Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 7110.84 cover for nuclear engineering services in Dubai
Activity code 7110.84 falls under ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities and covers a defined scope of professional and technical services related to nuclear operations. Covered services include nuclear facility design, safety assessments, radiation protection engineering, decommissioning consultancy, and technical advisory to nuclear operators.
It is important to note that this activity code covers professional services and consultancy only — it does not extend to plant construction or energy generation. This distinction has direct implications for both your commercial trade licence and your federal regulatory authorisation requirements.
Who regulates nuclear engineering services in the UAE
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) is the primary federal regulator for all nuclear-related activities in the UAE. It operates under Federal Law No. 6 of 2009 and holds broad enforcement powers, including the ability to inspect, suspend, and revoke authorisations. Its official portal is www.fanr.gov.ae.
Any entity providing nuclear engineering services must obtain FANR authorisation in addition to a standard commercial trade licence from DED or a free zone authority. These are two entirely separate processes — one does not substitute for the other, and both must be maintained concurrently.
Do I need both a trade licence and a FANR authorisation to operate in this space
Yes. Operating as a nuclear engineering services firm in Dubai requires two parallel approvals: a commercial trade licence issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED) or a relevant free zone authority, and a separate federal authorisation from FANR.
These processes should be treated as two tracks running simultaneously, not sequentially. Delays in either track can affect your ability to commence operations. FANR's authorisation process requires demonstration of technical competence, qualified personnel, and documented safety management systems before approval is granted.
What types of FANR licences apply to nuclear engineering services firms
Under UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 4 of 2012, different licensing categories apply depending on the nature and scope of nuclear activities being undertaken. Firms must determine at the outset whether they require a Radiation Facilities Licence or a broader Nuclear Facility Licence.
The correct licence category depends on the specific services your firm will deliver. Misclassifying your activity at the application stage can result in delays, additional compliance requirements, or enforcement action. Early engagement with FANR to clarify the appropriate category is strongly recommended before submitting any application.
Should I set up on the Dubai mainland or in a free zone for this activity
The choice between a Dubai mainland LLC via DED and a free zone entity has practical consequences for nuclear engineering services firms. Mainland setup generally offers broader access to government contracts, which is significant given that the primary client base in this sector includes government bodies, energy utilities, and national nuclear operators.
Some free zones restrict regulated technical activities that require federal approval, which could limit your ability to operate under activity code 7110.84. You should confirm that your chosen jurisdiction explicitly permits this activity before proceeding with name reservation or entity formation.
Who are the typical clients for nuclear engineering services firms in the UAE
The client base for nuclear engineering services in the UAE is institutional by nature. Typical clients include government bodies, energy utilities such as the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), defence-adjacent contractors, and international nuclear operators with active projects or commercial interests in the UAE.
Because of this institutional client profile, firms entering this market must present themselves with strong technical credentials and formal safety management documentation. Commercial positioning and business development approaches appropriate for consumer-facing or SME markets are generally not effective in this sector.
What is the UAE's nuclear energy capacity target and current status of the Barakah plant
The UAE has set a target of 5,600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030, delivered through the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant located in Abu Dhabi. Barakah is the centrepiece of the UAE's civilian nuclear programme and a key driver of demand for licensed nuclear engineering services firms.
As of the information available, all four units at Barakah are operational, with Unit 1 having commenced operations in 2021. This growing operational base — combined with ongoing safety, maintenance, and technical advisory requirements — creates a sustained commercial pipeline for qualified service providers in this regulated market.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with FANR requirements
Non-compliance with FANR requirements carries serious legal and operational exposure. FANR conducts active inspections and is explicitly described as a regulator that does not operate passively. Its enforcement powers include suspension and revocation of authorisation, which would prevent a firm from legally delivering nuclear engineering services in the UAE.
Given the high-value and high-sensitivity nature of this sector, compliance failures can also result in reputational damage that effectively closes off access to the institutional client base. Firms should invest in robust safety management systems and qualified personnel from the outset, rather than treating compliance as a secondary concern after commercial operations begin.
Nuclear Engineering Services License in Dubai
As the UAE advances its civilian nuclear programme — anchored by the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and a clear national energy strategy — demand for licensed nuclear engineering services firms is growing in a tightly regulated, high-value market.
This guide covers what activity code 7110.84 covers, who the regulator is, how to structure your licence, and what commercial opportunities exist for qualified operators entering this space in Dubai.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Name | Nuclear Engineering Services |
| Activity Code | 7110.84 |
| ISIC Classification | Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities |
| Regulatory Authority | Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) |
| Licence Jurisdiction | Dubai Mainland (DED) or relevant Free Zone |
| Minimum Share Capital | Subject to FANR and DED requirements |
| UAE Nuclear Capacity Target | 5,600 MW by 2030 via Barakah Plant |
| Barakah Units Operational | 4 units (Unit 1 operational since 2021) |
| Primary Regulatory Reference | www.fanr.gov.ae |
What Nuclear Engineering Services Covers Under Activity Code 7110.84
Activity code 7110.84 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers engineering activities and related technical consultancy. In the UAE context, this activity encompasses a defined and technically demanding scope of professional services.
