Becoming a licensed and professional engineer in UAE can be a lucrative and rewarding career. It’s a dream come true for passionate engineers who wish to work on public or private projects, become a senior engineer, or want to start their own consultancy. Well, the entire process of becoming an engineer ready to practice in the country begins with a license.
This blog is your guide on how to get professional engineer license in UAE. Read through if you wish for a streamlined guide to begin your journey as an ardent engineer!
Why Should You Get a Professional Engineer License in the UAE?
Strict rules for practicing engineers are followed in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Employers and clients are reassured by registration that an engineer has the requisite training, background, and ethical foundation. Unlicensed activity is strongly forbidden by regulatory organizations like the Society of Engineers (SOE) UAE and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi, which impose mandatory licensing for practice.
Also, it gives you the license to establish your own engineering company. So, it’s essential to get a license before you set up your own business.
Steps To Get Professional Engineering License In UAE
Whether you want to be a civil engineer in the Emirates or an electrical one, you have to follow a strict procedural structure to get a license. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get professional engineer license in UAE. Follow the steps for a seamless procedure:
Step 1: Understanding The Licensing Authority
In the UAE, there are two primary licensing pathways:
- The system for registration and licensing of engineers is primarily managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi.
- UAE’s Society of Engineers (SOE): Provides secondary verification and membership, which are frequently necessary for positions in the public and private sectors.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
To apply for an engineer’s license, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- Academic Requirements: Graduate from an approved university with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- Attestation: The UAE Ministry of Education & Ministry of Foreign Affairs must attest the degree if it was earned outside the country.
- Work Experience: A Minimum of three years’ relevant, verifiable work experience is needed to apply for the ‘Practicing Engineer’ category. You are considered a “Trainee Engineer” if you have less experience; you can upgrade after three years.
- Specialized Exams: For some categories, you may need to pass a qualification exam after completing experience requirements.
- Digital Identity: Create a UAE PASS account to access online government services, including license applications.
Step 3: Preparing All Documents and Register
To initiate the process, you have to present the following documents:
- Degrees with attestations (and certificates of equivalency if studied outside the United Arab Emirates)
- Mark sheets and the complete transcript
- Certificates of Work Experience (from employers, in Arabic or with an official translation
- Resume/CV (including engineering projects and positions)
- Participation in any engineering associations, if any are offered
- Certificate issued for Police Clearance
- A current passport and Emirates ID
- Photos the size of a passport
- Filled-out SOE application (for membership)
Step 4: Opt For Online Registration
Regarding Abu Dhabi (via the DMT/TAMM Portal):
- Sign in: To access TAMM, the government services portal, or Abu Dhabi municipality, use your UAE PASS.
- Select Service: Go to Request for Issuance of Engineer License under Engineer Licensing.
- Personal Information: Enter your professional and personal information. Enter your employment history, education, and profile. Please remember to upload all necessary scanned documents.
- Degree Verification: Verify your degree by choosing whether it was earned inside or outside of the United Arab Emirates and by presenting any necessary equivalency certifications.
- Accept Terms and Conditions: Please download and agree to the applicable terms and conditions.
- Submitting Application: Apply now, and the system will let you know if you qualify and what to do next.
- Await Approval: You will receive email updates during the process, which normally takes five working days.
- Download License Card: To obtain your digital engineer license card after being approved, sign in to the TAMM portal.
For the Society of Engineers (SOE) UAE:
- Fill Out Application: Go to the SOE UAE website and fill out the application for an engineering licence or membership.
- Send in Documents: Send in or upload all of the above-mentioned necessary documents.
- Pay Fees: Current rates are available on the SOE website; fees differ by category.
- Verification: After reviewing the documents, an interview might be held.
- Obtain an SOE Card: In the UAE, the SOE card attests to your standing as a certified engineer.
Step 6: Upgrading or Renewing License
Before the validity of your professional engineer’s license expires, you must renew it. follow the steps for upgrading or renewing:
- You must submit your application via the TAMM site using the “Request to Amend an Engineer Licence” feature, document extra work experience, and potentially pass additional tests.
- Engineer licenses normally need to be renewed every one to three years. Make sure all records are current and begin the process well in advance of the expiration date.
Step 7: Understanding the Categories of License
Trainee License: Given with less than 3 years of work experience. One can work under supervision
Practicing License: Given with more than 3 years of experience. One can sign off on engineering contracts.
Specialized Engineer: Given to those who pass the specialty test and have 1+ years of work experience. One gets complete autonomy.
Pave Your Way As An Engineer In The UAE
These are the simple steps guiding you on how to get professional engineer license in UAE. Remember, if you want to be a practising engineer in the Emirates, you must ensure to properly complete the legal formalities.
While engineering is a lucrative career and in demand in the UAE, following the right procedure for being able to set up your engineering consultancy or working as an engineer is crucial. You can always request the services of an expert business consultant to help you with the setup. Their expertise helps in keeping compliance with the necessary requirements and changing laws of the UAE.
Get Started With Professionals!
Xpert Advisory can be your go-to business consultant, helping you obtain a license to practice engineering in the Emirates. Whether you are a passionate professional willing to work in the corporate field or set up your own company, we streamline the process of getting a license. Get in touch with us and learn how we can help you!
FAQs
Can One Still Apply While Not In The UAE?
You can apply from overseas as long as your UAE PASS is active and all of your supporting documentation is uploaded.
Which Authorities Recognise The Licence or Certificate Of An Engineer?
The majority of private sector organisations and the UAE government acknowledge it; for senior positions, some may ask for both DMT and SOE certifications.
What Are The Requirements For SOE UAE?
Candidates must hold an engineering bachelor’s degree and, if earned outside of the United Arab Emirates, a MOE Equivalency Certificate. Preparing Documents: Certified copies of professional and academic credentials. Emirates ID, passport, and two current passport-sized photos.
