I’ve been in this industry long enough to see trends come and go, products rebranded, and training materials rewritten a dozen different ways. But if there’s one thing that hasn’t changed in the cleaning and facilities management sector whether you’re working in a luxury hotel lobby in Dubai, a hospital ward in Riyadh, or an industrial plant in Jeddah it’s that standards matter.

And not just on paper. In our line of work, standards are the difference between “good enough” and “exceptional”, between a client that keeps you for a decade and one that quietly moves on after the first contract cycle.

That’s where accreditations come in.

Take the example of BICSc. For those who may not have crossed paths with it yet, BICSc the British Institute of Cleaning Science is the largest independent, professional, and educational body within the cleaning industry. Their mission - to raise the standards of the cleaning industry through education and training, ensuring operatives carry out their work safely, efficiently, and to a consistent, measurable standard.

Now, that’s the formal definition. But to me and to many of you who’ve experienced it, BICSc is not just a certification. It’s a culture. It’s a way of doing things that transforms cleaning from a task into a profession.

Why Does the Middle East Need Accreditations Now More Than Ever?

In the Middle East, the cleaning industry has grown at breakneck speed over the last two decades. New airports, world-class shopping malls, mega-projects like NEOM and The Red Sea, and healthcare expansions have put a spotlight on hygiene and presentation like never before.

But here’s the challenge: growth without consistency leads to chaos.

I’ve seen contracts awarded to the lowest bidder, only for the service quality to nosedive after six months because the workforce wasn’t trained to a recognized standard. I’ve also seen companies invest heavily in top-tier machinery and chemicals, yet fail to get results because their teams didn’t understand the right methods.

Accreditations solve that problem. It gives you whether you’re a local SME or a multinational FM provider a framework to train, assess, and standardize performance across all sites and teams.

Key Benefits of Accreditations for Cleaning Companies

Let’s break this down into the practical, tangible benefits I’ve personally witnessed in Middle Eastern operations.

1. Consistency Across Contracts

One of the biggest headaches in FM is that service quality can vary wildly from site to site, even within the same company. BICSc training provides operatives with Task Skills and Base Units that ensure everyone understands the correct, safe, and efficient way to perform core cleaning activities whether it’s mopping a floor, sanitizing a washroom, or operating equipment.

When your workforce is trained under the same standard, you deliver the same level of excellence across every contract, whether it’s a five-star hotel in Doha or an oil facility in Dhahran.

2. Improved Health and Safety Compliance

We work in environments where safety is non-negotiable. Incorrect cleaning techniques don’t just leave a bad impression they can cause accidents, damage surfaces, or even spread contamination.

BICSc’s “Safe Systems of Work” framework ensures every operative knows how to work without harming themselves, others, or the environment. This aligns beautifully with local health and safety legislation in KSA, UAE, and across the GCC, reducing workplace incidents and keeping both your staff and clients safe.

3. Enhanced Staff Morale and Retention

Here’s something I’ve learned over the years: when you treat cleaning like a profession, your staff start to treat it like a career.

Accreditations give operatives recognition for their skills. That recognition complete with certificates and formal assessment boosts pride and engagement. In a region where staff turnover can be a constant challenge, having a workforce that feels valued and skilled is worth its weight in gold.

4. Stronger Client Trust and Market Differentiation

Clients today are more informed than ever. They Google. They benchmark. They ask the right questions. When you can say, “Our teams are trained and assessed to BICSc standards,” you’re not just talking about training, you're proving you’ve invested in international best practice.

I’ve seen companies win major contracts simply because they could demonstrate BICSc compliance. In competitive tenders, accreditations are often the deciding factor when two bidders are otherwise evenly matched.

5. Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings

I’ll be honest, some companies hesitate to invest in training because they see it as a cost. But with accreditations, the ROI is clear.

Proper training reduces chemical wastage, prevents damage to surfaces, extends the lifespan of equipment, and cuts down rework. I’ve watched teams halve their cleaning times after learning the correct techniques. Over the course of a year, that efficiency translates directly into profitability.

6. Alignment with Sustainability Goals

The Middle East is increasingly serious about sustainability Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Net Zero 2050, and other regional initiatives are driving companies to adopt greener operations.

A solid accreditation promotes cleaning methods that reduce water and chemical usage, support recycling processes, and minimize environmental impact. This not only aligns with government mandates but also positions your company as an eco-conscious service provider.

Real-World Example: From Chaos to Consistency

A few years ago, I worked with a facilities company in the UAE managing multiple malls and office towers. Their issue wasn’t lack of effort, it was inconsistency. Every site manager had their own interpretation of “best practice.”

We introduced BICSc training, starting with a pilot site. Within three months, customer complaints dropped by 40%, inspection scores improved, and staff turnover decreased. Once the model was rolled out across all properties, client satisfaction ratings hit an all-time high and stayed there.

That’s the power of a unified standard.

Implementing BICSc in the Middle East: My Advice

If you’re considering BICSc for your company, here’s what I’d suggest based on my experience:

1. Start with Leadership Buy-In
   Your supervisors and managers must understand BICSc’s value. Without their commitment, it becomes a tick-box exercise.
2. Invest in Training
   Having certified operatives on your payroll ensures ongoing compliance and makes it easier to onboard new staff quickly.
3. Pilot Before Full Rollout
   Choose a single site or contract to implement BICSc first. Gather data, showcase improvements, and use that success story to convince stakeholders.
4. Integrate with Your Existing Training
   BICSc works best when it’s part of a broader learning culture, not a standalone effort.
5. Promote Your Accreditation
   Don’t be shy add it to proposals, marketing materials, and client communications. Let the market know you operate to a recognized international standard.

The Emotional Side: Pride in Our Profession

Cleaning is often invisible until it’s done wrong. Yet, in the Middle East’s climate, with our dust, sand, and high foot traffic, professional cleaning is one of the cornerstones of public health and customer satisfaction.

Accreditation isn’t just about processes, it's about professional pride. It tells your team, “What you do matters, and there’s a right way to do it.” That sense of purpose is infectious, and it shows in the quality of the work.

Final Thoughts

In my journey through the FM and cleaning sector, I’ve learned that the companies who thrive are the ones who embrace continuous improvement and measurable standards. Whether you’re aiming to secure bigger contracts, reduce operational headaches, or simply raise the bar in your service delivery, your accreditation will set you apart.

So, to my fellow cleaning and FM professionals across the Middle East: if you haven’t yet explored it, now’s the time. The market is evolving, client expectations are rising, and the future belongs to those who can deliver consistent, safe, and world-class service every time.

Because at the end of the day, in our business, the shine you leave behind is the reputation you carry forward.

“Until our next chapter stay safe, stay clean, and lead by example."

About the author

Mohammed Hazath is the Head of Training at SaveFast Training Academy.