Covered services include nuclear facility design, safety assessments, radiation protection engineering, decommissioning consultancy, and technical advisory to nuclear operators. This is professional services and consultancy — not plant construction or energy generation. The distinction matters for both licensing and regulatory purposes.
Clients operating in this space typically include government bodies, energy utilities, defence-adjacent contractors, and international nuclear operators with active projects or interests in the UAE. The client base is institutional by nature, which shapes how firms must present themselves commercially and technically.
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Regulatory Framework: FANR and Federal Oversight
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) governs all nuclear-related activities in the UAE under Federal Law No. 6 of 2009. Any entity providing nuclear engineering services must obtain FANR authorisation in addition to a standard commercial trade licence. These are two separate processes and neither substitutes for the other.
FANR requires demonstration of technical competence, qualified personnel, and documented safety management systems before granting authorisation. UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 4 of 2012 outlines the licensing categories applicable to different types of nuclear activities. Firms must identify at the outset whether they require a Radiation Facilities Licence or a broader Nuclear Facility Licence, depending on the nature and scope of their services.
Non-compliance carries serious legal exposure. FANR conducts active inspections and holds enforcement powers including suspension and revocation of authorisation. This is not a regulator that operates passively.
Key Regulatory Citations
- FANR official portal: www.fanr.gov.ae
- UAE Nuclear Law (Federal Law No. 6 of 2009): Referenced via FANR legislative database
- Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC): www.enec.gov.ae
Ready to Launch Your Business in Dubai?
Let's ConnectStep-by-Step Licence Setup in Dubai
The setup process for this activity requires parallel engagement with both commercial and federal regulatory authorities. Treat these as two tracks running simultaneously, not sequentially.
- Step 1 — Define your legal structure. Decide between a mainland LLC via Dubai DED or a free zone entity. Note that some free zones restrict regulated technical activities requiring federal approval. Mainland setup generally offers broader access to government contracts.
- Step 2 — Reserve your trade name and select activity code 7110.84 through DED or your chosen free zone authority. Confirm the activity is permitted within your chosen jurisdiction before proceeding.
- Step 3 — Prepare technical documentation. This includes your company profile, CVs of qualified nuclear engineers, a safety management framework, and a clearly defined scope of services. FANR will scrutinise these documents in detail.
- Step 4 — Submit your FANR authorisation application in parallel with, or prior to, trade licence issuance. FANR approval is a prerequisite for commencing operations. Starting without it is not an option.
- Step 5 — Obtain initial approval from DED or your free zone authority, then finalise your Memorandum and Articles of Association, secure a physical office lease, and submit for final licence issuance.
- Step 6 — Post-licence obligations. Register with relevant procurement portals including the ENEC supplier network. Maintain ongoing FANR compliance reporting. This is not a set-and-forget licence category.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseCommercial Opportunity and Market Positioning
The UAE's Barakah plant — four operational units delivering up to 5,600 MW — creates sustained, long-term demand for engineering services across safety, maintenance, and full lifecycle management. This is not a project with a defined end date; it is a multi-decade operational asset requiring continuous technical support.
The government's clean energy target of 44% by 2050 signals continued nuclear investment. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 explicitly includes nuclear as a pillar of the national energy mix.
Viable opportunity segments include safety case development, regulatory compliance consultancy, radioactive waste management engineering, and workforce training programmes aligned with FANR standards. International firms with IAEA-aligned credentials and prior nuclear project experience are well-positioned to compete. Local partnerships can materially accelerate access to government procurement channels.
The competitive landscape is deliberately thin. FANR's strict entry requirements act as a natural barrier, which means qualified entrants face limited direct competition in a market with growing institutional demand.
Conclusion
Nuclear engineering services in Dubai operate at the intersection of federal regulation, technical credentialling, and a genuinely expanding energy market. The licence pathway requires dual compliance — commercial via DED or a free zone, and technical via FANR — but the market is undersupplied relative to the UAE's nuclear ambitions.
Firms that enter correctly, maintain their regulatory standing, and position themselves within the ENEC and government procurement ecosystem will find a durable, high-value client base with limited competition and long contract cycles.
If you are structuring a nuclear engineering services entity in Dubai, engage a setup adviser who understands both the commercial and regulatory layers before committing to a jurisdiction or structure. The decisions made at formation have long-term consequences in this sector.
