Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Activity Code 7110.15 and what does it permit in Dubai
Activity Code 7110.15 is the official classification for Marine Services Consultancy in Dubai, sitting within ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities; Technical Testing and Analysis. It authorises the holder to provide professional advisory services across the maritime sector.
Permitted activities include advisory on vessel operations and fleet management, port logistics consultancy, maritime safety compliance and risk assessment, marine engineering consultancy, and regulatory and technical advisory to shipping and offshore clients.
It is important to note that this licence does not cover physical marine operations, cargo handling, or ship repair. Those activities require separate operational licences and, in most cases, additional approvals from the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA).
Who is the Marine Services Consultancy licence suitable for
This is a professional-category licence, meaning it is designed for qualified practitioners and advisory businesses rather than trading or operational entities.
It is particularly well suited to:
- Naval architects, marine engineers, and maritime operations specialists structuring an advisory practice
- International consultancies establishing a UAE base to serve Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean trade corridors
- Freelance marine surveyors and safety compliance advisors formalising their business structure
The primary client base typically includes shipping companies, port operators, offshore energy firms, yacht operators, and government maritime bodies across the GCC and wider region.
What is the difference between a Mainland and a Free Zone licence for marine consultancy in Dubai
The jurisdiction choice is fundamentally a commercial decision rather than a purely administrative one. Both options are fully legitimate and offer 100% foreign ownership following the UAE's 2021 reforms.
A Mainland licence issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) permits direct contracts with UAE government entities and local corporates without restrictions, making it the better choice if your consultancy intends to bid on public tenders or work directly with UAE-registered shipping companies.
A Free Zone licence (such as through Meydan Free Zone) typically offers faster setup, lower overhead, and a leaner structure. It is well suited to consultancies serving international clients or operating remotely. Meydan Free Zone is located within Dubai, making physical presence in the city straightforward without the higher cost base of specialist maritime zones.
What is the typical timeline and cost structure for setting up a Marine Services Consultancy in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A Free Zone licence can typically be established in 5–10 working days, while a Mainland (DET) licence generally takes 2–4 weeks due to additional government touchpoints.
In terms of cost, Free Zone options such as Meydan Free Zone tend to carry lower overhead compared to specialist maritime zones. The DMCA Free Zone at Port Rashid offers proximity to marine infrastructure but comes with a higher cost base, which should be weighed against whether that physical proximity is operationally necessary for your consultancy.
Why is Dubai considered a commercially viable location for marine services consultancy
Dubai handles over 14 million TEUs annually through Port Jebel Ali, one of the largest container ports in the world. This volume alone makes it a significant hub for maritime commerce and advisory services.
Geographically, the emirate sits at the intersection of Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean trade routes, giving consultancies based here natural access to a wide regional client base spanning the GCC, East Africa, and South Asia.
The regulatory environment has also matured significantly over the past decade, with authorities such as the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) providing clear frameworks for professional maritime businesses to operate.
What role does the Dubai Maritime City Authority play for marine consultancy licence holders
The Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) is one of the key regulatory bodies overseeing maritime activities in Dubai. For holders of Activity Code 7110.15, the DMCA is relevant in two main ways.
First, certain advisory activities — particularly those touching on safety compliance, offshore operations, or port logistics — may require additional DMCA approvals beyond the base consultancy licence. Second, the DMCA operates its own maritime cluster at Port Rashid, which functions as a dedicated free zone for businesses that require physical proximity to shipyards, port infrastructure, or marine operations.
Consultancies that do not need direct access to marine infrastructure can operate effectively from Mainland or other Free Zone jurisdictions, with the DMCA remaining a relevant but not necessarily primary authority.
Is 100% foreign ownership available for a Marine Services Consultancy licence in Dubai
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is available for Marine Services Consultancy licences in Dubai under both Free Zone and Mainland structures. This became broadly applicable on the Mainland following the UAE's 2021 ownership reforms, which removed the previous requirement for a local Emirati sponsor or partner for most professional and consultancy activities.
Free zones have historically offered 100% foreign ownership as a standard feature, making them a longstanding option for international consultants entering the UAE market. The 2021 reforms largely levelled the playing field between the two jurisdictions on this specific point, shifting the decision back to commercial and operational factors.
Are there any qualification or credential requirements for obtaining this licence
Marine Services Consultancy is classified as a professional activity in Dubai, which carries specific requirements around the credentials of the licence holder or responsible manager. The relevant authority may require a qualified manager or partner with demonstrable credentials in the marine or engineering field.
This means that simply registering a company is unlikely to be sufficient on its own — the individual named as the professional responsible for the activity will typically need to evidence relevant qualifications or experience, such as a background in naval architecture, marine engineering, maritime operations, or a related discipline.
Prospective applicants should confirm the specific documentation requirements with the DET (for Mainland) or their chosen Free Zone authority at the outset, as credential verification can affect both the timeline and the structure of the application.
Marine Services Consultancy License in Dubai
Dubai's position as a global maritime hub — handling over 14 million TEUs annually through Port Jebel Ali — makes it one of the most commercially viable jurisdictions in the world for marine services consultancy. The emirate sits at the intersection of Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean trade routes, with a regulatory environment that has matured significantly over the past decade.
This guide covers what the Marine Services Consultancy licence (Activity Code 7110.15) permits, who it suits, and the practical steps to set one up in Dubai.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Code | 7110.15 |
| Activity Name | Marine Services Consultancy |
| ISIC Classification | Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities; Technical Testing and Analysis |
| Licence Type | Professional / Consultancy |
| Jurisdiction Options | Mainland Dubai (DET) or Free Zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone) |
| Typical Setup Timeline | 5–10 working days (Free Zone); 2–4 weeks (Mainland) |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% available — Free Zone and Mainland post-2021 reforms |
| Key Authorities | Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
What the Marine Services Consultancy Licence Covers
Activity Code 7110.15 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers professional, technical, and engineering advisory services. Applied to the marine sector, this licence authorises the holder to provide expert consultancy across a defined range of maritime activities.
