Open Engineering Consultancy Firm Dubai

Open Engineering Consultancy Firm Dubai

The Dubai Engineering Consultancy Classification (DECC) system assesses engineering consultancy firms based on their capabilities and experience. This classification helps the municipality prequalify firms for government projects in Dubai. An engineering classification is require to open engineering consultancy firm in Dubai.

Dubai Engineering Consultancy Classification

The Dubai Municipality has developed the Dubai Engineering Consultancy Classification (DECC) system to assess engineering consultancy firms based on their capabilities and experience. This classification helps the municipality prequalify firms for government projects in Dubai.

Using the DECC system, engineering consultancy firms are categorized into six groups, depending on their qualifications, experience, and track record. The classification ranges from Category A, representing firms with extensive experience and a proven track record in successfully handling large and complex projects, to Category F, comprising firms with limited experience and capabilities.

DECC enables the Dubai Municipality to efficiently identify and choose engineering consultancy firms with the necessary qualifications and experience to undertake government projects in Dubai. By prequalifying firms, the DECC system streamlines the procurement process, ensuring that only qualified firms with the expertise to ensure project safety and sustainability are selected for government assignments.

What is Dubai municipality’s role?

The Dubai Municipality serves as the local government body and holds responsibility for diverse functions and services, encompassing urban planning, public health and sanitation, environmental protection, road and transportation infrastructure, as well as the management of public facilities.

Furthermore, the municipality assumes the crucial role of enforcing various laws and regulations pertaining to building codes, health and safety standards, and environmental protection. This active involvement plays a vital part in the development and oversight of Dubai's infrastructure and public services.

Moreover, in addition to enforcing the aforementioned laws and regulations, the Dubai Municipality diligently monitors compliance and takes appropriate action against any violations. This includes conducting inspections, issuing warnings and fines, and mandating corrective measures when necessary.

Do I need to get classified for engineering consultancy in Dubai?

The Dubai Engineering Consultancy Categorisation (DECC) system applies to engineering consultancy firms and related professions that provide engineering services in Dubai. This includes:

  1. Civil Engineers
  2. Structural Engineers
  3. Mechanical Engineers
  4. Electrical Engineers
  5. Environmental Engineers
  6. Geotechnical Engineers
  7. Transportation Engineers
  8. Architectural Engineers
  9. Project Management Consultants
  10. Quantity Surveyors

What are the requirements for approval/classification with the DECC?

To obtain Dubai Engineering Consultancy Classification (DECC), engineering consultancy firms are required to meet the following requirements which are broadly similar for all professions irrespective of engineering discipline.

  • Legal Entity: The engineering consultancy firm must be a legal entity registered in Dubai, with a valid trade licence and operating within the scope of its licence.
  • Technical Staff: The engineering consultancy firm must have qualified technical staff with relevant academic qualifications and experience in their respective fields.
  • Technical Capabilities: The engineering consultancy firm must demonstrate technical capabilities in providing engineering services in their respective fields of expertise.
  • Quality Management: The engineering consultancy firm must have a quality management system in place that meets the requirements of international standards such as ISO 9001 ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
  • Financial Capability: The engineering consultancy firm must have the financial capability to undertake engineering consultancy projects of a specific minimum value.
  • Insurance: The engineering consultancy firm must have the necessary insurance coverage, including professional liability insurance.
  • Health and Safety: The engineering consultancy firm must demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations and have a health and safety management system in place.
  • Environmental Compliance: The engineering consultancy firm must demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations and have an environmental management system in place.

How do I get classified for engineering consultancy in Dubai?

If you are an engineering consultancy firm operating in Dubai and wish to obtain Dubai Engineering Consultancy Classification (DECC), you will need to follow the following steps:

  1. Registration: Register your company with the Dubai Municipality's e-services portal and create a user ID and password.
  2. Documentation: Gather all necessary documentation, including proof of ownership or partnership, trade licence, tax certificate, insurance certificate, and any other relevant certificates.
  3. Pre-qualification: Submit your company's application for pre-qualification to the Dubai Municipality. This will involve providing details about your company's experience, qualifications, and capabilities, as well as submitting the necessary documentation.
  4. Evaluation: Your application will be evaluated by the Dubai Municipality based on its pre-determined criteria. The evaluation may involve a review of the firm's technical reports, project references, and other relevant documents to ensure that your company meets the requirements at which point, it will be pre-qualified for DECC.
  5. Payment: Pay the required fees for DECC classification.
  6. Classification: Once your application has been approved and the fees have been paid, your company will be classified under the appropriate category of DECC.
  7. Renewal: DECC classification is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed. You will need to submit a renewal application and undergo a new evaluation process.

