Metal Engineering Services License in Dubai

Dubai's construction boom, infrastructure pipeline, and manufacturing expansion make metal engineering one of the more commercially grounded industrial licences you can hold in the UAE. Whether you are a structural engineer, technical consultant, or project firm serving the construction or oil and gas sectors, Activity Code 7110.74 provides the formal framework to operate legally and competitively in this market.

This guide covers what the Metal Engineering Services licence covers, who needs it, how to set it up, and what the regulatory and commercial landscape looks like in practice.

Key Stats at a Glance

Detail	Information
Activity Name	Metal Engineering Services
Activity Code	7110.74
ISIC Classification	Division 71 – Architectural and Engineering Activities
Licence Type	Industrial / Professional (jurisdiction-dependent)
Typical Setup Timeline	3–7 working days (free zone); 2–4 weeks (mainland)
Minimum Share Capital	No fixed minimum for most free zone structures
Visa Eligibility	Yes – based on office or facility size
Key Authorities	Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) Meydan Free Zone UAE Ministry of Economy

What the Metal Engineering Services Licence Covers

Activity Code 7110.74 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers architectural, engineering, and related technical consultancy activities. Applied specifically to metal systems and structures, this licence authorises engineering-led work rather than production or manufacturing operations.

The distinction matters. If your business designs, specifies, analyses, or advises on metal structures and components — rather than fabricating them at scale — this is the correct activity classification. Businesses engaged in large-scale metal production would typically require a separate industrial manufacturing licence.

Relevant sectors include construction, oil and gas, infrastructure development, commercial fit-out, heavy equipment, and industrial plant engineering — all of which are active and growing in the UAE.

Permitted Business Activities

• Structural metal engineering design and specification
• Technical consulting on metal fabrication processes and material selection
• Site inspection and quality assurance for metal installations
• Engineering drawings, load calculations, and compliance reporting
• Advisory services for metal-based construction and industrial components

Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is the first and most consequential decision in your setup. It determines who you can contract with, what your cost base looks like, and how quickly you can scale headcount.

A mainland licence issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) allows direct contracts with UAE government entities and private sector clients without restriction. If your pipeline includes public infrastructure projects, municipality contracts, or large developer relationships, mainland is the practical choice.

A free zone setup — such as Meydan Free Zone — offers 100% foreign ownership, faster incorporation, and lower overhead. It is well-suited for consultancy-led operations, remote-capable teams, and businesses whose clients are international or free zone-based. If physical fabrication, warehousing, or direct onshore contract execution is part of your model, a mainland entity or a free zone with dedicated industrial units is more appropriate.

Key Jurisdictional Considerations

• Free zone entities cannot directly execute onshore contracts without a local distributor or branch arrangement
• Mainland now permits full foreign ownership under the 2021 UAE Companies Law amendments for most commercial and professional activities
• VAT registration threshold of AED 375,000 annual turnover applies equally across both jurisdictions
• Meydan Free Zone is cost-competitive for engineering consultancies operating with lean teams or flexible work arrangements

Step-by-Step Licence Setup Guide

Setup is straightforward when documentation is in order. The process below applies broadly — specific steps vary slightly between mainland and free zone authorities.

• Step 1 – Define your legal structure. Choose between a sole establishment, LLC (mainland), or free zone company (FZC/FZCO). Your structure affects liability, ownership, and banking options.
• Step 2 – Reserve your trade name. Submit your preferred business name via DET or the relevant free zone portal. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions.
• Step 3 – Submit initial approval. File your application specifying Activity Code 7110.74. This triggers the authority's internal review.
• Step 4 – Secure your registered address. Options include a physical office, flexi-desk, or virtual office depending on the jurisdiction and your visa requirements.
• Step 5 – Submit supporting documents. This includes MOA/AOA, passport copies of all shareholders and managers, and any professional qualification documents required by the authority.
• Step 6 – Pay licence fees and receive your trade licence. Free zone timelines are typically 3–7 working days once documents are complete.
• Step 7 – Apply for establishment card, then visas. Investor and employee visas are processed after the licence is issued.

For mainland applications via DET, professional engineering qualifications may be requested. Have degree certificates attested and ready before submission to avoid delays.

Documents Typically Required

• Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
• No-objection letter if the applicant is currently employed elsewhere in the UAE
• Attested engineering qualifications (mainland, assessed case-by-case)
• Tenancy contract or Ejari for mainland office space

Costs, Visas, and Ongoing Compliance

Cost structures differ materially between free zone and mainland, and both carry ongoing compliance obligations that are non-negotiable.

Free zone licence fees for metal engineering services start from approximately AED 12,000–18,000 per year, depending on the package and visa allocation. Meydan Free Zone offers competitive entry-level packages suited to consultancy operations. Mainland DET fees vary by activity classification and office size, typically ranging from AED 15,000–25,000 annually.

Visa quota is tied directly to your office arrangement. A flexi-desk typically supports one to three visas; a dedicated office scales higher based on square footage. Annual licence renewal is mandatory — allowing a licence to lapse triggers financial penalties and can result in visa cancellation for sponsored employees.

From a tax and compliance perspective:

• VAT registration is required once turnover exceeds AED 375,000 — engineering services are standard-rated at 5% under Federal Tax Authority guidelines
• Corporate tax at 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000 from June 2023 onwards, per the UAE Ministry of Finance
• Proper bookkeeping and financial records are required to support both VAT filings and corporate tax returns

Conclusion

A Metal Engineering Services licence under Activity Code 7110.74 is a commercially viable structure for engineers, technical consultants, and project-focused firms operating across Dubai's construction and industrial sectors. The activity classification is well-defined, the regulatory framework is stable, and demand from infrastructure, real estate, and energy projects continues to generate consistent work for qualified operators.

Jurisdiction choice — mainland for direct government and private contracts, free zone for leaner consultancy operations — is the first and most consequential decision. Setup is straightforward when documentation is in order. Ongoing compliance, particularly VAT and corporate tax, requires proper accounting infrastructure from day one.

If you want to confirm activity eligibility, compare jurisdiction costs, or get your licence issued without back-and-forth, speak to the Meydan Free Zone setup team directly.