Permitted scope under this activity includes:
- Advisory on vessel operations and fleet management
- Port logistics consultancy
- Maritime safety compliance and risk assessment
- Marine engineering consultancy
- Regulatory and technical advisory to shipping and offshore clients
This licence does not cover physical marine operations, cargo handling, or ship repair. Those activities require separate operational licences and, in most cases, additional approvals from the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA).
Primary client base includes shipping companies, port operators, offshore energy firms, yacht operators, and government maritime bodies across the GCC and wider region.
Who This Licence Is For
This is a professional-category licence, which means it is designed for qualified practitioners rather than trading entities. It suits:
- Naval architects, marine engineers, and maritime operations specialists structuring an advisory practice
- International consultancies establishing a UAE base to serve Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean trade corridors
- Freelance marine surveyors and safety compliance advisors formalising their business structure
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision is commercial, not administrative. Both options are fully legitimate — the right choice depends on your client base, operational model, and cost tolerance.
Mainland (DET): A licence issued by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism permits direct contracts with UAE government entities and local corporates without restrictions. If your consultancy intends to bid on public tenders or work directly with UAE-registered shipping companies, a Mainland licence removes friction at the contracting stage.
Free Zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone): Faster setup, 100% foreign ownership, and lower overhead. Well-suited to consultancies serving international clients, operating remotely, or running a lean structure. Meydan Free Zone sits within Dubai, which means physical presence in the city is straightforward without the cost structure of specialist maritime zones.
DMCA Free Zone: The Dubai Maritime City Authority operates its own maritime cluster at Port Rashid. If physical proximity to marine infrastructure, shipyards, or port operations is operationally necessary, DMCA is worth evaluating — though it carries a higher cost base.
Key Regulatory Consideration
Marine consultancy is a professional activity. The relevant authority may require a qualified manager or partner with demonstrable credentials in the marine or engineering field to be named on the licence. On the Mainland, sole establishments may require a Local Service Agent (LSA) — this is an administrative arrangement and does not affect profit ownership or operational control.
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Calculate NowStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is straightforward if documents are in order. Delays typically arise from incomplete KYC, name conflicts, or missing approvals — not from the activity itself.
- Step 1 — Confirm the activity: Verify that 7110.15 (Marine Services Consultancy) accurately reflects your intended scope. Cross-check with DET or your chosen free zone authority before proceeding.
- Step 2 — Choose jurisdiction and legal structure: Mainland (LLC or Sole Establishment) or Free Zone Entity. Your choice determines ownership structure, client access, and ongoing compliance obligations.
- Step 3 — Reserve a trade name: Submit via the DET online portal or free zone equivalent. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions and must not conflict with maritime authority naming restrictions.
- Step 4 — Submit incorporation documents: Passport copies, a business plan summary, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are currently visa-sponsored in the UAE.
- Step 5 — Obtain initial approval and sign formation documents: For Mainland, this includes the Memorandum of Association (MOA). For Free Zone, the establishment card and shareholder agreement.
- Step 6 — Secure office space: A flexi-desk arrangement qualifies for most free zones. Mainland requires a tenancy contract registered with Ejari.
- Step 7 — Collect licence and apply for residency visa: Once the trade licence is issued, apply for your investor or partner visa, then open a corporate bank account.
Timeline and Cost Indicators
Free Zone setup typically completes within 5–10 working days from document submission. Mainland setup runs 2–4 weeks depending on DET queue and any external approvals required. Licence costs vary by jurisdiction, legal structure, and visa requirements.
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Obtaining the licence is step one. The operational requirements that follow are where most founders lose time if unprepared.
Corporate banking: UAE banks require a valid trading licence, tenancy proof, and full shareholder KYC documentation. Allow 4–8 weeks for account activation. Challenger banking options can bridge the gap while a primary account is being processed.
VAT: Registration is mandatory once annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Consultancy services invoiced to non-UAE clients may qualify as zero-rated exports under Federal Tax Authority guidelines — confirm with a qualified tax adviser based on your specific contract structure.
Professional indemnity insurance: Commercially advisable for any marine consultancy. Certain client contracts — particularly in offshore energy or government maritime work — will require it as a contractual condition.
Licence renewal: Annual. Maintain a valid tenancy agreement, current visa compliance, and accurate activity scope. Lapses can result in fines and complications with visa renewals.
DMCA oversight: Consultancies advising on regulated maritime operations within UAE waters may require additional technical registration or approvals from the Dubai Maritime City Authority, particularly where safety-critical advisory is involved.
Conclusion
A Marine Services Consultancy licence under Activity Code 7110.15 is a well-defined, professional-category licence suited to qualified maritime advisors and international consultancies looking to operate from Dubai's established maritime ecosystem. The choice between a free zone and Mainland structure comes down to your client base and commercial model — free zone for speed, flexibility, and international work; Mainland for direct government and corporate engagement in the UAE market.
Dubai's maritime infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and geographic position make it a rational base for any consultancy serving the Gulf, Red Sea, or Indian Ocean corridors. The licence framework supports that without unnecessary complexity.
If you are ready to structure your marine consultancy in Dubai, get a cost estimate or speak with a setup adviser to confirm the right jurisdiction and legal structure for your business model.
