Road Contracting
Mainland License — Compare Across 3 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 1,000
Abu Dhabi
3 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 1,000
DED fee: AED 1000
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Sharjah Municipality - Technical Section
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
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About This Activity
Includes general contracting of roads, streets, internal roads, parking areas, airports runways, also, adjustment, maintenance and reparation works.
Our Analysis
Road contracting in Abu Dhabi costs AED 1,000 at the DED. Dubai charges AED 8,000 minimum through its formula. Sharjah is available on application.
The UAE builds roads relentlessly. Highway expansions, interchange upgrades, new residential community roads, industrial zone access roads — the pipeline never stops. Abu Dhabi's AED 32 billion surface transport investment plan and Dubai's metro extensions feed a continuous demand for road contractors.
Dubai's RTA oversees a road network serving 3.6 million residents and millions of vehicles. Contracts range from small local road repairs to multi-billion dirham highway projects. The DED license gets you in the door — winning contracts requires contractor classification, financial capacity proof, and often a joint venture with a classified Grade 1 firm for major works.
Abu Dhabi's DOT (Department of Transport) manages a similarly ambitious program. Inter-city highways, Abu Dhabi island road networks, and Al Ain connectivity projects provide diverse opportunities.
The trade-off: road contracting is capital-heavy. Asphalt plants, heavy machinery, and labour camps require millions in investment. Your AED 1,000 DED fee in Abu Dhabi barely registers against the cost of a single road roller.
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor. Contractor classification is mandatory for government road projects.
Abu Dhabi at AED 1,000 for government road contracts. Dubai for the largest road construction market.
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Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Road Contracting license cost in Abu Dhabi?
The government DED fee for a Road Contracting license in Abu Dhabi is AED 1,000. This is the cheapest among the 3 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Road Contracting license?
Abu Dhabi offers the lowest government fee at AED 1,000. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Road Contracting business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Road Contracting — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Road Contracting license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Contracting and building works (Dubai), Sharjah Municipality - Technical Section (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Road Contracting license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Road Contracting available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Road Contracting is available for mainland licensing in 3 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Road Contracting in the UAE?
Road Contracting falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Road Contracting license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is significantly cheaper at AED 1,000 versus Dubai's estimated AED 10,500 (at AED 50,000 rent). However, Dubai offers a larger market with 3.6 million residents and 16 million annual tourists.
How long does it take to get a Road Contracting mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
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