Business

Dubai’s new engineering law: Comply or face Dh100,000 fine and ban

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2025

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Dubai is getting serious about engineering quality and professional standards. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has just issued a comprehensive new law (Law No. 14 of 2025) that fundamentally reshapes how engineering consultancy offices operate across the emirate.

This new regulation ensures that every company, from architecture to electrical engineering, must be officially licensed, meet high international standards, and prove its competence.

If firms fail to comply, by operating outside their approved scope or employing unregistered staff, they face severe penalties, including hefty fines up to Dh100,000 and being removed from the registry entirely.

Here are the key aspects of the law:

Objectives and Scope

The law aims to:

Advance Dubai’s engineering consultancy sector.
Regulate practices according to international standards.
Classify service providers based on their technical, financial, and managerial competence.
Encourage investment, remove obstacles, and ensure timely project execution.
Attract global companies, positioning Dubai as a key hub.

The law covers engineering activities in all fields, including architectural, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, mining, petroleum, chemical, coastal, and geological engineering, among others.

Regulatory Requirements and Prohibitions

Authorisation and Licensing

No one is allowed to take up engineering consultancy activities without proper authorisation.
Individuals or offices cannot portray themselves as engineering consultancy offices without a valid trade licence and registration with Dubai Municipality.
The registration must detail the office’s licensed scope, classification, technical staff, and other essential information.

Operational Prohibitions

Engineering consultancy offices are specifically prohibited from:

Operating beyond their licensed scope.
Employing unregistered engineers.
Contracting with unlicensed companies to carry out consultancy work in Dubai.

Dubai Municipality’s Role

Dubai Municipality is central to implementing the law:

It will establish a unified electronic system across the emirate, linked to the ‘Invest in Dubai’ platform. This system manages applications for registration, classification, issuing professional competency certificates, and other related matters.
The Municipality oversees, operates, and updates the system and maintains a comprehensive registry of licensed offices, their scope, classification, and technical staff.
It also regularly approves and updates the classification system for construction, building, or demolition companies and issues professional competency certificates for their technical staff.

Committee and Office Types

Permanent Committee

The law mandates the establishment of a permanent ‘Committee for the Regulation and Development of Engineering Consultancy Activities’ in Dubai, appointed by the Chairman of The Executive Council and chaired by a Dubai Municipality representative.

Types of Engineering Consultancy Offices

The law defines several types of registered offices:

Local companies established in Dubai.
Branches of UAE-based offices with 3 consecutive years of experience.
Branches of foreign offices with 10 consecutive years of experience.
Joint endeavours are formed between a local office and one or more foreign offices (where the foreign office has 10 years of experience).
Engineering advisory offices providing opinion and consultancy services, owned by registered engineers, each with a minimum of 10 years of experience.
Engineering audit offices are authorised to conduct third-party audits.

Violations and Penalties

Fines and Measures

Violators may face fines of up to Dh100,000, with the penalty increasing for repeat offences within the same year. Authorities may also take punitive measures, including:

Suspending the office for up to one year.
Downgrading the office’s classification.
Removing the office or the engineers from the registry.
Cancelling commercial licences.
Suspending staff or revoking certificates.

Appeals

Parties affected by fines or other measures can submit a written appeal within 30 days of notification. The competent authority’s committee will decide within 30 days, and the decision is final and binding.

Implementation

The new law annuls Local Order No. (89) of 1994 and its amendments.
Engineering consultancy offices and their staff must regularise their status within one year of the law taking effect.
The law will come into effect six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Automobile

Gopichand Hinduja: Honouring a visionary who strengthened the UAE–India business bridge

Published

1 week ago

November 4, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The passing of Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, marks the loss of a remarkable visionary whose leadership transcended borders and industries. The chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen died in London on Tuesday, November 4, at the age of 85, according to PTI. Fondly known as ‘GP’ in global business circles, Hinduja had been unwell for several weeks and passed away in a London hospital, said sources.

Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate spanning automotive, energy, banking, infrastructure, and technology, with a growing footprint in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE.

He recognised the UAE not just as a commercial hub, but as a key growth market and a platform for innovation and sustainability. His belief in the nation’s vision of economic diversification inspired strategic collaborations that strengthened local industries while deepening India’s enduring partnership with the Emirates.

