By Desmond Nleya
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (14) of 2025 to regulate the professional practice of engineering consultancy offices in the emirate.
The new legislation aims to align Dubai’s engineering consultancy sector with international standards by introducing a classification system based on technical, financial, and managerial competence. It is designed to boost investment, streamline project implementation, and attract global firms, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading hub for engineering consultancy services.
Under the law, no entity may engage in engineering consultancy without authorisation from Dubai Municipality. The regulation applies to all engineering disciplines, including architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, and geological fields. Consultancy offices must hold a valid trade licence and register with Dubai Municipality, which will oversee licensing, classification, and professional competency certification.
To support enforcement, Dubai Municipality will set up a unified electronic system connected to the “Invest in Dubai” platform for registration, evaluation, and classification of consultancy offices across the emirate.
A permanent Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities will also be established, chaired by a Dubai Municipality representative and comprising members from relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Violations may lead to fines of up to AED 100,000, suspension, downgrading of classification, or licence cancellation. Affected parties can appeal within 30 days of notification.
The new law repeals Local Order No. (89) of 1994 and will take effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: Emirates News Agency