What are the engineering consultancy classification categories?

There are three categories for the licensing of engineering consultancy firms. These are summarised below:

  • First: This category enables participation in projects of any height. The company should employ a minimum of 5 engineers each of whom is permitted to cover an area of 9,000 m2. Licensing in this category also requires that the company operates from an office with a minimum area of 200m2.
  • Second: This category enables participation in projects of up to 12 floors. The company should employ a minimum of 3 engineers each of whom is permitted to cover an area of 7,500 m2. Licensing in this category also requires that the company operates from an office with a minimum area of 150 m2.
  • Third: This category enables participation in projects of up to 4 floors. The company should employ a minimum of 2 engineers each of whom is permitted to cover an area of 6,000 m2. Licensing in this category also requires that the company operates from an office with a minimum area of 100 m2.

Need to obtain an engineering consultation classification in Dubai?

Engineering Consultancy Classification FAQs

1. What experience is required for the licence holder and other members of staff?

    The level of experience required depends on which consultancy classification the company is applying under. Below is a summary of requirements for each category:

    • First category:

    Licence holder – 15 years or 10 years if local

    Architects – 10 years

    Structural engineers – 10 years

    Engineers – any experience or specialty

    • Second category:

    Licence holder – 7 years or 5 years if local

    Architects – 7 years

    Structural engineers – 7 years

    Engineers - any experience or specialty

    • Third category

    Licence holder – 5 years or 3 years if local

    Architects – 5 years

    Structural engineers – 5 years

    Engineers - any experience or specialty

    2. How much does the engineering classification process cost?

      At present no fees are required for the registration process. However, it should be noted, that for companies needing to demonstrate previous completed projects to obtain higher categories, collating project data may be costly and time consuming and if the projects were not completed in the UAE, it will be necessary to arrange attestations in the country of origin prior to arranging legal translations into Arabic and stamping by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

      3. How long does the engineering classification categorisation process take?

        This depends on how quickly the applicant can gather and submit the required paperwork. It is advisable to start the process early, allowing sufficient time for the attestations, especially if overseas.

        4. Is it possible to change engineering classification categories?

          Yes, providing all relevant criteria are met.

          5. Is DM approval obligatory for engineering classification in Dubai?

            Yes, the process is mandatory for any construction/engineering-related activities which DM are required to regulate.

            6. How do I validate engineering qualifications for use in the UAE?

            a) Obtain a copy of your engineering degree certificate and transcript from your university.

            b) Have your documents attested by the relevant authorities in your country. This may include the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and/or the UAE Embassy in your country.

            c) Submit your attested documents to the Dubai Municipality's Building Department, which is responsible for the classification and registration of engineering consultants in Dubai.

            d) The Building Department will evaluate your documents and may require additional information or documentation from you or your university.

            e) If your qualifications are deemed equivalent to a UAE engineering degree and meet the DEC's requirements, you will be eligible to apply for DEC registration.

            f) To apply for DEC registration, you will need to complete the online application form and provide supporting documents, including your degree certificate, transcript, and work experience certificates.

            g) The DEC will evaluate your application and may require additional information or documentation from you or your employer.

            h) If your application is approved, you will receive a DEC registration certificate, which will enable you to work as an engineering consultant in Dubai.

              How can PRO Partner Group help?

              Setting up a business in Dubai to practise engineering consultancy can be a complex process with numerous licences, governmental approvals and documentation requirements.

              PRO Partner can guide you through this process, helping you to obtain the necessary permits, assisting with employment visas and attestation of legal documents and liaising with government authorities on your behalf.

              If you need assistance with this or any other related onshore or offshore company setup, restructuring, local partner or PRO services support in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE, Oman, Qatar or KSA, then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email us at info@propartnergroup.com or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.