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Rules & Permits for Outdoor Advertising in Dubai

August 19, 2025October 19th, 2025

Rules and Permits for Outdoor LED Advertising in Dubai

Introduction

Outdoor LED screens are now central to Dubai’s visual landscape — from building façades to shopping mall entrances and roadside billboards.
However, all such digital media are strictly regulated. Every LED installation must comply with Dubai’s Out-of-Home (OOH) Advertising Manual, issued by Dubai Municipality and RTA, and now unified under Mada Media.

This article outlines the verified requirements, documentation, and process for obtaining LED advertising permits in Dubai — based on the official OOH Advertising Manual (2024–2025).

1. Regulatory Authorities

  • Dubai Municipality (DM) – Main authority reviewing and approving outdoor advertisements, including LED screens and digital façades.

  • Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – Approves screens visible from public roads or bridges to ensure safety and prevent driver distraction.

  • Civil Defense – