. 
• Reactive maintenance – Delays in issue resolution impacted tenant satisfaction. 

Al Tayer partnered with Facilio’s Connected CaFM for community management, leading to a complete transformation: 

✅ Operational Independence – Gained direct control over data, eliminating third-party reporting delays. 
✅ Real-time vendor insights – Enabled data-driven vendor selection and improved service quality. 
✅ Enhanced tenant experience – Proactive maintenance and faster response times boosted satisfaction. 

With Facilio, Al Tayer streamlined operations and achieved greater efficiency across its extensive real estate portfolio. 

As Al Tayer's facilities manager noted, "The biggest success is that we control the data. These are assets that last 50-60 years. We can now look after them for that long and plan for them effectively." 

Facilio can work wonders for your community, too—maybe even better than you’ve imagined.

Just like Al Tayer and the Dubai World Trade Centre, smart communities across Dubai and the UAE are using Facilio to simplify operations, boost resident engagement, and create neighborhoods where people truly feel at home.

Imagine a community that runs seamlessly with residents who are connected and happy.

Ready to take your community management to the next level? Let’s get started!