A contractor classification certificate is a system established by the Abu Dhabi Municipality to help engineering and construction companies in Abu Dhabi register their company and ensure that they have the necessary experience and resources.

The Classification certificate is intended to ensure each company’s competencies, i.e. that they are experienced and qualified to meet the criteria for the category into which they desire to be classified. Once designated, only enterprises with the corresponding activity are eligible to participate in government initiatives.

There are two main classifications: Contractors and Engineering Companies. Contractors are classed as Special, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Category, and Engineering Companies as Special, First, or Second. The classification criteria are the same for both.

• Experience Conditions (projects completed within the past six years)
• Technical Conditions (number of defined employees (engineers and financial) with a predetermined number of years of expertise. All engineers should be registered with the Abu Dhabi Engineers Registration System.
• Other Conditions (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001).
• Financial data.

Once categorized, companies can get a classification certificate Abu Dhabi, which confirms their status and eligibility for government projects. This contractor classification certificate is required for participating in construction and engineering projects in the region. Furthermore, contractor classification services are available to help companies navigate the classification process and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

What is the procedure for a classification certificate?

Contractors and consultants may apply for categorization for one or more specializations within the various contracting or consulting fields authorized by the regulations. Contractors and consultants work in different industries. The Contractor or Consultant may then apply for and be assigned categorization at certain graded levels.

 The level at which a Contractor or Consultant is classified determines the range of project values that the Contractor or Consultant is permitted to work on. Because classification can be requested for one or more specialties, a Contractor or Consultant may receive varying levels of classification for its various specializations.

Documents Required

Engineer required per Contracting Activity having 4 or more -years’ Experience overall. 

The engineer must have the following documents:

• Equivalency Certificate issued from UAE Ministry of Higher Education
• Labor Card on company
• Visa on the Company (Abu Dhabi)
• Police Clearance certificate
• Copy of Passport and Emirates ID
• Experience letters (If Experience from outside UAE, then an attested letter is required)

Requirements:

• 1 Company Engineer, with a Minimum 4 years of experience required per Classifying Activity

The engineer must have the following documents:

• Equivalency Certificate issued from UAE Ministry of Higher Education
• Labor Card on company
• Visa on the Company (Abu Dhabi)
• Police Clearance certificate
• Copy of Passport and Emirates ID
• Experience letters (If Experience from outside UAE, then attested letter is required)

• ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications
• Copy of trade license
• CV
• Mobile number of the Engineer
• Photo

The level at which a contractor or consultant is classified determines the monetary thresholds that apply to projects in which the classified contractor or consultant may participate, as well as the ongoing requirements that the contractor or consultant must meet to maintain classification.

How do I get a contractor Classification?

To obtain classification under the Regulations, a contractor or consultant must apply to the Consultant’s/Contractor’s department, Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, along with all business-related documents demonstrating its past experience, staff qualifications and experience, financial standing, health and safety records, and insurance records.

The process of compiling the necessary documentation to acquire classification can take many weeks. Once an application is granted, it will be entered into the appropriate DED registry, and the contractor or consultant will be issued a certificate of classification. The certificate will indicate the classification date, validity period, classification levels, field, and specializations.  The new regulations will make categorization certifications valid for two years

How can we help your organisation with its classification certificate in Abu Dhabi?

At Smartlinkcs, we can provide experienced guidance to help your company get classified correctly. With our extensive knowledge in this field, you can be confident that your company’s classification journey will be trouble-free and time-saving.

Our services also extend to assisting with ADNOC registration and navigating the requirements set by the Supreme Petroleum Council Abu Dhabi. Please contact us to learn more about how we can help.