Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Activity Code 7110.46 and what does it permit a business to do
Activity Code 7110.46 is the Dubai licence classification for a People of Determination Universal Accessibility Consultant. It falls under ISIC Division 71, which covers architectural and engineering activities.
The licence permits the holder to provide advisory, assessment, and design guidance services — not construction or contracting work. Permitted activities include universal design consultancy, compliance audits, accessibility impact assessments, retrofitting recommendations, digital accessibility guidance, and staff training programmes on inclusive service delivery.
What legal structure options are available for this licence in Dubai
A consultant can register either as a Sole Establishment (suitable for a single qualified professional) or as a Civil Company (suitable for two or more professional partners).
Both structures support 100% foreign ownership under current UAE commercial law, meaning no local sponsor or service agent is required for professionally held licences. The choice of structure should reflect the number of founding partners and long-term business growth plans.
Which law forms the legal foundation for accessibility requirements in the UAE
The primary federal legislation is Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 on the Rights of People with Disabilities. This law established the foundational rights framework for people of determination across the UAE.
Dubai has built additional layers on top of this through Dubai Municipality accessibility standards and the Roads and Transport Authority's inclusive mobility programmes. The Expo 2020 legacy further reinforced universal design expectations across large-scale developments, making compliance a structural market requirement rather than an optional consideration.
Who are the typical clients for a Universal Accessibility Consultant in Dubai
Clients span multiple regulated sectors, including real estate developers, government entities, hospitality groups, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. These are all sectors facing direct regulatory pressure to meet accessibility benchmarks.
Because developers must demonstrate accessibility compliance to obtain building permits, and government entities are subject to audits, the client base generates recurring, compliance-driven revenue rather than purely discretionary or one-off project work. This makes the revenue model relatively stable compared with many other consultancy activities.
Can a foreign national own 100% of this type of licence in Dubai
Yes. Under current UAE commercial law, both the Sole Establishment and Civil Company structures available for Activity Code 7110.46 support 100% foreign ownership.
This applies whether the licence is obtained on the Dubai mainland through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or within a free zone such as Meydan Free Zone. Mainland professional licences held by qualified professionals do not require a local service agent, which is an important distinction from some other mainland commercial activities.
What documents are needed to apply for this licence
The core documentation requirements include passport copies of all shareholders, a UAE residence visa or entry permit where applicable, and a no-objection certificate if the applicant is currently employed in the UAE.
Applicants must also provide relevant professional qualifications or certifications in accessibility, architecture, or urban planning, along with a reserved trade name. Submissions are made through the DET online portal for mainland applications or through the relevant free zone authority, with initial approval typically issued within two to five working days for straightforward professional activities.
What is the difference between setting up on the Dubai mainland versus a free zone for this activity
A mainland licence issued through the Department of Economy and Tourism allows direct engagement with government contracts and local developers without restriction. For a professional licence held by a qualified individual, no local service agent is required, making mainland setup more accessible than it is for some commercial activities.
A free zone licence, such as one issued through Meydan Free Zone, can offer administrative simplicity and certain cost advantages. However, free zone companies may face additional steps when contracting directly with mainland government entities. The right choice depends on the consultant's primary client base and intended contract types.
How large is the registered people of determination population in the UAE and why does it matter for market demand
The Ministry of Community Development records over 100,000 registered people of determination in the UAE. This figure represents the formally registered population and informs the scale of the regulatory and social mandate driving accessibility requirements.
Crucially, demand for accessibility consultancy is not discretionary. Developers must demonstrate compliance to obtain building permits, and public sector entities are subject to audits under both federal law and emirate-level standards. The UAE Vision 2031 framework further embeds accessibility as a long-term national priority, sustaining structural demand for qualified consultants well beyond individual project cycles.
People of Determination Universal Accessibility Consultant License in Dubai
Dubai now requires buildings, transport, and public services to meet strict accessibility standards. Firms that can check and confirm compliance are in real demand. This page covers what the People of Determination universal accessibility consultant license covers, who needs it, and how to set up in Dubai.
What This License Covers
This license lets you advise clients on physical access, the built environment, transport, and digital inclusion for people with disabilities. It covers consulting work only. It does not cover construction, medical services, or legal representation.
Three rules sit behind the demand. UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 sets national duties. Dubai Law No. 2 of 2014 adds local requirements. The National Policy for People of Determination ties both together.
