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 — from mega-developments to industrial zones — runs on project management and feasibility expertise, and the demand for qualified consultancies is structural, not cyclical. This guide covers what activity code 7110.57 actually permits, where to licence it, and what it realistically costs to get operational in the UAE.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Activity Code | 7110.57 |
| Activity Name | Projects Management Engineering & Technical Feasibility Studies Services |
| ISIC Classification | ISIC Division 71 — Architectural and Engineering Activities; Technical Testing and Analysis |
| Licence Type | Professional / Consultancy |
| Minimum Share Capital | No mandatory minimum for most free zone structures |
| Typical Setup Timeline | 5–10 working days (free zone); 2–4 weeks (mainland) |
| Target Market | Real estate developers, government entities, EPC contractors, SMEs requiring bankable feasibility reports |
Free Business Setup Cost Calculator
Calculate NowWhat This Licence Covers — and What It Does Not
Activity 7110.57 sits within ISIC Division 71, which covers engineering consultancy, project management, and technical feasibility analysis. It is a professional services licence, not an execution licence — a distinction that matters operationally and commercially.
The permitted scope under this activity includes project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, risk assessment, technical viability studies, and PMC (project management consultancy) services. Firms operating under this licence can produce bankable feasibility reports, manage project delivery on behalf of clients, and advise on technical and commercial risk across the project lifecycle.
What it does not cover: structural design-stamp work, civil engineering execution, or any activity requiring a separate DED or municipality engineering practice licence. If your scope includes signing off on structural drawings or supervising construction directly, you will need additional approvals.
The client base for this licence is broad. Real estate developers, energy companies, logistics operators, manufacturers, and public infrastructure bodies all commission feasibility and PMC work. Crucially, feasibility studies produced under this licence are accepted by UAE banks, development finance institutions, and government tender committees — which makes the commercial proposition clear. UAE Federal Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) — Ministry of Economy.
Mainland vs Free Zone — Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction decision shapes your cost structure, client eligibility, and operational flexibility from day one.
Mainland (DED Dubai) is the right choice if you intend to bid directly on government contracts, operate on-site within UAE projects, or require a local presence for regulatory reasons. The trade-off is higher setup cost and the requirement to engage a local service agent for professional licences — though this does not mean equity sharing for consultancy activities.
A free zone — such as Meydan Free Zone — offers 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national sponsor required, faster incorporation, and a cost structure that is materially lower in year one. For consultancy-led models serving regional and international clients, this is typically the more efficient starting point. Free zone entities can work with mainland clients via service agreements; direct government tender eligibility usually requires a mainland presence or a structured local partner arrangement.
Dubai Trade License from AED 12,500
Get Your LicenseWhy Meydan Free Zone Works for This Activity
- Single-window incorporation with a professional licence category that aligns directly with activity 7110.57
- No mandatory physical office at entry level — flexi-desk options are available and sufficient for a lean consultancy
- UAE residence visa eligibility from day one of company formation
- Straightforward activity scope alignment with engineering and project management consultancy services
For founders who want to test the UAE market before committing to a full mainland setup, Meydan Free Zone provides a credible, cost-controlled entry point.
Step-by-Step Licence Setup Guide
The process is more straightforward than most first-time applicants expect. Here is how it runs in practice.
Free Company Name Check
Check NowStep 1 — Trade name reservation. Check availability and reserve your company name via the DED portal (mainland) or the Meydan Free Zone portal. Avoid names implying government affiliation or using restricted terms such as "national," "federal," or "authority."
Step 2 — Activity confirmation. Confirm that 7110.57 is listed on your licence application. Some free zones map this under broader engineering consultancy categories — verify the exact wording before submission to avoid scope gaps.
Step 3 — Legal structure selection. For a consultancy, a sole establishment or FZ-LLC with one to five shareholders is standard. No mandatory share capital applies for most free zone professional licences under this activity.
Step 4 — Document submission. Passport copies, a CV or professional background summary for engineering principals, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are currently employed in the UAE. Professional qualification evidence — an engineering degree, PMP certification, or equivalent — strengthens both the application and your credibility with institutional clients.
Step 5 — Licence issuance and corporate bank account opening. Allow two to four weeks for banking. Prepare a clear business plan and a client pipeline summary — UAE banks want to understand the revenue model before approving a business account.
Step 6 — Visa processing. Investor or partner visa first, then employment visas for staff. Visa quota is tied to your office space category, so confirm allocation at the point of selecting your workspace package.
References: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — Business Licensing; Meydan Free Zone.
Commercial Reality — Costs, Clients, and Revenue Model
A free zone licence and visa package typically runs AED 15,000–25,000 for year one, depending on visa allocation and office type. A mainland DED professional licence carries higher costs — AED 20,000–40,000 including local service agent fees. Neither figure includes banking, insurance, or operational overhead.
The revenue model for this activity is well-suited to a lean structure. Fixed-fee feasibility studies range from AED 30,000 to AED 150,000 or more per engagement depending on complexity and sector. PMC contracts are typically retainer-based or milestone-driven, providing more predictable cash flow. A two-to-three person consultancy is commercially viable at launch; project-based subcontracting to specialist engineers or quantity surveyors is common and legally permissible under this licence.
Client acquisition channels worth prioritising: developer RFP portals, the Dubai Tenders and Procurement portal, and direct referrals from EPC contractors who regularly need third-party feasibility sign-off. Professional indemnity insurance is not legally mandated but is expected by institutional clients — budget AED 3,000–8,000 annually and treat it as a cost of doing credible business, not an optional extra.
Conclusion
Activity 7110.57 is a commercially sound licence for experienced project managers and engineering consultants entering the UAE market. The free zone route offers speed and cost efficiency; mainland suits those targeting direct government work. Either way, the fundamentals are straightforward — the UAE's project pipeline is large, the demand for credible feasibility and PMC work is consistent, and the barriers to entry are lower than most assume.
If you are ready to set up your project management consultancy in Dubai, use the cost calculator to model your setup budget or speak directly with the Meydan Free Zone team to confirm activity scope and get your licence moving.
