Abu Dhabi has unveiled a major update to its professional engineering framework, introducing a new four-tier grading structure designed to strengthen competency, streamline career progression, and align standards with global best practice.
The changes were announced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) as part of administrative decision 113/2025.
The revised framework replaces the previous three-grade structure with four distinct categories:
- Intern Engineer
- Practitioner Engineer
- Professional Engineer
- Expert Engineer
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The system applies across all accredited engineering specialities in the emirate.
Under the new rules, aspiring engineers must progress through a structured, merit-based pathway. Candidates begin at the Intern Engineer stage before qualifying as Practitioner Engineers, with the option to advance to the Professional and eventually Expert tiers.
Each level requires an approved qualification, successful completion of the relevant examination, and accumulation of a defined combination of practical experience and Professional Development Units (PDUs).
These PDUs must be earned through training, specialist courses, educational activities, or professional programmes accredited by the DMT to ensure performance aligned with industry best practices.
The examination framework has been designed to rigorously assess technical skills, sector-specific practices, administrative capabilities and in-depth knowledge of the regulations governing Abu Dhabi’s construction and building sector.
The DMT has also introduced an extendable conditional registration option. This allows engineers who have not yet met certain mandatory requirements—such as degree equivalency or exam completion—to obtain temporary registration while progressing toward full, permanent registration.
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Eng Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Acting Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, DMT, said: “By introducing rigorous, merit-based grading and continuous development, we are not only elevating the quality and expertise of our engineers but also ensuring that our emirate’s infrastructure is built upon the strongest possible foundations of skill and integrity.”
According to the department, the updated examinations reinforce Abu Dhabi’s commitment to maintaining a dynamic engineering talent pool and reflect global best-in-class regulatory models.
