Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Mechanical Engineering Services licence (Activity Code 7110.85) allow you to do in Dubai
Activity Code 7110.85 authorises the holder to provide mechanical engineering expertise on a consultancy and advisory basis. Permitted activities include mechanical system design, HVAC engineering, industrial plant consultancy, equipment specification, energy efficiency assessments, and technical feasibility studies.
It is important to note that this is a professional services licence, not a contracting licence. Physical installation, site execution, and construction works fall outside its scope. If you intend to carry out on-site works, a separate trade or contracting licence will be required.
What is the difference between a mainland and a free zone licence for mechanical engineering services in Dubai
A mainland licence issued through Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) is the right choice if you plan to contract directly with UAE government entities, bid on public tenders, or work on-site across Dubai without restriction. It also carries greater credibility with certain institutional clients who require a DET-registered entity.
A free zone licence — such as one issued by Meydan Free Zone — offers faster setup, 100% foreign ownership, no paid-up capital requirement, and lower overheads. It suits consultancy-led, project-based, or remote-delivery business models particularly well.
Free zone operators engaging mainland clients often appoint a local service agent or structure contracts through a mainland-registered partner for site-specific engagements.
How long does it take to set up a Mechanical Engineering Services licence in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A free zone licence can typically be issued within 3–7 working days, making it the faster route for consultants who want to begin trading quickly.
A mainland licence through DET generally takes 2–4 weeks, as it may involve additional approval steps, particularly where regulatory bodies such as Dubai Municipality are required to review the application scope.
Is there a minimum share capital requirement for a Mechanical Engineering Services licence in Dubai
For most free zone jurisdictions in Dubai, there is no mandatory minimum share capital for professional licences, including the Mechanical Engineering Services activity. This makes the free zone route particularly accessible for individual consultants and small advisory firms.
Mainland professional licences under DET also generally do not impose a paid-up capital requirement, though specific conditions can vary. It is advisable to confirm the current requirements with the relevant authority or a registered business setup adviser before proceeding.
Which regulatory bodies oversee mechanical engineering practice in Dubai
Dubai Municipality oversees engineering practice standards in Dubai and may require registration for certain scopes of work, particularly those involving built environment projects.
Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) governs mainland commercial registration and licence issuance for businesses operating outside free zones.
Engineers seeking formal professional accreditation in the UAE should also review membership and registration requirements with the UAE Society of Engineers.
Who are the typical clients for a mechanical engineering consultancy in Dubai
Businesses holding the Mechanical Engineering Services licence typically serve a broad range of clients across the built environment and industrial sectors. Common client types include:
- Property developers requiring mechanical system design input
- Main contractors seeking specialist HVAC or plant consultancy
- Facility management companies commissioning energy efficiency assessments
- Industrial operators needing technical feasibility studies
- Government project offices procuring engineering advisory services
The project-based or retainer-based nature of the work suits lean team structures and remote delivery arrangements, which is one reason the licence is commercially attractive in the current Dubai market.
Can a mechanical engineering services firm in Dubai sponsor employee visas
Yes, visa eligibility is available under the Mechanical Engineering Services licence, but it is subject to office space and jurisdiction-specific rules. The number of visas a company can sponsor is typically linked to the size of the physical office space allocated to the business.
Free zone licences often come with flexible desk or flexi-desk packages that include a set visa allocation, while mainland setups may require a formal tenancy contract to determine visa quota. Confirming visa entitlements with your chosen jurisdiction authority before setup is recommended.
What should you check before applying for Activity Code 7110.85 if you offer multiple engineering disciplines
Activity Code 7110.85 specifically covers mechanical engineering services within ISIC Division 71. If your firm intends to offer services across multiple disciplines — such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering — you should cross-check the full activity list to determine whether additional activity codes need to be included on your licence.
Combining activities on a single licence is often possible but may affect the applicable fee structure and, in some cases, require sign-off from additional regulatory bodies. Confirming your exact scope at the outset helps avoid costly amendments or compliance issues after the licence has been issued.
Mechanical Engineering Services License in Dubai
Dubai's construction boom, industrial expansion, and infrastructure pipeline make mechanical engineering services one of the more commercially viable professional licences to hold in the UAE right now. Whether you are a specialist consultant, an HVAC engineer, or a technical advisory firm, the market conditions are substantive — and the regulatory path is well-defined.
