Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Activity Code 7110.76 cover for model making in Dubai
Activity Code 7110.76 covers the physical production of scale models and maquettes for architectural, urban planning, real estate, and infrastructure projects. It sits within ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities and Related Technical Consultancy.
This is a technical fabrication and production licence, not a design consultancy classification. If your business physically produces the model rather than only designing it, this is the correct activity code to apply for.
Who are the typical clients for a Building Maquette and Model Making business in Dubai
Clients for this type of technical service typically include:
- Property developers and real estate companies
- Architecture and urban planning firms
- Government agencies and master planners
- Exhibition organisers requiring presentation-grade physical models
Demand is considered structural rather than cyclical in Dubai, driven by the city's ongoing pipeline of mixed-use developments, transport infrastructure, and urban expansion projects through 2030.
Should I set up a mainland DED or free zone licence for model making services in Dubai
The right jurisdiction depends on your target clients and how contracts are structured. A mainland DED licence allows direct contracting with UAE government entities, public-sector infrastructure bodies, and semi-government developers without restrictions — making it the practical choice if government tendering is part of your business model.
A free zone licence, particularly through Meydan Free Zone, offers lower setup costs, full foreign ownership, faster incorporation, and defined visa packages. This suits studios targeting international architecture firms, private developers, and exhibition clients where direct government contracting is not a priority.
Why is Meydan Free Zone recommended for model making studios in Dubai
Meydan Free Zone is recommended for independent studios and boutique technical service providers because it offers competitive annual costs, a straightforward digital setup process, and faster incorporation timelines compared to many other jurisdictions.
It is centrally located in Dubai and provides full foreign ownership along with defined visa packages, making it a cost-efficient default for businesses that do not require direct UAE government contracting rights.
What are the steps to obtain a Building Maquette and Model Making licence in Dubai
The process follows a linear sequence. Key steps include: confirming the correct activity classification (Activity Code 7110.76) to avoid approval delays; choosing between a DED mainland or free zone jurisdiction; and reserving a trade name via the DED portal or your chosen free zone.
You will then need to submit incorporation documents, which typically include passport copies, current visa status documentation, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are currently employed, and a brief business plan summary where required. Working through each step in sequence helps avoid delays at the approval stage.
What is the overall value of the UAE construction sector and why does it matter for model makers
The UAE construction sector is valued at over AED 230 billion, sustaining consistent demand for presentation models used in project approvals, developer launches, and public display purposes.
Dubai's real estate project pipeline remains among the largest globally through 2030, meaning model making studios benefit from a structurally strong demand environment rather than one dependent on short-term market cycles.
What is the difference between a model making licence and a design consultancy licence in Dubai
The key distinction is in the nature of the service delivered. A model making licence under Activity Code 7110.76 covers the physical fabrication and production of scale models and maquettes — it is a technical production service.
A design consultancy licence, by contrast, covers the conceptual and design advisory work that may precede physical production. If your business produces the finished physical model, Activity Code 7110.76 is the correct classification, regardless of whether some design input is involved in the process.
What documents are typically required to incorporate a model making business in Dubai
Standard incorporation documents for this type of technical services licence typically include passport copies for all shareholders or directors, documentation confirming current visa status, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if the applicant is currently employed in the UAE.
A brief business plan summary may also be required depending on the jurisdiction chosen. Ensuring all documents are prepared before submission helps avoid amendment fees and delays at the approval stage.
Building Maquette & Model Making Technical Services License in Dubai
Dubai's construction boom, mega-infrastructure projects, and architectural ambition create sustained commercial demand for professional model making and maquette services — a niche technical activity with a defined licensing path.
This guide covers what the Building Maquette & Model Making Technical Services licence (Activity Code 7110.76) covers, who it suits, where to set up, and how to get licensed efficiently in Dubai.
What This Licence Covers and Who Needs It
Activity Code 7110.76 sits within ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities and Related Technical Consultancy. It covers the physical production of scale models and maquettes for architectural, urban planning, real estate, and infrastructure projects. This is a technical fabrication and production service, not a design consultancy licence.
Clients typically include property developers, architecture firms, government agencies, master planners, and exhibition organisers who require presentation-grade physical models for approvals, launches, or public display. The distinction matters: if your business produces the model — not just designs it — this is the correct activity classification.
