Starting a Structural Engineering & Quantity Surveying Consultancy Business

Every skyline in Dubai is a story of precision, and behind that precision are structural engineers and quantity surveyors. Structural consultants ensure that buildings and infrastructure are safe, stable, and compliant, while quantity surveyors manage costs and resources so that projects finish on time and within budget.

If you are planning to start a structural engineering business or launch a quantity surveying consulting firm in Dubai, this guide will walk you through the opportunities, license details, business setup process, approvals, and key formalities.

Market Opportunity

Dubai continues to invest heavily in commercial towers, residential communities, industrial facilities, and public infrastructure. This creates a constant demand for structural engineering consultancy services and quantity surveying firms.

Structural Engineering

Consultants in this field are needed for skyscrapers, bridges, industrial facilities, and prefabricated structures. Their expertise ensures projects remain safe, even under heavy loads, wind forces, or seismic activity. With new projects constantly shaping the Dubai skyline, demand is ongoing.

Quantity Surveying Consulting

No major project can move forward without accurate cost planning. Quantity surveyors provide detailed estimates, manage project budgets, and control costs throughout construction. As projects grow in complexity, this consultancy role becomes more vital than ever.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Structural engineers often work alongside architectural firms, geotechnical consultants, and environmental experts to deliver complete solutions. For example, while geotechnical consultants test soil conditions, structural engineers design foundations that suit the ground stability, ensuring projects are safe from the ground up.

License Options

The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai offers two primary activities relevant to this sector:

Structural Steel Frameworks Manufacturing (Activity Code 2511003)

An industrial license for firms engaged in manufacturing prefabricated buildings and steel structures such as warehouses, hangars, and factories. It also covers transporting materials and related operations.

Structural Quantity Surveying Engineering Services (Activity Code 7110907)

A professional license for consultancies that survey structural quantities in terms of size, material, and pricing, based on designs and project specifications. This license is regulated by Dubai Municipality and is essential for quantity surveying businesses.

Depending on your business model, you can register as a consultancy-only firm or combine consultancy with industrial activities if you plan to manufacture steel frameworks.

Mainland vs Free Zone Business Setup

Dubai mainland business setup gives you direct access to Dubai’s vast construction market, including government contracts and large-scale developers. This is the preferred choice for firms planning to work on city-wide projects.

Free zone business setup can be more cost-effective, offering 100% foreign ownership and faster setup. However, direct access to certain Dubai-based contracts may require additional approvals or local partners.

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COFTT helps entrepreneurs choose between mainland and free zone based on their project scope and business vision.

Business Setup Process

Setting up a structural engineering consultancy or quantity surveying business in Dubai involves more than just paperwork. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Identify your business activity

Decide whether you want to operate as a pure consultancy, a quantity surveying firm, or combine it with industrial activities like steel framework manufacturing.

Jurisdiction selection

Choose between mainland or free zone depending on whether you want full Dubai market access or a more cost-efficient structure.

Trade name reservation

Select and reserve a company name that reflects your consultancy services.

Prepare technical qualifications

Structural engineering and quantity surveying licenses require proof of relevant academic qualifications and professional experience.

Secure workspace

A registered office is mandatory. Larger firms may require dedicated design studios or coordination spaces.

Apply for initial approval

Submit your application with documents such as passport copies, tenancy contracts, and qualification certificates.

External approvals

Dubai Municipality regulates both structural engineering and quantity surveying licenses, so their clearance is required before final approval.

Final license issuance

Once all approvals are granted, you will receive your professional or industrial license and can begin operations.

Setting up a structural consultancy can feel complicated process with so many regulations, qualifications, and approvals to manage. This is where COFTT steps in.

As a trusted business setup consultant in Dubai, we guide you through the entire process, from choosing the right license activity to securing Dubai Municipality approvals, preparing office space, and handling visas. Our goal is to save you time and make sure your business is fully compliant from day one.

Office Space Requirements

Unlike many general businesses, engineering consultancies often need a physical workspace where planning and coordination take place. While a small serviced office may be acceptable for startups, firms aiming to work with large developers often benefit from a dedicated studio-style office. This not only adds credibility but also provides a space for meetings, design reviews, and collaboration.

Some free zones allow flexi-desk or virtual office packages, but serious structural engineering or quantity surveying businesses typically invest in professional office space that matches the scale of their work.

Post-Formation Requirements

After obtaining your license, you must complete several formalities to operate smoothly:

Corporate Bank Account Opening – Required to manage payments and contracts.

Corporate Tax Registration – Mandatory for all companies, with some free zones offering exemptions.

VAT Registration – Compulsory if turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually.

MoHRE Registration – Needed to hire engineers, surveyors, and support staff legally.

Visa Processing – For investors, managers, and employees under your company sponsorship.

Linking to Related Consultancies

In practice, a structural engineering consultancy never works in isolation. It often collaborates with architectural design consultant for project layouts and aesthetics, with urban planning consultant for zoning and density studies, and with geotechnical consultants for soil and foundation reports. Each of these services is interconnected, and firms that build strong networks often secure repeat contracts and long-term partnerships.

Let COFTT Help You

Structural engineering and quantity surveying consulting are at the heart of Dubai’s construction industry. With billions of dirhams invested in infrastructure and property development, opportunities are immense for firms that are licensed and compliant.

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At COFTT, we have helped engineering consultancies, surveying firms, and industrial companies establish themselves in Dubai successfully. Whether you are planning to start a structural engineering business or a quantity surveying firm, our expertise ensures you choose the right license, secure all approvals, and set up operations with confidence. Contact us Today for Free Consultation.