Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What does activity code 7110.57 permit a company to do in Dubai
Activity code 7110.57 covers Projects Management Engineering & Technical Feasibility Studies Services, classified under ISIC Division 71. It is a professional services licence that permits project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, risk assessment, technical viability studies, and project management consultancy (PMC) services.
Firms licensed under this activity can produce bankable feasibility reports accepted by UAE banks, development finance institutions, and government tender committees. They can also manage project delivery on behalf of clients and advise on technical and commercial risk across the full project lifecycle.
It is important to note that this is not an execution licence. It does not cover structural design-stamp work, civil engineering execution, or activities requiring a separate DED or municipality engineering practice licence.
What is the difference between a mainland and free zone licence for this activity
A mainland (DED Dubai) licence is the appropriate choice if you plan to bid directly on government contracts, operate on-site within UAE projects, or require a locally recognised presence for regulatory purposes. The trade-off includes higher setup costs and the need to engage a local service agent, though this does not involve equity sharing for consultancy activities.
A free zone licence offers 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national sponsor required, faster incorporation timelines, and materially lower costs in year one. This structure is typically more efficient for consultancy-led businesses serving regional and international clients.
Free zone entities can still work with mainland clients through service agreements, but direct government tender eligibility usually requires a mainland presence or a structured local partner arrangement.
How long does it take to set up a project management consultancy in Dubai
Setup timelines vary by jurisdiction. A free zone incorporation can typically be completed in 5–10 working days, making it the faster route for founders who want to begin operating quickly.
A mainland DED licence generally takes 2–4 weeks, reflecting additional regulatory steps and the requirement to engage a local service agent for professional licence categories.
Both timelines assume documentation is in order. Delays can occur if trade name approvals, notarised documents, or additional activity approvals are required.
Is there a minimum share capital requirement for this licence
For most free zone structures, there is no mandatory minimum share capital requirement when setting up under activity 7110.57. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for founders and small consultancy teams.
Requirements can vary between individual free zones, so it is advisable to confirm the specific conditions of your chosen jurisdiction before incorporation. Mainland structures may have different requirements depending on the legal entity type selected.
Who are the typical clients for a feasibility studies and project management consultancy in Dubai
The client base for activity 7110.57 is broad and spans both private and public sectors. Key client categories include real estate developers, government entities, EPC contractors, energy companies, logistics operators, and manufacturers — all of whom regularly commission feasibility and PMC work.
SMEs requiring bankable feasibility reports for financing purposes are also a significant segment, as are public infrastructure bodies that require independent project management oversight.
Because feasibility reports produced under this licence are accepted by UAE banks and development finance institutions, the commercial proposition is strong across multiple industries tied to Dubai's infrastructure pipeline.
Why is Meydan Free Zone highlighted as a suitable jurisdiction for this activity
Meydan Free Zone offers single-window incorporation with a professional licence category that aligns directly with activity 7110.57, simplifying the setup process for engineering and project management consultancies.
Key practical advantages include no mandatory physical office at entry level — flexi-desk options are available and sufficient for a lean consultancy — as well as UAE residence visa eligibility from day one of company formation.
For founders looking to test the UAE market before committing to a full mainland setup, Meydan provides a cost-efficient and operationally flexible starting point with 100% foreign ownership.
What does this licence NOT cover and when would additional approvals be needed
Activity 7110.57 is a professional consultancy licence, not an execution licence. It explicitly does not cover structural design-stamp work, civil engineering execution, or any activity that requires a separate DED or municipality engineering practice licence.
If your scope includes signing off on structural drawings or directly supervising construction activities, you will need to obtain additional approvals beyond the 7110.57 licence. Failing to do so creates both regulatory and commercial risk.
Businesses whose scope sits purely within advisory, planning, scheduling, risk assessment, and feasibility analysis can operate fully within this single activity code without supplementary licences.
Under which international classification system does activity 7110.57 fall and why does it matter
Activity 7110.57 is classified under ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities; Technical Testing and Analysis, as defined by the UAE Federal Standard Industrial Classification aligned with the Ministry of Economy.
