Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 7110.63 cover in Dubai
Activity code 7110.63 is the official classification for Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services in Dubai. It sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers engineering activities and related technical consultancy.
The permitted scope includes engineering design for electrical power distribution systems, SCADA system design, PLC programming consultancy, control panel engineering, automatic control system specification, commissioning oversight, and energy efficiency assessments.
It is important to note that this licence covers consultancy and design-led services only. Physical construction or installation contracting requires a separate contracting licence.
Who are the typical clients for a Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services licence
Firms licensed under activity code 7110.63 typically serve organisations that install or operate power or control infrastructure at scale. Common client categories include:
- Construction contractors
- Industrial facilities
- Utilities and energy providers
- Oil and gas operators
- Real estate developers
Dubai's ongoing infrastructure expansion — including smart grid upgrades and industrial automation projects — creates sustained commercial demand for these services across both public and private sectors.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services company in Dubai
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is available for this type of engineering services business in Dubai. In a Free Zone such as Meydan Free Zone, full foreign ownership is a standard feature of the licence structure.
On the Mainland, UAE regulations now permit 100% foreign ownership in most professional activities, including engineering consultancy, so you are not required to take on a local partner in the majority of cases.
Your choice between Free Zone and Mainland should be driven by your target client base and commercial model rather than ownership concerns alone.
What is the difference between setting up in a Free Zone versus Mainland Dubai for this licence
The key distinction is who you can contract with directly. A Free Zone licence is well suited to consultancy-led models serving private sector, international, or free zone-based clients. Mainland registration is required if you intend to bid for government contracts, work on UAE public infrastructure, or maintain a physical site presence across Dubai.
From a practical standpoint, Free Zone setup is faster — typically five to ten working days — and does not require a physical office beyond a flexi-desk arrangement. Mainland setup generally takes two to four weeks and is regulated by Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET).
If your business model involves both government and private clients, you may need to consider how to structure accordingly, potentially with entities in both jurisdictions.
How long does it take to set up a Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services licence in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A Free Zone licence — for example through Meydan Free Zone — can typically be completed in five to ten working days in most cases.
A Mainland licence through Dubai Economy & Tourism generally takes two to four weeks, reflecting additional regulatory steps and approvals involved in that process.
Choosing the right jurisdiction from the outset and ensuring your trade name and documentation are in order will help avoid delays that extend these timelines.
What are the tax obligations for an engineering consultancy licensed under this activity in Dubai
Engineering consultancy fees are standard-rated for VAT at 5% in the UAE, meaning firms providing services under activity code 7110.63 are required to charge and account for VAT once they meet the registration threshold.
For Corporate Tax, the UAE applies a tax on net profits exceeding AED 375,000. Profits below this threshold are not subject to corporate tax, which is relevant for smaller or early-stage engineering consultancies.
It is advisable to engage a qualified UAE tax adviser to ensure correct registration, filing, and compliance from the point of incorporation.
What is the approximate cost of setting up a Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services licence in a Free Zone
Free Zone licence costs for professional engineering services start from approximately AED 12,000 per year, depending on the specific Free Zone authority and the package selected. This figure typically covers the licence fee itself.
Additional costs may include flexi-desk or office space fees, visa allocation costs if you intend to sponsor employees or dependants, and any government or notarisation fees associated with your application documents.
Costs on the Mainland will differ and may include additional regulatory fees payable to Dubai Economy & Tourism. Obtaining a detailed cost breakdown from your chosen Free Zone or a business setup adviser before committing is recommended.
What are the first steps to obtain a Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services licence in Dubai
The process begins with selecting your jurisdiction — Free Zone or Mainland — based on your target client base and commercial model. This decision shapes every subsequent step, including which regulatory body oversees your application.
Once jurisdiction is confirmed, you reserve your trade name by submitting options for approval. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions and must not conflict with existing registered businesses.
Subsequent steps include submitting your licence application with the relevant supporting documents, completing any required approvals, and finalising your office or flexi-desk arrangement. For Free Zone applications, this process can be completed within five to ten working days in most cases.
Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services License in Dubai
Dubai's infrastructure expansion — from smart grid upgrades to industrial automation — is creating sustained commercial demand for licensed power and automatic control engineering firms. Activity code 7110.63 is the designated classification for this work, and getting the licence structured correctly from the outset determines how quickly you can bid, contract, and operate.
This guide covers what the activity covers, who it suits, and how to get licensed and operational in Dubai efficiently.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Code | 7110.63 |
| Activity Name | Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services |
| ISIC Classification | ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities |
| Licence Type | Professional / Engineering Services |
| Jurisdiction Options | Mainland Dubai or Free Zone (e.g. Meydan Free Zone) |
| Typical Setup Timeline | 5–10 working days (Free Zone); 2–4 weeks (Mainland) |
| Ownership Structure | 100% foreign ownership available in Free Zone; Mainland now permits 100% in most professional activities |
| Regulatory Body | Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) for Mainland; relevant Free Zone authority for Free Zone |
- Activity Code: 7110.63
- ISIC Division: 71 — Engineering Activities & Technical Consultancy
- Licence Category: Professional / Engineering Services
- Free Zone Setup: From AED 12,000/year | 5–10 working days
- Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted (Free Zone & Mainland)
- VAT Rate on Fees: 5% (standard-rated engineering consultancy)
- Corporate Tax Threshold: AED 375,000 net profit
- Key Clients: Contractors, industrial facilities, utilities, oil & gas, developers
What This Licence Covers
Activity code 7110.63 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers engineering activities and related technical consultancy. Under the UAE's commercial classification framework, this activity authorises firms to provide specialist engineering services across power systems and automatic control infrastructure.
