UAE mandates an official classification of Construction and Engineering Consulting companies.
Such a Classification system ensure that consultants and contractors meet all criteria and submit
the required documentation to secure the appropriate classification grade.
Contractor classification is a mandatory requirement for contractors who wish to bid for
governmental and semi-governmental projects, or to obtain certain types of commercial licenses
related to construction, infrastructure, and engineering. Getting the appropriate certificate is
crucial for contractors and consultants, as the opportunities can be very lucrative and will help
protect the construction ecosystem.
There are two different forms of Classification – one exclusively for Contractors and the other for
Engineering Consulting companies, with each having various Categories available for
classification. This classification is based on experience, expertise, and financial capabilities.
Each category defines the scope and complexity of projects that different classifications can
handle.
Classification for Contractors:
- Special Category:
This is the highest classification level for contracting companies, and accordingly, it comes
with the most stringent set of requirements and eligibility criteria.
- Minimum AED 20 million equity for last fiscal year
- Three company engineers, each having 10 years overall experience, required per
classifying activity. - Executed projects from the company worth AED 240 million in the last 10 years per
classifying activity. - ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications
Unlike local companies, which can apply for different classification levels, all foreign branch
companies in Abu Dhabi must be classified solely under the Special Category.
2. First Category:
Contractors who wish to qualify for the First category should qualify the below requirements:
- Minimum AED 10 million Equity for last Fiscal year
- 2 Company Engineers, each having 10 years overall experience, required per Classifying
Activity. - Executed projects from the Company worth AED 120 million in the last 10 years per
Classifying Activity. - ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications
3. Second Category:
Contractors who wish to qualify for the Second category should qualify the below
requirements:
- Minimum AED 5 million Equity for last Fiscal year
- 2 Company Engineers, each having 7 years overall experience, required per Classifying
Activity. - Executed projects from the Company worth AED 60 million in the last 10 years per
Classifying Activity. - ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications
4. Third Category:
Contractors who wish to qualify for the Third category should qualify the below
requirements:
- 2 Company Engineers, each having 5 years overall experience, required per Classifying
Activity. - Executed projects from the Company worth AED 30 million in the last 10 years per
Classifying Activity.
5. Fourth Category:
The Fourth Category is meant for developing contractors. Contractors who wish to qualify
for the Fourth category should qualify the below requirements:
- 1 Company Engineer, having 5 years overall experience, required per Classifying
Activity. - Executed projects from the Company worth AED 15 million in the last 10 years per
Classifying Activity.
6. Fifth Category and Sixth Category:
These Fifth and Sixth Categories in the construction industry were established to give startup contractors the opportunity to gain experience and introduce themselves into the industry
while complying with the law. Each contractor classified under these categories must have
one company engineer for each classifying activity, with a minimum of four years of
experience for the 5th category and three years of experience for the 6
th category.
Classification for Consultants:
- Special Category:
This is the highest level of Category for Consulting Companies and has highest number
of requirements to be met. All Foreign Branch companies in Abu Dhabi are required to
be classified in Special Category. This elite tier is for a select number of companies that
uphold excellence in practice and have consistently achieved superior, recognized
accomplishments.
Requirements:
- Minimum AED 2 million Equity for last Fiscal year
- 3 Company Engineers, each having 10 years overall experience, required per Classifying
Activity - Executed projects from the Company worth AED 240 million in the last 10 years per
Classifying Activity - ISO 9001 and Indemnity Insurance certificates
2. First Category:
The First Category for consultants is for existing companies whose equity amounts to a
minimum of AED 1 million in the last fiscal year. Established firms must also have a firm
team of two engineers per activity, each with a minimum of seven years of experience.
They must also have completed a portfolio of executed projects worth AED 30 million
over the previous ten years. Firms must be compliant with internationally recognized
standards and have an indemnity insurance certificate.
3. Second Category:
The second category is for new entrants to the consulting industry and provides an entry
point for firms without a portfolio. It requires one Company Engineers, having 4 years
overall experience and an Indemnity Insurance certificate.
How AMA Global Can Assist You in Obtaining Your Contractor Classification
Certificate:
Obtaining a Contractor Classification Certificate in Abu Dhabi is a complex and time consuming process, but it’s a critical step for contractors and consultants who wish to
legally operate and bid on government projects in the Emirate.
This is where AMA comes in.
Our team of experts has in-depth knowledge of Abu Dhabi Municipality regulations, ISO
compliance requirements, and the engineering staff registration process, enabling us to
guide you through every stage of classification with confidence and precision.
From helping you determine the right classification category for your business to
preparing and reviewing all necessary documentation — including audited financial
statements, project portfolios, and technical certifications — we ensure every detail is
handled with accuracy.
We also communicate directly with the relevant authorities on your behalf, so any
inquiries or issues are resolved promptly and professionally.
Whether you’re an established contractor aiming for a Special Category classification, or
a new entrant applying for Fifth or Sixth Category, AMA Global provides comprehensive
support to help you avoid costly mistakes and streamline the entire process.
Let us help you position your business for growth by achieving the classification needed
to take on larger public-sector projects with confidence.
