In line with the continuous legal developments in the United Arab Emirates, TAJ Legal Consultants presents an overview of Law No. (14) of 2025 concerning the regulation of the engineering consultancy profession in Dubai. This law represents a major step toward strengthening governance, quality, and compliance in this vital sector.

1. General Overview:

The law was issued on 18 September 2025 and published in the Official Gazette of the Government of Dubai on 7 October 2025. It shall take effect six (6) months after publication — i.e., April 2026.

It repeals Local Order No. (89) of 1994while maintaining previous regulations and decisions that do not conflict with the new law, Comprising 25 articles the law aims to modernize and regulate the practice of engineering consultancy to align with Dubai’s urban development goals.

2. Objectives:

• To advance the engineering consultancy sector and enhance its role in economic development.
• To regulate the practice of engineering consultancy in the Emirate.
• To establish clear standards for classifying consultancy offices.
• To encourage investment and eliminate obstacles to sectoral growth.
• To ensure proper implementation of projects in line with planning and building standards.
• To attract international engineering consultancy firms.

3. Licensing Requirements:

No person may practice engineering consultancy activities in Dubai without obtaining an appropriate license.

This includes architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, petroleum, coastal, and geological engineering.

It is also prohibited to promote or operate as a consultancy office without a trade license and registration with Dubai Municipality.

4. Regulatory Committee:

The law establishes a permanent committee titled Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities responsible for supervising, organizing, and developing this sector in coordination with Dubai Municipality and relevant authorities.

5. Office Types and Obligations

The law expressly and exhaustively defines the types of engineering offices permitted in Dubai. It also imposes specific obligations on these offices, including maintaining records of consultancy contracts and drawings for ten (10) years, refraining from using the same engineering design for more than one client without prior written approval, and prohibiting ownership of more than one engineering office or multiple premises within the Emirate.

6. Penalties and Sanctions:

The law stipulates the following penalties for violations:

1. Suspension of office activities for up to one year.
2. Downgrading the office classification.
3. Deregistration from the official record with committee approval.
4. Cancellation of the trade license.
5. Suspension of any technical staff member for up to one year.
6. Revocation of the professional competence certificate and deregistration of the engineer.
7. Notification of the UAE Society of Engineers of the deregistration decision.

7. Transitional Provisions:

All existing engineering offices and engineers are granted a one-year grace period to align their status with the new law.

If an office or engineer’s registration expires during this period, renewal will be permitted subject to a written undertaking to comply within the remaining timeframe.