Day to day, the work covers:
- Site audits of existing buildings and public spaces
- Gap reports showing what falls short of the legal standard
- Design reviews before construction or fit-out starts
- Staff training plans for front-line teams
- Compliance sign-off for clients seeking formal approval
| Activity code | To confirm with DET or Meydan Free Zone at point of application |
|---|---|
| Permitted scope | Accessibility audits, gap reports, design reviews, training plans, compliance sign-off |
| Not permitted | Construction, medical services, legal representation |
| Key laws | UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006; Dubai Law No. 2 of 2014 |
Who Your Clients Will Be
Government and semi-government bodies have legal duties under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2014. Many are behind on compliance. They need external consultants to audit their sites and produce formal reports.
Developers and facilities managers are another strong source of work. They need pre-handover checks before a building is handed to an operator or a government body. Getting this wrong at handover is expensive.
Other regular clients include:
- Schools and universities upgrading older buildings
- Hospitals and clinics reviewing patient access routes
- Hotels and retail groups preparing for inspections
- RTA-regulated bus, metro, and taxi fleet operators
Most clients come with a deadline. A law, an inspection, or a handover date is pushing them. That makes this a steady pipeline rather than a discretionary spend.
Mainland vs Free Zone Setup
The biggest choice is jurisdiction. Let your clients decide it, not the price.
A mainland license from DET lets you work directly with UAE government bodies. If most of your revenue will come from public-sector contracts, mainland is the right call. You will need a physical office and a local trade name registered with DET.
A Meydan Free Zone license gives you 100% foreign ownership and lower setup costs. It suits firms serving private developers, international clients, or both. You can operate with a flexi-desk rather than a full office.
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (Meydan Free Zone) |
|---|---|---|
| Client access | Open UAE market, including government | Mainly private and international clients |
| Foreign ownership | 100% in most activities | 100% |
| Office need | Physical office required | Flexi-desk options available |
| Visa quota | Linked to office size | Flexible packages available |
| Setup cost | Higher | Lower starting point |
If you plan to bid for government tenders, go mainland. If your work is mostly private-sector, Meydan Free Zone keeps costs down and setup simple. You can also start a business remotely through Meydan Free Zone without needing to be in Dubai on day one.
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Calculate NowHow to Set Up Step by Step
The process is the same whether you choose mainland or free zone. These are the steps in order:
- Step 1, book your trade name: Use the DET e-Services portal for mainland, or the Meydan Free Zone portal for free zone.
- Step 2, confirm your activity code: Check the code covers accessibility consulting before you go further.
- Step 3, prepare your documents: You need passport copies, a business plan, and proof of your professional background.
- Step 4, submit and pay: Pay license fees and get initial approval from the relevant authority.
- Step 5, open a corporate bank account: Use business banking support if you need help with this step.
- Step 6, apply for visas: Add investor and employee visas once the license is active.
Professional background matters here. Authorities expect to see training in architecture, urban planning, or occupational therapy. Have your credentials ready before you apply.
Compliance and Market Demand
Demand for this work is not slowing down. Three things are driving it forward.
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
The plan commits Dubai to a more inclusive built environment by 2040. That means retrofit work across a large stock of existing buildings. Consultants who can audit and report will be busy for years.
Dubai Disability Strategy (DPC)
The DPC sets enforcement timelines. Deadlines create a steady flow of clients who need help before an inspection date arrives. Check the latest timelines at dpc.org.ae.
Scale of the community
There are over 180,000 registered People of Determination in the UAE. That figure comes from official data. It is large enough to make accessibility a policy priority, not a niche concern.
What you need to operate well:
- Formal training in architecture, urban planning, or occupational therapy
- Working knowledge of UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 and Dubai Law No. 2 of 2014
- Audit tools and report templates that match what clients need for formal sign-off
- A network inside the property and facilities management industry
The accounting services side of running a consulting firm is straightforward once the license is in place. VAT registration, bookkeeping, and corporate tax filing are all standard.
Conclusion
This license sits at the point where legal duty meets real infrastructure spend. Dubai's rules are clear, enforcement is growing, and the client base is broad. For a qualified professional, it is a workable niche with long-term contract potential.
Speak to a Meydan Free Zone advisor to confirm the right activity code and jurisdiction for your practice.
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