Dubai's Engineering Law: A New Era Begins

New Engineering Consultancy Law in Dubai: Regulations, Registration, Penalties

Dubai's new engineering consultancy law represents a significant turning point for engineering offices operating in the emirate. The 14th law of 2025 aims to provide a uniform, transparent, and regulated framework for businesses engaged in engineering consultancy activities. Enacted by the ruler of Dubai, the law not only defines the rights and obligations of these offices but also prescribes strict penalties for violations. The impact of the new regulation extends far beyond construction and design sectors: it transforms the entire engineering consultancy ecosystem in Dubai.

What does Licensing for Engineering Consultancy entail?

The law explicitly states that in the future, conducting any engineering consultancy activities in Dubai without proper licensing and registration is prohibited. This applies to all engineering fields, including architectural, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, mining, chemical, petroleum, coastal protection, and geological sectors. Every office must obtain a commercial license issued by the Dubai Municipality and keep a detailed registry that includes professional activity scopes, classification, and technical staff data.

Who can conduct Engineering Consultancy in Dubai?

The law thoroughly defines what types of businesses are eligible to operate as engineering consultancy offices:

Local businesses registered in Dubai.

Offices in other emirates of the UAE that operate branches in Dubai with at least three years of continuous experience.

Foreign offices with Dubai branches able to demonstrate at least ten years of experience.

Joint ventures based on partnerships between local and foreign offices with a minimum of ten years of experience.

Consultancy offices specializing in engineering evaluations, operated by one or more registered engineers with ten years of experience.

Engineering auditing offices authorized to audit any engineering consultancy activities as a third party.

Operational Rules and Restrictions

Offices may only operate within the activity scopes defined in their licenses. They cannot employ unregistered engineers or contract with businesses lacking official licenses to perform engineering consultancy activities within Dubai.

Breaching the law can have severe consequences, particularly if offices perform work beyond their permitted scope or hire unregistered staff. Monitoring and sanctions aim to maintain professional standards and the security of the market.

Registration System and the “Invest in Dubai” Platform

The law establishes a unified electronic system functioning through collaboration between the Dubai Municipality and other relevant authorities. This system links to the “Invest in Dubai” platform and aims to digitally manage the registration of engineering consultancy offices, their classifications, and the issuance of professional competency certificates. Additionally, a comprehensive registry will be created, detailing the offices’ operational areas, classifications, technical staff, and other essential data.

The Dubai Municipality will regularly update the classification system for engineering offices and construction companies and issue professional competency certificates for the relevant technical staff.

Permanent Committee and Monitoring

Under the law, a “Regulation and Development Committee for Engineering Consultancy Activities” will be established, appointed by the chairman of the Executive Council. This committee coordinates the application of the law, oversees operations, and proposes developments. Its operation ensures that regulation not only formally but substantially maintains professional standards.

Fines and Sanctions

According to the new law, offices violating the legal stipulations may be fined up to 100,000 dirhams. In cases of repeated violations, the fine may increase, and additional measures may be imposed:

Suspension of office operations for up to one year

Downgrading of classification

Deletion from the registry

Revocation of the commercial license

Suspension of employees

Revocation of professional certificates

Removal of engineers from registration

Notification of the UAE Society of Engineers about the violation

Affected parties may submit a written appeal within 30 days. A decision will be rendered within 30 days of receiving the submission, and it will be final and binding, with the client informed within five working days.

One-Year Grace Period and Implementation

From the effective date of the law, a one-year period will be available for offices and their staff to comply with the regulations. During this time, expiring registrations can be extended if the organization commits to fully adapting to the regulations.

The law will take effect six months after its publication in the official gazette, providing ample preparation time for those affected.

Closing Thoughts

The new engineering consultancy law coming into effect in 2025 in Dubai sends a clear message: professional quality, transparency, and legal operation are not just expectations but mandatory. The regulation reestablishes the entire engineering consultancy sector on new grounds, potentially strengthening the safety and quality of developments realized in the emirate over the long term. For offices, this is also an opportunity: those who timely comply with the requirements can fortify their market position in a well-regulated, professional environment.

(Source: Based on the new engineering consultancy law.)