This guide covers what the Mechanical Engineering Services licence (Activity Code 7110.85) covers, where to set up, what the process looks like, and what it costs — so you can make a grounded decision.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Name | Mechanical Engineering Services |
| Activity Code | 7110.85 |
| ISIC Classification | Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities |
| Licence Type | Professional |
| Jurisdiction Options | Mainland (DET) / Free Zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone) |
| Minimum Share Capital | No mandatory minimum for professional licences in most free zones |
| Visa Eligibility | Yes — subject to office space and jurisdiction rules |
| Approximate Setup Timeline | 3–7 working days (free zone); 2–4 weeks (mainland with approvals) |
| Regulatory Body | Dubai Municipality / Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland; respective free zone authority |
What This Licence Covers
Activity Code 7110.85 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers architectural and engineering consultancy, technical testing, and related advisory services. In practical terms, this licence authorises the holder to provide mechanical engineering expertise on a consultancy and advisory basis.
The scope includes mechanical system design, HVAC engineering, industrial plant consultancy, equipment specification, energy efficiency assessments, and technical feasibility studies. It is a professional services licence — not a contracting one. Physical installation, site execution, or construction works fall outside this scope and require a separate trade or contracting licence.
Clients in this space typically include property developers, main contractors, facility management companies, industrial operators, and government project offices. The business model is project-based or retainer-based consultancy, which suits lean team structures and remote delivery arrangements.
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Explore Over 2,500+Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision shapes your cost base, client access, and operational flexibility — so it is worth getting right before you apply.
A mainland licence issued through Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) is the appropriate route if you intend to contract directly with UAE government entities, bid on public tenders, or work on-site across Dubai without restriction. Mainland also carries more credibility with certain institutional clients who require a DET-registered entity.
A free zone licence — Meydan Free Zone being a practical option for professional services — offers faster setup, 100% foreign ownership, no paid-up capital requirement, and lower overheads. It suits consultancy-led, project-based, or remote-delivery models well. Free zone operators working with mainland clients typically appoint a local service agent or structure contracts through a mainland-registered partner for site-specific engagements.
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Calculate NowRegulatory Touchpoints to Know
- Dubai Municipality oversees engineering practice standards and may require registration for certain scopes — www.dm.gov.ae
- Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) governs mainland commercial registration and licence issuance — www.det.gov.ae
- UAE Society of Engineers — engineers seeking formal professional accreditation in the UAE should review membership and registration requirements — www.uae-engineers.com
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseStep-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
Step 1 — Confirm your activity scope. Verify that 7110.85 accurately reflects your service offering. If you plan to offer combined engineering services across mechanical, electrical, or civil disciplines, cross-check the full activity list to determine whether additional codes are required.
Step 2 — Choose your jurisdiction. For a lean consultancy, Meydan Free Zone offers a straightforward professional licence path with no paid-up capital requirement and a fast approval track. For government contracts or unrestricted mainland access, apply through DET.
Step 3 — Reserve your trade name and submit initial application. Documents typically required include passport copies, a CV, and relevant engineering qualifications or degree certificates. Some authorities request attested documents.
Step 4 — Obtain initial approval. For mainland applications, this stage may trigger a referral to Dubai Municipality's Engineering and Planning Department, particularly where the scope involves regulated technical practice.
Step 5 — Secure a registered office address. A flexi-desk qualifies in most free zones and satisfies the address requirement for the licence. Finalise your Memorandum of Association or service agreement documents at this stage.
Step 6 — Pay licence fees and receive your licence certificate. Once issued, apply for your establishment card and UAE residence visa if required.
Step 7 — Open a corporate bank account. Factor in four to eight weeks for banking onboarding. Have your full document pack ready — licence certificate, passport, visa, Emirates ID, and proof of address.
Costs, Visas, and Ongoing Compliance
Free zone professional licence fees typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per year, depending on the package and visa allocation included. Meydan Free Zone sits competitively within this range for professional licence holders.
Mainland licence costs are higher — budget AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 for year one when accounting for DET fees, external approvals, and notarisation. If Dubai Municipality referral is triggered, allow additional time and cost.
Visa quota is tied to your office arrangement. A flexi-desk typically supports one to three visas. A dedicated office unlocks a higher quota. Annual licence renewal is mandatory — non-renewal attracts fines and can result in blacklisting, which complicates banking and future applications.
VAT registration is required once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Engineering consultancy services supplied within the UAE are standard-rated at 5%. Maintain clean books from day one. The Federal Tax Authority governs VAT compliance — www.tax.gov.ae.
Conclusion
A Mechanical Engineering Services licence under Activity Code 7110.85 is a well-defined, professionally recognised category in Dubai — suited to consultants, specialist engineers, and technical advisory firms looking to operate in one of the region's most active construction and industrial markets. The scope is clear, the setup process is manageable, and the demand from developers, contractors, and industrial operators is consistent.
Jurisdiction choice, scope clarity, and regulatory alignment with Dubai Municipality are the three decisions that will shape your setup. Get those right at the outset and the rest follows a predictable path.
If you want a cost estimate or need to confirm the right activity code before committing, use the tools below or speak directly with the setup team.
