# Becoming a Contractor in the UAE & the Gulf
In the UAE and much of the Gulf, contracting requires **two things**: a business/trade license **and** a contractor **classification (grade)**.
## How it works
- **Trade license** — from the relevant economic department (e.g., Dubai's DED) to legally operate.
- **Contractor classification/grading** — the **municipality** (e.g., **Dubai Municipality**) grades contractors (by capability/value of work they can take on).
- **Mainland vs. free zone** — affects **ownership rules** and **where** you can work.
- Often requires a **registered engineer**, local presence, and meeting classification criteria.
## Practical path
Decide **mainland or free zone**, get your **trade license**, then apply for the **municipality contractor classification** that matches the work you want — and plan for local registration and engineering requirements.
**Takeaway:** In the Gulf, you need BOTH a trade license and a municipality contractor classification — and mainland vs. free zone shapes ownership and scope.
> ⚠️ *International overview only — not legal advice. Contractor rules vary widely by country (and by region within a country) and change often. Always confirm with the official licensing/registration authority in that country and a local professional before relying on this.*
