His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (14) of 2025 to regulate the operations of engineering consultancy offices across the Emirate of Dubai. The law aims to enhance professional standards, classify offices based on technical, financial, and managerial competencies, and attract international investors and firms.
Under the new regulation, conducting any engineering consultancy activity without a valid license is strictly prohibited. Offices must register with Dubai Municipality’s system in addition to holding a commercial license. The law covers all engineering fields including architecture, civil, electrical, mechanical, mining, petroleum, chemical, coastal, and geological engineering.
The law mandates the creation of a unified digital system integrated with the “Invest in Dubai” platform, managed by Dubai Municipality, to handle registration, issuance of qualification certificates, evaluation, and classification of offices.
A permanent committee chaired by a representative of Dubai Municipality and composed of relevant authorities will oversee continuous supervision and development of the engineering consultancy sector.
Violators may face fines of up to AED 100,000, with harsher penalties for repeated offenses within the same year. Disciplinary measures may include suspension for up to one year, downgrade in classification, removal from registration, cancellation of trade licenses, and reporting violations to the UAE Society of Engineers.
Firms and employees are required to comply with the new law within one year from its effective date. The law will come into force six months after publication in the Official Gazette.
This law also repeals Local Order No. (89) of 1994 concerning the engineering consultancy profession in Dubai, though existing regulations will remain valid until new bylaws are issued, provided they do not conflict with the new legislation.