This classification matters because it determines how your business is recognised by banks, government tender committees, and development finance institutions. Feasibility reports and PMC services delivered under a correctly classified licence carry greater credibility and are more readily accepted in formal procurement and financing processes.
It also ensures your licence scope is legally consistent with the services you market, which is important for contract enforceability and professional indemnity insurance eligibility in the UAE.
Starting a Project Management & Technical Feasibility Studies Company in Dubai
Dubai's infrastructure pipeline is running at full pace, and every major project needs someone to plan it, price it, and prove it works before a dirham is committed. Developers, government agencies, and private investors all need that work done by people who know what they are doing. That is the gap this license fills.
This guide covers what the license covers, who your clients will be, how to choose between mainland and free zone setup, and what you need in place before you start.
Key Stats at a Glance
| License type | Professional services |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction options | Mainland (DET) or Meydan Free Zone |
| Foreign ownership | 100% in Meydan Free Zone – full foreign ownership available |
| VAT registration threshold | AED 375,000 annual revenue – Federal Tax Authority (FTA) |
| Corporate tax rate | 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 – Federal Tax Authority (FTA) |
| Office requirement | Physical tenancy on mainland; flexi-desk available at Meydan Free Zone |
| Professional indemnity insurance | Required before signing client contracts |
What This License Covers
This license covers project planning, scheduling, cost control, risk assessment, and technical feasibility analysis. Your clients will typically be in construction, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. The work ranges from early-stage project appraisals to detailed cost-benefit analysis and risk registers for live developments.
Feasibility studies can be technical, financial, or operational. You might be helping a developer understand whether a site is viable, or helping a government body stress-test the assumptions behind a capital spend. The output is analysis and advice, not engineering sign-off.
This is an important distinction. Project management and feasibility consulting is separate from structural engineering consultancy. You do not need to stamp drawings or certify designs. Technical depth is still expected, but the regulatory bar is different. If your work crosses into engineering design, you will need additional approvals from the relevant authority.
Before you apply, confirm the exact activity code with your chosen jurisdiction. Meydan Free Zone covers a wide business activities list for professional services, and the team can confirm which code fits your specific scope. Getting this right at the start saves you from having to amend your license later.
Who Your Clients Will Be
The main client groups for this work are real estate developers, government infrastructure agencies, construction contractors, and private equity groups evaluating capital projects. Each has a different buying process, and you need to understand that before you start pitching.
Government and semi-government bodies
Nobody here buys on a phone call. Government and semi-government clients run formal procurement processes. They want you on their approved vendor list before any work is discussed. Getting on that list takes time, references, and often a track record of similar work. A mainland license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is usually a requirement for direct government contracts. If government work is your target, plan for a longer sales cycle and build your vendor registration early.
Private developers and investors
International developers entering the UAE market often need local feasibility work before they commit capital. They want someone who understands local planning rules, cost benchmarks, and market conditions. This is where a free zone setup can work well. Your clients are private, the contracts are direct, and the procurement process is faster. Once you have delivered well on one project, repeat work tends to follow.
Construction contractors
Main contractors on large projects sometimes need independent feasibility or programme analysis, either for their own planning or to satisfy a client or funder. This is a smaller slice of the market but a real one, particularly on projects where the contractor is taking on design-and-build risk.
Repeat contract potential is high across all three groups once you are on an approved vendor list or have a track record with a client. The first contract is the hardest to get. After that, the work tends to compound.
Mainland vs Meydan Free Zone
This is the biggest choice you will make when setting up. Let your target clients decide it, not the price.
| Factor | Mainland (DET) | Meydan Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Client access | Open UAE market, including government tenders | Mainly private-sector and international clients |
| Foreign ownership | 100% permitted in most professional services | 100% foreign ownership |
| Office requirement | Physical tenancy agreement required | Flexi-desk options available |
| Setup cost | Higher, due to office and DET fees | Lower entry cost, faster setup |
| Government contracts | Direct access | Usually needs a local agent or mainland entity |
| VAT & tax | Same rules apply across both | Same rules apply across both |
A mainland license from DET gives you direct access to UAE government contracts and public tenders. If government infrastructure work is your primary target, mainland is the right call. You will need a physical office address backed by a tenancy agreement, and the setup cost is higher, but the access to public procurement is worth it if that is your market.
