Dubai issues law to regulate engineering consultancy sector

A new law regulating Dubai's engineering consultancy sector will soon come into effect, with the authorities warning that those caught violating the regulations could face up to AED 100,000 in fines.

The law, which was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to classify service providers based on their technical, financial and managerial competence.

It also focuses on encouraging investment, ensuring timely project execution,and attracting global companies to position Dubai as a key hub for engineering consultancy services.

The law prohibits individuals from taking up engineering consultancy work without proper authorisation and bars offices from operating without a valid trade licence and Dubai Municipality registration.

Furthermore, firms cannot operate beyond their licensed scope, employ unregistered engineers, or contract with unlicensed companies to carry out consultancy work in the city.

Those caught in violation of the law could face up to AED 100,000 in fines, with the penalty increasing for repeat offences within the same year. Authorities may also take punitive measures such as suspending the engineering consultancy offices for up to one year, downgrading their classification, removing them from the registry, cancelling commercial licences, suspending staff, revoking certificates, removing engineers from the registry, and notifying the UAE Society of Engineers about violations.

Mohammed bin Rashid issues Law regulating the professional practice of engineering consultancy offices in the Emirate of Dubai. The law seeks to advance Dubai’s engineering consultancy sector. pic.twitter.com/t6qj7EHscH

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 5, 2025

Dubai Municipality will establish a unified electronic system linked to the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform to manage applications for registrations, classifications and competency certificates, while also looking into the registration, evaluation, and classification of engineering consultants.

The authority will also maintain a comprehensive registry of licensed engineering consultancy offices, and regularly approve and update the system.

The committee, appointed by the Chairman of The Executive Council and chaired by a Dubai Municipality representative, will includes members from relevant authorities and stakeholders.

This law shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into effect six months from the date of its publication.