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In a major regulatory development poised to reshape the engineering consultancy landscape in the Emirate, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (14) of 2025 to govern the professional practice of engineering consultancy offices.
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The new law, reported by the Dubai Media Office, seeks to align the sector with international best practices, reinforce operational standards, and attract top-tier global players. It introduces a comprehensive legal framework aimed at regulating service providers, incentivising investment, and enhancing project execution efficiency, ultimately positioning Dubai as a premier global hub for engineering consultancy services.
One of the core provisions of the law is the prohibition of unlicensed activity. Individuals and firms may not engage in any engineering consultancy work, spanning disciplines such as architectural, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, mining, petroleum, chemical, coastal, and geological engineering, without valid authorisation.
Engineering consultancy offices must obtain a trade license and be registered with Dubai Municipality, including full disclosure of their classification, licensed activities, and the qualifications of technical staff. Misrepresenting oneself as an engineering consultant without these credentials is now explicitly banned.
Further, the law bars consultancy offices from operating outside their licensed scope, employing unregistered engineers, or partnering with unlicensed companies for any aspect of engineering consultancy within Dubai.
Unified registration via ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform
To streamline and centralise the licensing process, Dubai Municipality will coordinate with relevant authorities to establish a unified electronic registration system, integrated into the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform as mandated by Decree No. (13) of 2024.
This integrated platform will serve as a one-stop solution for:
- Processing applications for registration and classification
- Issuing professional competency certificates
- Managing updates to engineering consultancy activities across the emirate
Dubai Municipality will oversee the operation, regular updates, and full integration of the system, aiming to increase transparency and efficiency in evaluating and registering engineering consultants.
Registry and classification system
Under the new regulation, Dubai Municipality will maintain an updated registry of licensed engineering consultancy offices, complete with details such as each office’s consultancy scope, classification, and technical personnel.
The law also mandates the development of a dynamic classification system to assess and rank companies involved in construction, building, or demolition based on technical and operational criteria. Competency certifications for technical staff will also be managed and issued by the municipality under this system.
Law No. (14) of 2025 calls for the formation of a permanent ‘Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities’, to be appointed by the Chairman of The Executive Council.
The committee will be chaired by a representative from Dubai Municipality and include stakeholders from various relevant authorities. It will operate under Decree No. (1) of 2023, which governs the functioning of government committees. The committee is tasked with overseeing sector development, resolving disputes, and ensuring ongoing alignment with the law’s objectives.
Clarified office types and eligibility criteria
The law clearly defines the categories of engineering consultancy offices eligible to operate in Dubai, including:
- Local companies established in the emirate
- Branches of UAE-based companies with at least three consecutive years of experience
- Branches of foreign firms with a minimum of ten years of consecutive global experience
- Joint ventures between local and foreign entities with at least ten years’ consultancy experience
Additionally, engineering advisory offices, operated by registered engineers with at least ten years of experience, are recognised under the law. These firms are authorised to offer expert opinions and consultancy services. The law also accommodates engineering audit offices, which are licensed to conduct third-party audits for compliance and quality assurance in engineering activities.
Licensing, registration and compliance procedures
The new law outlines detailed procedures for:
- Registering and classifying engineering consultancy offices
- Specifying the duration and renewal of registrations
- Rules for deregistration
- Registration and removal of technical staff
All technical personnel and offices must bring their operations in full compliance with the new provisions within one year from the law’s effective date. Extensions may be granted, but expired registrations must be renewed with a formal commitment to adhere to the law.
Penalties and appeal mechanisms
Violators of the law could face fines up to Dhs100,000, especially in cases of unlicensed activity or non-compliance. Repeat offenders within the same year will be subject to escalating penalties.
Additional administrative measures may include:
- Suspension of consultancy operations for up to a year
- Downgrading of office classification
- Removal from the official registry
- Cancellation of commercial licences
- Suspension or removal of staff from professional registries
- Revocation of competency certificates
Dubai authorities also reserve the right to notify the UAE Society of Engineers about serious violations. Those penalised may submit a written appeal within 30 days of being notified. The competent committee will issue a final and binding decision within 30 days, to be communicated within five working days.
This legislative update officially annuls Local Order No. (89) of 1994 and its amendments, which previously governed the engineering consultancy profession in Dubai. However, existing decisions, circulars, and guidelines will remain temporarily valid provided they do not conflict with the new law, until fresh regulations are issued.
The new law will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force six months from the date of its publication.
