The specialized building cleaning business in Saudi Arabia, which includes the cleaning of windows and facades of residential and commercial towers, grew by 31 percent in 2025, supported by rapid urban transformation in major cities and a boom in tower construction, according to experts who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah.   

31% jump in registrations   

Experts say the activity is attracting new investments with the entry of local and international companies, benefiting from the expansion of the market, which is estimated at about SR300 million ($80 million) annually.  

Further growth is expected in the coming years, particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Dammam, where these cities are recording a notable increase in multi-storey commercial and residential towers under Saudi Vision 2030 projects. 

Salah Mohammed, an executive at a specialized company, said glass-facade cleaning is one of the “sensitive activities” due to the nature of working at great heights, which requires high levels of training and qualification. 

He noted that companies in the sector have developed their training programs by integrating internationally accredited certifications for working at heights, alongside local programs based on occupational safety requirements and guidelines approved in Saudi Arabia.  

He explained that worker training now includes rescue and evacuation skills, inspection of protective equipment, and risk assessment — requirements that are essential for securing contracts from tower owners and facility managers.   

Occupational safety stands out as one of the core pillars of the sector, as companies commit to using fall-arrest harnesses, helmets, double ropes, and approved anchorage points, in addition to halting work during poor weather conditions.  

Mohammed Saeed, who supervises field work teams, said companies face growing challenges in attracting qualified workers due to the limited availability of technicians with recognized certifications. 

According to Saeed, the shortage of specialized skills has pushed up wage levels, with workers’ salaries ranging between SR2,000 and SR3,600 per month, while the earnings of specialized technicians exceed these levels, particularly in Riyadh, Makkah and Jeddah. 

He added that despite the introduction of smart lifting systems in modern towers, there remains a need for the human element in precision tasks, maintenance operations, and rescue work.  

Despite the sector’s expanding growth opportunities, experts said it faces challenges stemming from the widening gap between qualified companies and those relying on poorly trained labor. This increases accident risks and insurance compensation costs, alongside the high prices of equipment and cranes, whether purchased from manufacturers or rented for facade-cleaning work.