The UAE’s construction industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by mega-projects and extensive infrastructure development. This boom has created a high demand for skilled project managers to oversee these complex initiatives. Entrepreneurs looking to establish a project management business in the UAE can find lucrative opportunities, particularly in the construction and engineering sectors, as well as the rapidly growing field of Information Technology (IT). As project complexity increases, companies are prioritising certified professionals, making credentials like the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification increasingly valuable. 

Setting up a project management company in this vibrant market promises substantial potential for growth and success, and these are few of the business activities you can choose:

6209.16 Technological Projects Management

This covers specific IT and computer-related activities that don’t fit into other categories. This includes services like computer disaster recovery, which helps businesses restore their data and systems after a disaster to ensure they can continue operating smoothly. It also includes setting up personal computers, where professionals configure hardware and software to get the computers ready for use. Additionally, this classification covers the installation of software applications, ensuring they are correctly deployed and function properly on users’ computers.

Exclusions under this activity include:

• Installation of Mainframe and Similar Computers: This refers to setting up large, complex computer systems like mainframes, which are typically used by large organisations for bulk data processing.
• Computer Programming: This involves writing and maintaining the code that makes software applications work, which is a separate service from project management.
• Computer Consultancy: This includes advising businesses on how to best use information technology to meet their goals.
• Computer Facilities Management: This involves managing and overseeing computer systems and IT infrastructure for an organisation.
• Data Processing and Hosting: This covers services related to processing large amounts of data and providing hosting services for websites and applications.

• Third-party Approval: This business activity does not need third party approvals.
• Filing of Economic Substance Return: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.
• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.

7020.13 – Project management services

Project Management Services encompasses a wide array of advisory and operational support tailored to businesses and organisations. This includes strategic planning, financial decision-making, marketing, human resources, and production management, alongside assistance with public relations, lobbying, accounting procedures, and management information systems. The aim is to enhance organisational efficiency, streamline operations, and facilitate informed decision-making across various domains.

However, certain activities are explicitly excluded from 7020.13. These include the design of accounting software, legal representation, financial auditing, technical advisory roles, advertising, market research, executive placement services, and educational consulting.

• Third-party Approval: This business activity does not need third party approvals.
• Filing of Economic Substance Return: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.
• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.

7110.02 – Engineering design and consulting activities for… Project management activities related to construction

This activity encompasses a range of engineering design and consulting services, applying physical laws and engineering principles to various domains. This includes the design and consulting for machinery, industrial processes, and industrial plants. Additionally, it covers projects related to civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, traffic engineering, and water management. It also includes electrical and electronic engineering, mining engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical, industrial, and systems engineering, and safety engineering. Project management activities related to construction are also part of this classification.

However, certain activities are excluded from this classification. These include test drilling in connection with mining operations, the development or publishing of software, computer consulting activities, technical testing, research and development related to engineering, industrial design, interior decorating, and aerial photography. 

• Third-party Approval: Business activity 7110.02 requires Municipality approval – Technical Department, post-issuance of the license. 
• Filing of Economic Substance Return: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.
• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.

7110.40 Projects Management Engineering & Technical Feasibility Studies Services

This pertains to project management services in engineering and technical feasibility studies. This includes overseeing and managing engineering projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. Additionally, it involves conducting technical feasibility studies to assess the practicality and potential success of engineering projects. This can include analysing various technical aspects, evaluating risks, and determining the best approaches to achieve project objectives.

This classification excludes activities such as test drilling for mining operations, the development or publishing of software, computer consulting activities, technical testing, research and development related to engineering, industrial design, interior decorating, and aerial photography. 

• Third-party Approval: This business activity does not need third party approvals.
• Filing of Economic Substance Return: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.
• Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This business activity is exempt from this requirement.

Did you find what you were looking for? Explore the other guides in our Activity Hub for exploring unique business ideas in Dubai and navigate the essentials of business setup with ease.

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