Dubai has introduced a new law regulating the professional practice of engineering consultancy offices in the emirate.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice President, and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Law No. (14) of 2025 to enhance the sector, align it with international standards, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for engineering services.

The legislation aims to ensure quality, transparency, and efficiency in project delivery while attracting international expertise and investment. Individuals or firms may not engage in engineering consultancy without prior authorisation. 

Covered disciplines include architectural, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, mining, petroleum, chemical, coastal, and geological engineering.

Licensing and registration with Dubai Municipality are now mandatory, with firms required to specify their scope of work, classification, and technical staff. Consultancy offices are prohibited from operating beyond their licensed activities, employing unregistered engineers, or working with unlicensed entities.

To support implementation, Dubai Municipality will launch a unified electronic system integrated with the Invest in Dubai platform to handle registration, classification, and professional competency certificates. The platform will also act as a registry of licensed firms and their staff.

The law establishes a permanent Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities, chaired by a Dubai Municipality representative and including members from relevant authorities. Operating under Decree No. (1) of 2023, the committee will oversee governance, development, and the sector’s strategic direction.

Consultancy offices will be classified as local companies, branches of UAE-based firms with at least three years of experience, foreign branches with at least ten years, or joint ventures combining local and foreign offices with a decade of experience. The law also applies to advisory offices and audit firms led by registered engineers with at least ten years’ practice.

Violations may result in fines of up to $27,230, with harsher penalties for repeat offences, including suspension, licence cancellation, or removal from the registry. Affected parties may appeal within 30 days, with decisions issued by the committee within the same timeframe.