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 sits at the intersection of major global shipping lanes, operates one of the world's busiest ports, and runs a maritime sector that touches everything from superyacht management to offshore logistics. The scale is real, and so is the demand for specialist advice at every level of that ecosystem.
A marine services consultancy license lets you advise, plan, and manage across that sector from a base that gives you direct access to clients in the Gulf, East Africa, and South Asia. This article covers what the license covers, who your clients will be, how to choose the right jurisdiction, and how to get set up.
Key Stats at a Glance
| License type | Professional / Consultancy |
|---|---|
| Typical activity code | Marine Services Consultancy (confirm the exact code with your chosen jurisdiction before applying) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted – both mainland and free zone, per Invest in Dubai |
| Typical setup cost | From AED 12,500 at Meydan Free Zone; mainland costs vary by office requirement |
| Typical setup timeline | 3 to 7 working days for a free zone license; mainland approvals may take longer |
| Port throughput context | DP World's Jebel Ali handles over 14 million TEUs a year, making it one of the ten busiest container ports globally – DP World |
| VAT registration threshold | AED 375,000 in annual taxable turnover – Federal Tax Authority |
What a Marine Services Consultancy License Covers
The license covers advisory and planning work across the maritime sector. You are selling expertise, not running physical operations. That distinction matters both commercially and from a compliance point of view.
Permitted activities
Under a marine services consultancy license, you can typically advise on:
- Vessel operations, routing, and scheduling
- Port logistics and berth planning
- Marine safety management systems and risk assessments
- Fleet management strategy and procurement advice
- Regulatory compliance for shipping companies operating in UAE waters
- Marine insurance advisory (where not requiring a separate financial services license)
What it does not cover
This license does not let you operate vessels, handle cargo physically, supply crew, or own and charter ships commercially. Those activities need separate operational licenses, often with additional approvals from the UAE Federal Transport Authority or the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation. If your work crosses into those areas, you need to check the Business Activities List carefully before you apply.
Consultancy vs operations
A consultancy license keeps your regulatory footprint light. You do not need to meet the capital requirements, insurance mandates, or safety certifications that come with an operational marine license. You are being paid for your knowledge, your network, and your ability to solve problems. The license reflects that.
Why the activity code matters
The activity code on your license defines what you are legally allowed to do. If a client asks you to perform a task that sits outside your code, you are breaking the rules, even if the work feels adjacent. Get the code confirmed before you start, not after. Meydan Free Zone can help you verify the right code for your specific consultancy scope before you submit an application.
Who Your Clients Will Be
Marine services consultancy in Dubai is not a mass-market business. Your clients are organisations with real operational complexity and real budgets. They are not buying on a phone call. They run formal procurement processes, they want you on an approved vendor list first, and they sign longer contracts once they trust you.
Shipping lines and port operators
Large shipping companies operating through Jebel Ali and other UAE ports need consultants for route optimisation, port call planning, and compliance with evolving international maritime regulations. Port operators similarly use external consultants for capacity planning and safety audits.
Offshore energy firms
Oil and gas companies operating in the Arabian Gulf use marine consultants for vessel coordination, offshore logistics planning, and safety management. This is a steady source of contract work, and the UAE's proximity to major Gulf energy fields makes Dubai a logical base for it.
Superyacht and charter operators
The UAE has a growing superyacht market, concentrated around Dubai Marina and Abu Dhabi. Owners and charter operators need advice on flagging, crewing regulations, berthing, and regional cruising permits. It is a niche, but it pays well and the clients are accessible.
Government bodies and free zone authorities
Port authorities, free zone operators, and government entities managing maritime infrastructure commission consultancy work for feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and regulatory alignment. Winning these contracts takes time and requires a mainland presence in most cases, but the contract values are significant.
Regional logistics companies
Freight forwarders and logistics firms with sea freight operations use marine consultants to manage carrier relationships, optimise container movements, and navigate customs and port procedures. Dubai's role as a regional logistics hub keeps this demand consistent.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Setup Works for You
This is the biggest choice you will make when setting up. Let your clients decide it, not the price.
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (Meydan Free Zone) |
|---|---|---|
| Client access | Direct access to UAE government bodies, port authorities, and local market | Best suited to international clients and private sector work |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted in most professional activities | 100% permitted |
| Office requirement | Physical office required; costs vary by location | Flexi-desk options available; lower overhead |
| Setup cost | Higher, driven by office lease and DET fees | From AED 12,500; see Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500 |
| VAT | Mandatory once you exceed AED 375,000 turnover | Same threshold applies |
| Currency restrictions | None | None |
| Speed of setup | Longer; approvals through DET and potentially other bodies | 3 to 7 working days in most cases |
If your clients are UAE government entities, port authorities, or public-sector organisations, you need a mainland license from the Department of Economy and Tourism. A mainland license from DET lets you work directly with UAE government bodies and bid on public tenders without restriction.