Meydan Free Zone suits founders who are targeting private developers, international investors, or corporate clients. Setup is faster, the flexi-desk option keeps overheads low in the early months, and you get 100% foreign ownership from day one. You can also start a business remotely through Meydan Free Zone without needing to be in Dubai for the setup process.
VAT registration kicks in at AED 375,000 annual revenue. Plan your structure before you hit that number. Corporate tax at 9% applies to taxable income above the same threshold. Both rules apply whatever jurisdiction you choose, so the tax treatment is not a differentiator between mainland and free zone for this type of business.
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowStep-by-Step Setup Guide
- Step 1, book your trade name: Use the DET e-Services portal for a mainland company, or the Meydan Free Zone portal for a free zone one. Check your company name availability before you go further. Names must not conflict with existing registrations or breach naming rules.
- Step 2, confirm your activity code: Make sure the code covers project management and feasibility studies. Confirm it is approved in your chosen jurisdiction before submitting any documents. Amending a license later adds time and cost.
- Step 3, submit your setup documents: You will need passport copies for all shareholders and directors, a business plan, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are currently on another UAE residence visa. Meydan Free Zone can guide you through the exact document list.
- Step 4, get your license issued: Once approved, your trade license is issued. Keep a digital and physical copy. You will need it for bank account opening, visa applications, and client contracts.
- Step 5, open a corporate bank account: This takes longer than the license. UAE banks are thorough on due diligence for professional services firms. Have your business plan, client profile, and projected revenue ready. Business banking support through mCore can help you navigate this process.
- Step 6, register for VAT if needed: If you expect to exceed AED 375,000 in revenue within 12 months, register with the Federal Tax Authority before you hit the threshold. Check the Federal Tax Authority for current guidance.
- Step 7, get professional indemnity insurance: Do this before you sign any client contracts. Most serious clients, especially developers and government bodies, will ask for it. Public liability cover is also worth having from the start.
Market Opportunity and Compliance Basics
Dubai's project management consulting market is growing alongside large-scale infrastructure spend and continued development across the emirate. Demand for independent feasibility work is real and steady. Developers need it before they can raise finance. Government bodies need it before they can approve budgets. Private equity groups need it before they commit capital. None of that demand is going away.
Corporate tax
The 9% corporate tax rate applies to taxable income above AED 375,000. Get your accounting in order from day one. You do not want to be reconstructing records when a tax period closes. Accounting services in Dubai through mAccounting cover bookkeeping, VAT registration, and corporate tax compliance, which is worth considering if you are running lean in the early months.
Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
These are not optional for anyone operating seriously in this space. A feasibility study that turns out to be wrong can cost a client a lot of money. They will want to know you are covered. Get the policies in place before you sign your first contract, not after.
Staff visas and MOHRE registration
Once you start hiring, you need to register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Emiratisation duties apply as your headcount grows. Factor this into your hiring plan from the start, not when you are already scaling. The rules are set by MOHRE and the thresholds change, so check the current position before you hire your first employee.
Ongoing compliance
Your license needs annual renewal. Keep your registered address current, your trade name active, and your insurance policies in force. Breaking the rules on any of these can result in fines or license suspension, which is damaging in a market where your reputation is your main asset. Use corporate tax compliance services to make sure your filings are done correctly and on time.
Conclusion
Project management and feasibility consulting is a workable, high-margin business in Dubai if you set up in the right jurisdiction, target the right clients, and have your compliance in place before you start. The demand is real, the client base is varied, and the repeat contract potential is strong once you have a track record.
The setup itself is not complicated. The hard part is choosing the right jurisdiction for your target clients and making sure your license covers exactly what you plan to do. Get those two things right and the rest follows.
Speak to the Meydan Free Zone team to confirm your activity code and get a clear cost estimate for your setup. A business cost calculator is available if you want a quick initial figure before you pick up the phone.
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