The scope is consultancy and design-led. It includes engineering design for electrical power distribution systems, specification and commissioning oversight for automatic control systems, SCADA system design, PLC programming consultancy, and control panel engineering. Energy efficiency assessments and control system audits also fall within the permitted scope.
Clients typically include construction contractors, industrial facilities, utilities, oil and gas operators, and real estate developers — any organisation that installs or operates power or control infrastructure at scale.
One boundary worth noting: this licence covers engineering consultancy and supervisory services. Physical construction or installation contracting requires a separate contracting licence. If your model involves both, you will need to structure accordingly.
Permitted Business Activities
- Engineering design and technical consultancy for power infrastructure
- Automatic control system specification and commissioning oversight
- SCADA and PLC system design and programming consultancy
- Electrical power distribution system design
- Energy efficiency assessments and control system audits
- Technical supervision of power and automation installations
Business Activities List
Explore Over 2,500+Licence Setup: Step-by-Step
The first decision is jurisdiction. Free Zone suits consultancy-led models where your clients are private sector, international, or free zone-based. Mainland is the right structure if you intend to pursue government contracts, work directly on UAE public infrastructure, or require a physical site presence across Dubai.
Meydan Free Zone offers a practical path for professional engineering licences — 100% foreign ownership, no requirement for a physical office beyond a flexi-desk, and a setup timeline of five to ten working days in most cases.
The process, step by step:
- Select your jurisdiction — Free Zone or Mainland, based on your target client base and commercial model.
- Reserve your trade name — submit options for approval; avoid names that imply government affiliation or use restricted terms.
- Submit your initial application — select activity code 7110.63 and confirm your legal structure (sole establishment or LLC equivalent).
- Prepare core documents — passport copies, CV or professional profile, and an NOC if you are currently employed in the UAE.
- Demonstrate professional qualifications — engineering licences benefit from supporting evidence: a relevant degree, chartered engineering status, or equivalent professional credentials. This strengthens the application and may be required for certain Mainland approvals.
- Pay licence fees and receive your licence — Free Zone fees are typically settled upfront; Mainland fees vary by office type and activity.
- Open a corporate bank account — post-incorporation, approach UAE banks with your licence, MOA, and shareholder documents.
- Apply for establishment card and visa quota — to sponsor employees or dependants under your entity.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Key Differences
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Free Zone (Meydan) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Access | All UAE markets, government tenders | Free zone and international clients; Mainland work requires a local commercial agent |
| Office Requirement | Physical office mandatory | Flexi-desk accepted |
| Setup Speed | 2–4 weeks | 5–10 working days |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% in most professional activities | 100% always |
| Cost | Higher (office, DET fees) | Lower entry cost |
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Free Zone licence fees for professional activities typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 annually, depending on your visa allocation and office package. Meydan Free Zone packages are competitive within this range and include flexi-desk access.
Mainland professional licence costs vary based on office size, DET activity fees, and whether any external approvals are required. Factor in local service agent fees if applicable to your structure.
Visa eligibility is tied to your licence type and office arrangement. A flexi-desk setup generally supports one to three visas. If you plan to build a team on the ground, a dedicated office with a higher visa quota will be necessary.
On the tax side: UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on net profits above AED 375,000. Qualifying small businesses below this threshold benefit from a zero rate. Engineering consultancy fees are standard-rated for VAT at 5%, and VAT registration becomes mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually. Annual licence renewal is required across all jurisdictions.
For UAE corporate tax guidance, refer to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
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Calculate NowMarket Opportunity and Commercial Positioning
Dubai's infrastructure pipeline is substantial and multi-year. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan commits to large-scale urban development across five designated urban centres, each requiring power and control engineering input at the design and commissioning stage.
Industrial zones — Dubai Industrial City and JAFZA — represent active client bases for automation and control system consultancy. Facilities in these zones regularly require control system upgrades, energy audits, and SCADA integration work.
DEWA's clean energy targets and smart grid expansion create specific demand for grid-side control engineering expertise. Smart building mandates across Dubai's commercial real estate sector add another layer of recurring consultancy opportunity.
Positioning as a specialist consultancy — rather than a contractor — allows leaner operations, faster mobilisation, and higher-margin engagements. The overhead is lower; the expertise premium is real. Partnering with EPC contractors or MEP firms as a technical sub-consultant is a viable early revenue model that builds your project track record without requiring a contracting licence.
Regulatory and Industry References
- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) — grid standards, smart energy regulations
- Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) — Mainland licence applications and commercial regulations
- UAE Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology — industrial and engineering sector policy
- Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) — investment facilitation and sector data
Conclusion
A Power & Automatic Control Engineering Services licence (activity code 7110.63) is a well-defined professional licence suited to engineers and technical consultancies targeting Dubai's active infrastructure and industrial sectors. The activity scope is clear, the demand is structural rather than cyclical, and the regulatory pathway is straightforward for qualified applicants.
Free Zone setup via Meydan offers the fastest and most cost-effective entry point for consultancy-led models. Mainland is the right call if government contracts, public tenders, or direct site engagement are part of your commercial model from the outset.
Confirm your jurisdiction, verify your activity scope against your intended services, and get your licence structured correctly from day one.
