Dubai: In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No. (14) of 2025, which aims to regulate the professional practice of engineering consultancy offices in the Emirate of Dubai. The law is designed to advance the sector by aligning with international standards and classifying service providers based on various competencies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the law intends to encourage investment, remove barriers, ensure timely project execution, and attract global companies to Dubai, establishing it as a key hub for engineering consultancy services. It mandates authorisation for any entity to engage in engineering consultancy activities, covering diverse fields such as architectural, civil, electrical, and geological engineering. Offices must possess a valid trade licence and registration with Dubai Municipality, detailing their scope, classification, and technical staff.
The law prohibits consultancy offices from exceeding their licensed scope or employing unregistered engineers. It also prevents contracting with unlicensed companies for consultancy work. Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will establish an electronic system linked to the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform to manage registration, classification, and competency certification of engineering consultancy offices.
The Municipality is tasked with maintaining a registry of licensed offices and regularly updating the classification system for companies involved in construction-related activities. A permanent committee, appointed by the Chairman of The Executive Council, will be established to regulate and develop engineering consultancy activities under this law.
The law categorizes engineering consultancy offices into local companies, UAE-based branches, foreign branches, joint endeavors, and advisory offices, all of which must meet specific experience and registration criteria. Violations of the law can result in fines up to AED 100,000, with increased penalties for repeat offences. Authorities may impose further measures such as suspension, downgrading, or deregistration of offices and staff.
Affected parties can appeal fines or measures within 30 days, with decisions made by the competent authority’s committee being final. Consultancy offices and staff must comply with the law within one year of its effect, with provisions for registration renewal and extensions.
Local Order No. (89) of 1994 is annulled by the new law, though existing decisions and regulations continue until they conflict with the new law or are replaced. The law will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect six months post-publication.