Dubai has announced Law No. (14) of 2025, introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to regulate engineering consultancy offices in the emirate. The law brings in a unified licensing and classification system, modern compliance rules, and penalties for non-compliance. It aims to enhance professional standards and attract leading global firms to operate in Dubai.
Clear licensing and operational framework
The law makes it clear that no consultancy may operate without an authorised licence. Activities covered include civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and several specialised engineering fields. Firms must operate strictly within their approved scope, cannot employ unregistered engineers, and cannot outsource work to unauthorized consultancies.
Eligibility and classification criteria
Consultancies will now be categorised based on their experience and operational structure:
- Local firms licensed in Dubai
- UAE firms with at least three years’ consultancy experience
- International branches with no less than ten years’ experience
- Joint ventures between local and foreign entities
- Advisory firms led by registered engineers with at least ten years’ experience
- Audit consultancies authorised for third-party reviews
This system is designed to ensure transparency and consistency across the sector.
Unified digital registration system
Dubai Municipality will oversee a new digital platform that integrates with the Invest in Dubai system. This registry will include classifications, the scope of work, and the technical staff of each consultancy. It is intended to make processes more efficient while also creating a reliable reference for clients, investors, and regulators.
Oversight committee and dispute resolution
The law mandates the formation of a Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities. This committee, chaired by a Dubai Municipality representative, will include members from relevant authorities and will handle disputes, oversee compliance, and guide the sector’s growth.
Penalties for violations
Firms that violate the law may face fines of up to AED 100,000. Repeat offences carry heavier consequences, including suspension of operations, downgrading of classification, removal from the registry, and cancellation of licences. Engineers can also face suspension or removal from the official registry.
Appeals can be filed within 30 days, and decisions are expected within a set timeline, ensuring due process for firms and individuals.
Transition and compliance timeline
Law No. (14) of 2025 will take effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette. Existing consultancies will have one year to align their operations with the new requirements. During this period, renewals can be processed if firms demonstrate intent to comply.
Impact on firms and the wider sector
The law is expected to encourage better governance, improve service quality, and align the industry with global practices. Local firms may need to restructure or upskill to meet new classification standards. For international players, the framework creates greater confidence and clarity, strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a hub for world-class consultancy services.
Clients and developers are also likely to benefit from enhanced accountability and professionalism across engineering projects.
consultancies’ responsibility
- Review licensing and operational scope against the new law.
- Ensure all technical staff are registered and qualified.
- Prepare to transition to the new digital registration system.
- Audit partnerships and subcontracting arrangements.
- Seek legal and regulatory advice to maintain compliance.
Dubai’s new engineering consultancy law represents a significant shift for the sector. It is designed to improve quality, increase accountability, and position the emirate as a preferred destination for top-tier consultancy firms. Local offices and international players will need to adjust quickly, but the long-term impact is set to benefit the industry and Dubai’s broader development goals.
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