How to Get a Raw Materials Composition Engineering Services Business License in Dubai

Dubai's position as a global trade and manufacturing hub makes it one of the most strategic locations in the world to establish a raw materials composition engineering services business. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining Activity Code 7110.9 under a Professional Business Licence at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, from setup costs and compliance steps to why the UAE market offers exceptional commercial opportunity.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Activity Code: 7110.9 | Category: Professional Business Licence

• Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub

• Foreign Ownership: 100 per cent permitted, no local sponsor required

• Typical Annual Licence Fee: AED 12,000 to AED 20,000

• Corporate Tax: 9 per cent on taxable income above AED 375,000 (qualifying free zone income may be exempt)

• Logistics Access: Over 200 international destinations via Al Maktoum International Airport

• Licence Renewal: Annual

What the Licence Covers and Who It Suits

Activity Code 7110.9 covers professional engineering analysis and advisory services related to the composition of raw materials. Classified under the Professional category of a Business Licence, this activity is centred on the sale of expertise rather than physical goods. Licence holders may provide materials analysis, compositional testing methodology, technical reporting, and advisory services to industrial clients.

This licence is particularly well suited to materials scientists, chemical engineers, quality assurance consultants, and industrial research and development firms. Businesses serving manufacturing, petrochemical, construction, and aerospace supply chains active in the UAE and the wider GCC will find this licence directly aligned with their service offering. As regional industries scale up production and quality standards tighten, demand for specialist composition engineering expertise continues to grow.

UAE and Dubai Market Context

The UAE's non-oil manufacturing sector contributes significantly to national GDP under Operation 300bn, the government's industrial strategy aimed at doubling the manufacturing sector's contribution to AED 300 billion by 2031. This strategy is driving sustained investment in advanced manufacturing, materials innovation, and quality assurance infrastructure across the country.

Dubai South Free Zone is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, providing direct logistics links to over 200 international destinations. This connectivity is a significant commercial advantage for businesses involved in raw material sample handling, testing, and verification. Construction megaprojects across the GCC, combined with growing aerospace and petrochemical activity, are generating consistent regional demand for materials testing and composition analysis services. Furthermore, re-export activity through Dubai accounts for a substantial share of total trade, creating sustained demand for raw materials verification services that underpin product quality and regulatory compliance.

Setup Costs and Licensing Steps

Typical free zone professional licence fees at Dubai South range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 annually, depending on the package selected. Additional costs include registration fees, visa allocation charges, and optional flexi-desk or dedicated office space. One of the most commercially attractive features of the free zone model is that 100 per cent foreign ownership is permitted, with no requirement for a local sponsor. Under the current UAE tax framework, no corporate or personal income tax applies to qualifying free zone income.

Step-by-Step Licensing Process

• Step 1: Select Activity Code 7110.9 and confirm the Professional Business Licence category with Dubai South Free Zone authority before submitting any documentation.

• Step 2: Submit your application with passport copies, a business plan, and proof of professional qualifications relevant to engineering or materials science.

• Step 3: Pay the initial registration and licence fees upon approval of your application by the free zone authority.

• Step 4: Obtain your establishment card, open a corporate bank account, and apply for residency visas if required for yourself or key personnel.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Professional licences under Activity Code 7110.9 may require submission of relevant engineering or scientific qualifications for key personnel as part of the application process. Businesses must renew the licence annually and maintain a registered address within Dubai South Free Zone throughout the licence term.

UAE Corporate Tax at 9 per cent applies to taxable income above AED 375,000 for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, though qualifying income earned by free zone entities may be exempt subject to conditions. Anti-money laundering regulations and economic substance requirements also apply and must be observed from the date of incorporation. Engaging a qualified compliance adviser at the outset is strongly recommended to ensure all obligations are met from day one.

Why Dubai South Free Zone Is Well-Positioned for This Activity

Dubai South sits at the heart of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan's southern economic corridor, positioning it as a long-term growth zone with strong government backing. Its proximity to both Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport creates a seamless import, analysis, and re-export corridor for raw material samples, making it operationally ideal for composition engineering service providers.

The free zone ecosystem includes logistics, aviation, and light industrial tenants who represent a direct client base for composition engineering services. The regulatory environment is supportive, with streamlined digital licensing processes and dedicated business setup support from the free zone authority, reducing administrative burden for new entrants.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Raw Materials Composition Engineering Services Business Licence under Activity Code 7110.9 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is a straightforward process that offers 100 per cent foreign ownership, a tax-efficient structure, and access to one of the world's most active trade and manufacturing corridors. Begin your application with Dubai South Free Zone today or speak with a registered business setup consultant to confirm the documentation required for your specific engineering discipline.

References

• UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology - Operation 300bn

• Dubai South Free Zone - Official Business Setup Information

• UAE Ministry of Finance - Corporate Tax Overview

• UAE Cabinet - Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

• UAE Ministry of Economy - Anti-Money Laundering Regulations