Hinduja also acknowledged the region’s dynamic reforms and its emergence as the ‘Capital of Global Wealth,’ aligning perfectly with the Group’s guiding philosophy of ‘think local, act global.’ Under his direction, the UAE became an essential regional hub for the Hinduja Group’s business expansions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

One of the Group’s most promising ventures in the region is Switch Mobility, formed through the merger of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division and the UK-based Optare. The company exemplifies Hinduja’s long-term vision for a greener, smarter future. In line with the UAE’s sustainability goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Switch Mobility had planned trial runs of its electric buses and light trucks in both countries this year, signalling a new era of sustainable mobility in the Middle East.

Hinduja’s influence was never confined to business. He believed deeply in “business with a purpose”, emphasising philanthropy, education, and community empowerment as integral parts of success. His humility, spirituality, and people-first leadership style earned him respect across continents.

As the UAE continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Gopichand Hinduja’s legacy endures in every partnership, investment, and idea that bridges nations for a better tomorrow.

Gopichand Hinduja leaves behind his spouse Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita.

Sources: India Today, Gulf News, PTI

Announcements

DP World ILT20 Crowns ‘Habibi & Habibti’ as mascot winners

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The DP World International League T20 concluded its first-of-its-kind Mascot Design Competition this week. The competition was held from 4 July to 21 September.

The competition captured the imagination of students across the UAE. With an overwhelming number of entries, the activation demonstrated the extraordinary creativity, enthusiasm, and energy that cricket inspires among young minds, making it a truly nationwide celebration of sport, culture, and community.

The grand mascot unveiling was held at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Oud Metha. The winning student, Levin Veeroy Fernandes, was officially announced, and his imaginative design (Habibi and Habibti) was transformed into the official mascot of the DP World ILT20, now set to become the face of the league for seasons to come.

The event featured an exciting reveal ceremony, with the student’s design brought to life and presented in front of a vibrant audience, celebrating not only Levin’s creativity but also the remarkable participation of schools and students across the UAE.

The DP World ILT20 extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a resounding success. Each entry brought unique ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the league’s commitment to inspiring young minds and celebrating the spirit of cricket.

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “On behalf of team DP World International League T20, I want to thank all the participants for their efforts. For us, all of you are winners, we are delighted with the interest that the competition created across the UAE.

“The DP World ILT20 is all about UAE and the development of the sport amongst present and future generations of cricketers. Sport and cricket in particular has helped bring together a number of communities and nationalities across the UAE. Cricket has a four-decade long legacy in the country and with the continued growth of the league, the future of cricket not only in the UAE but across the Gulf region is bright and exciting.”

Indian High Schools Group CEO Shri Punit MK Vasu: “Our partnership with DP World ILT20 presents a remarkable platform for our learners to witness world-class cricket in Dubai while embracing the deeper lessons the sport imparts.

“At The Indian High Group of Schools, we uphold the belief that cricket’s enduring spirit fosters respect, discipline, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and composure under pressure, values that cultivate not only accomplished athletes, but also well-rounded, future-ready individuals prepared to lead with integrity, ethics and purpose in a global arena.”

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Announcements

Royal Champs announce star-studded squad for Abu Dhabi T10 debut

Published

2 weeks ago

October 31, 2025

Staff Reporter

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The Abu Dhabi T10 is set to welcome an exciting new entrant this season, Royal Champs, a team built on talent, tenacity and international flair. Led by cricketing legends and rising stars, the Royal Champs promise to bring a bold new energy to the fastest format of cricket.

The squad boasts a powerhouse lineup that blends global experience with emerging brilliance.

From England’s dynamic opener Jason Roy to Sri Lanka’s stalwart Angelo Mathews, Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, and Australia’s explosive Daniel Sams — the Royal Champs are primed to make an immediate impact.

The team’s complete roster includes: Jason Roy, Angelo Mathews, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Jordan, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Shehzad, Niroshan Dickwella, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Dawson, Brandon McMullen, Isuru Udana, Quentin Sampson, Rahul Chopra, Haider Razzaq, Zahid Ali, Kelvin Pitman, Vishen Halambage, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, and Aaron Jones.

At the helm is Head Coach Sir Courtney Walsh, one of the most respected figures in world cricket, who brings decades of international experience, leadership and an unwavering belief in the game’s evolving dynamics. Head Coach Sir Courtney Walsh share, “The Royal Champs are more than just a new team, we are a statement of intent. This squad has the right mix of skill, fearlessness and adaptability to thrive in the high-octane T10 format. Our goal is simple — to play bold, entertain fans and compete with heart and integrity”

“T10 is redefining modern cricket, and the Royal Champs are here to be part of that evolution. Every player in this line-up brings something unique, and I believe our balance of experience and flair will make us a formidable force.” Head Coach Courtney Walsh added