Dubai will introduce a new law to regulate the professional practice of engineering consultancy offices in the emirate.
Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (14) of 2025 in Dubai.
The law aims to advance Dubai’s engineering consultancy sector, bring it in line with international standards, and strengthen its role in attracting global expertise and investment.
New Dubai engineering law
It seeks to ensure quality, transparency, and timely project execution while positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for engineering consultancy services.
Under the new framework, no individual or office may engage in any engineering consultancy activities in Dubai without the proper authorisation.
These activities cover a wide range of fields including architectural, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, mining, petroleum, chemical, coastal, and geological engineering.
Firms and individuals are prohibited from presenting themselves as engineering consultancy offices without a valid trade licence and registration with Dubai Municipality, which must specify the scope of work, classification, and technical staff.
Consultancy offices are also barred from operating beyond their licensed scope, hiring unregistered engineers, or contracting with unlicensed entities for consultancy work.
Unified electronic licensing and classification system
Dubai Municipality, in coordination with relevant authorities, will establish a unified electronic system linked to the Invest in Dubai platform created under Decree No. (13) of 2024.
The new digital system will handle the registration, classification, and issuance of professional competency certificates for consultancy offices, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
It will also serve as a comprehensive registry for all licensed firms, outlining their consultancy scope, classification, and technical staff.
Permanent committee for sector regulation
The law mandates the formation of a permanent Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities in Dubai. The Chairman of The Executive Council will appoint the committee, which a Dubai Municipality representative will chair and include members from relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Operating under Decree No. (1) of 2023, the committee will oversee the governance, development, and strategic direction of the sector.
Eligibility, registration, and penalties
The law defines several categories of engineering consultancy offices, including:
- Local companies established in Dubai
- Branches of UAE-based offices with at least three consecutive years of experience
- Branches of foreign offices with at least ten consecutive years of experience
- Joint ventures between local and foreign offices with at least ten years of experience
It also applies to engineering advisory offices and audit firms led by registered engineers with at least ten years of experience.
Violations of the law may result in fines up to AED 100,000 ($27,230), with increased penalties for repeat offences.
Additional measures include suspension for up to one year, downgrading of classification, removal from the registry, licence cancellation, or revocation of certificates.
Affected parties may file written appeals within 30 days of notification. The committee will issue decisions within 30 days and communicate them within five working days.
