Department of Municipalities, ADGM launch unified engineering classification system for Abu Dhabi

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) have integrated their systems to create a unified engineering classification and registration framework for the emirate. Under the new arrangement, applications from ADGM‑licensed companies can now be processed through the TAMM platform and will be assessed using the same classification and registration standards applied across Abu Dhabi. The updated DMT Classification and Engineering Professions System also enables firms licensed within the ADGM free zone to collaborate with mainland‑registered engineers.

“The creation of a consolidated framework allows for more collaboration that effectively accelerates construction across Abu Dhabi,” said Eng Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director‑General of the Urban Planning & Permits Centre at DMT. “Real estate developers and property owners will also have a greater choice when it comes to hiring architects, project leads and contractors, which enhances competitiveness and fosters innovation in the emirate’s economy.”

Integration details and immediate effects

The integration removes a previous regulatory divide in Abu Dhabi. ADGM‑registered organisations and individuals operating on Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island had been subject to separate regulatory frameworks, effectively functioning as DMT‑only classified firms while holding licences from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. Under the new system those firms and professionals will be able to submit licensing and classification applications through TAMM, consolidating approvals and applying the same rigorous standards used elsewhere in the emirate.

Officials say the move streamlines processes for both free zone and mainland entities. The updated DMT Classification and Engineering Professions System explicitly allows ADGM‑licensed firms to work alongside mainland‑registered engineers, a step intended to reduce administrative friction and expand options for hiring and project delivery.

• Applications from ADGM‑licensed companies can now be processed through the TAMM platform.
• The DMT Classification and Engineering Professions System has been updated to include free‑zone firms.
• ADGM‑registered organisations on Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island will operate under the same registration standards as mainland firms.
• The integration permits collaboration between ADGM‑licensed firms and mainland‑registered engineers.

Outlook: competitiveness and growth

Rashed Al Blooshi, Registration Authority CEO of ADGM, framed the change as part of a broader push for regulatory alignment. “This integration reflects ADGM’s strong alignment and close cooperation with the DMT to deliver a more unified and efficient regulatory environment across Abu Dhabi,” he said. “By enabling engineering firms and professionals registered in ADGM to operate seamlessly across the emirate, we are supporting greater market competitiveness and contributing to the continued sustainable growth of the construction and infrastructure sectors across Abu Dhabi.”

Authorities intend the consolidated framework to accelerate project delivery, widen choice for developers and property owners, and position Abu Dhabi as a model for regulatory coherence. The practical impact will be measured in how quickly firms transition to the TAMM process and the volume of projects that leverage new cross‑jurisdictional collaboration between free zone and mainland engineering teams.