Demand is structural rather than cyclical in Dubai. The city's ongoing pipeline of mixed-use developments, transport infrastructure, and urban expansion projects keeps model making studios consistently occupied.
Business Activities List
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| Activity Code | 7110.76 |
| ISIC Division | 71 — Architectural & Engineering Activities |
| Sector | Technical Services / Architectural Support |
| Licence Type | Professional / Technical Services |
| Typical Setup | Mainland DED or Free Zone (Meydan Free Zone recommended for cost efficiency) |
| UAE Construction Sector Value | AED 230+ billion, sustaining consistent demand for presentation models |
| Demand Outlook | Dubai's real estate project pipeline remains among the largest globally through 2030 |
Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision is commercial, not administrative. Both mainland and free zone setups are viable — the right choice depends on who your clients are and how contracts are structured.
A mainland (DED) licence allows you to contract directly with UAE government entities, public-sector infrastructure bodies, and local developers without restrictions. If your business model involves tendering for government-linked projects or working with semi-government developers, mainland is the practical choice.
A free zone licence — particularly through Meydan Free Zone — offers lower setup costs, full foreign ownership, faster incorporation, and defined visa packages. This suits studios targeting international architecture firms, private developers, and exhibition clients where direct government contracting is not a priority.
Meydan Free Zone is centrally located in Dubai, with a straightforward digital setup process and competitive annual costs. It is a sensible default for independent studios and boutique technical service providers entering the market.
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The process is linear. Work through each step in sequence to avoid delays at the approval stage.
- Step 1 — Confirm activity classification. Verify that Activity Code 7110.76 is correctly listed in your licence application. Misclassification causes approval delays and may require amendment fees.
- Step 2 — Choose jurisdiction. Decide between DED mainland or a free zone. Meydan Free Zone is recommended for cost efficiency and speed if government tendering is not part of your model.
- Step 3 — Reserve a trade name. Submit your preferred business name via the DED portal (www.dubaided.gov.ae) or through your chosen free zone. The name should reflect the technical and professional nature of the service.
- Step 4 — Submit incorporation documents. Prepare passport copies, current visa status documentation, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are employed, and a brief business plan summary where required.
- Step 5 — Secure premises. Free zone applicants can use a flexi-desk or shared workspace. Mainland applicants must provide a tenancy contract registered through Ejari. Office size on the mainland directly affects your visa quota.
- Step 6 — Obtain initial approval and pay licence fees. Once documents are verified and fees settled, the trade licence is issued. Free zone timelines are typically faster — often within a few working days.
- Step 7 — Open a corporate bank account. Allow four to eight weeks for banking onboarding. Prepare a clear business plan, proof of licence, and client or contract documentation to support the application.
- Step 8 — Apply for visas. Investor and partner visas are processed through the relevant authority. Employee visas follow once the establishment card is active.
Authoritative references: Dubai DED, Meydan Free Zone, UAE Ministry of Economy.
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Free zone licence packages typically start from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per annum, depending on visa allocation and workspace type. Meydan Free Zone packages are among the more competitive in Dubai for this category.
Mainland DED costs vary based on office space size, number of activities listed, and applicable approvals. Budget AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 or more for initial setup, excluding fit-out or equipment costs relevant to a model making studio.
Ongoing compliance is non-negotiable and includes:
- Annual licence renewal with the issuing authority
- VAT registration once revenue exceeds AED 375,000 — mandatory under Federal Tax Authority rules
- Accurate bookkeeping and financial record maintenance
- Visa renewals and employee permit management
Conclusion
The Building Maquette & Model Making Technical Services licence is a focused, professionally classified activity well-suited to studios, technical fabricators, and architectural service providers looking to operate formally in Dubai's active construction and real estate market. The activity sits within a recognised ISIC division with clear regulatory standing, and demand from developers, planners, and exhibition clients remains consistent.
Jurisdiction choice between mainland and free zone depends on your client base and contract structure — both are viable with the right setup. Free zone is faster and cheaper to establish; mainland is necessary if government contracts are central to the business model.
Use the cost calculator to estimate your setup budget, or speak directly with a setup adviser to confirm the right jurisdiction and licence structure for your model making business.