If your clients are international shipping companies, offshore energy firms, or private sector operators, a Meydan Free Zone license gives you 100% Foreign Ownership, lower setup costs, and a faster path to trading. You can also set up your company remotely through remote business setup, which suits founders who are not yet based in the UAE.
On VAT: once your consultancy revenue crosses AED 375,000 in a twelve-month period, you must register with the Federal Tax Authority. This applies whatever your jurisdiction. Plan for it from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought.
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Calculate NowHow to Set Up a Marine Services Consultancy in Dubai
- Step 1, choose your jurisdiction: Decide between mainland and free zone based on your target clients. If you are unsure, the Meydan Free Zone team can walk you through the practical difference before you commit.
- Step 2, book your trade name: Use the DET e-Services portal for a mainland company, or the Meydan Free Zone portal for a free zone one. Check your preferred name is available first using the Company Name Check tool.
- Step 3, confirm your activity code: Make sure the code covers your specific consultancy scope. Do not assume a broadly worded code covers everything you plan to do.
- Step 4, prepare your documents: You will need passport copies for all shareholders and directors, a brief business plan summary, and a No Objection Certificate if you are already on a UAE residence visa sponsored by another employer.
- Step 5, submit your application: Free zone applications go through the Meydan Free Zone portal. Mainland applications go through the DET e-Services portal. Both are online processes.
- Step 6, get your license issued: Free zone licenses typically issue within 3 to 7 working days. Mainland timelines vary depending on whether additional approvals are needed from sector regulators.
- Step 7, open a business bank account: You need a corporate account before you can invoice clients. Meydan Free Zone's mCore service includes business banking support to help you get this done without the usual back-and-forth.
- Step 8, register for VAT if applicable: If you expect to exceed AED 375,000 in taxable turnover within twelve months of starting, register with the Federal Tax Authority before you start trading. Meydan Free Zone's mAccounting service covers VAT registration support if you need help with this.
Compliance and What You Need in Place
Once you are trading, there are a few ongoing duties to keep on top of.
VAT filing
If you are registered for VAT, you file quarterly returns with the Federal Tax Authority. Keep your invoicing and records clean from day one. Retroactive bookkeeping is painful and expensive. Meydan Free Zone's bookkeeping services can handle this on an ongoing basis.
Corporate tax
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000. Free zone companies can qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income, but the conditions are specific. Check with a tax adviser before you assume you qualify. Meydan Free Zone's mAccounting team covers corporate tax services in Dubai for free zone businesses.
Staff registration
If you hire employees, you must register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and comply with UAE labour law on contracts, leave, and end-of-service gratuity. This applies from your first hire.
Sector-specific approvals
Most marine consultancy work does not need approvals beyond your business license. But if your scope touches vessel safety certification, offshore safety management systems, or port security advisory, check whether the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation or another sector body needs to be notified or consulted.
License renewal
Business licenses in Dubai renew annually. Missing your renewal date results in fines and can affect your visa status if you hold a residence visa under the company. Set a reminder well before the expiry date.
Market Opportunity in Dubai's Marine Sector
Dubai's maritime sector is not a niche. Jebel Ali Port, operated by DP World, handles over 14 million TEUs a year and is one of the ten busiest container ports in the world. That volume creates constant demand for logistics planning, compliance advice, and operational consulting at every level of the supply chain.
Offshore energy activity in the Arabian Gulf adds another layer. As Gulf states continue developing their upstream and downstream energy infrastructure, marine coordination and safety consulting work follows. Dubai is the natural base for consultants serving clients across the Gulf because of its infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory environment.
The regional picture is also expanding. The Red Sea corridor, East African port development, and South Asian trade routes are all accessible from Dubai. Consultants who build regional relationships from a Dubai base can follow the work without needing to relocate. That geographic reach is one of the real advantages of operating here.
Barriers to entry in this sector are real. Clients want consultants with verifiable experience, sector credentials, and an understanding of how regional ports and shipping lines actually operate. That makes it hard to break in cold. But once you are on approved vendor lists and have a track record in the region, the barriers that kept others out start working in your favour. Repeat contracts and referrals drive most of the business here, not advertising.
The Mordor Intelligence maritime consulting market data points to continued growth in demand for specialist advisory services across the Middle East and Africa region, driven by port expansion programmes and tightening international maritime regulations.
Conclusion
A marine services consultancy license in Dubai is a focused, workable route into one of the region's most active commercial sectors, whether you are advising on port logistics, fleet operations, or offshore safety. The setup process is simple, the ownership rules are clean, and the market is large enough to sustain a specialist practice with the right credentials and client relationships.
The jurisdiction choice is the most consequential early decision. If you are targeting UAE government bodies and port authorities, go mainland. If your clients are international or private sector, Meydan Free Zone gives you a faster, lower-cost path to trading with no compromise on ownership or banking access.
Speak to the Meydan Free Zone team to confirm the right activity code for your consultancy and get a cost estimate before you commit to a jurisdiction.
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Let's ConnectReferences
- Invest in Dubai
- DP World
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
- Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC)
- Mordor Intelligence
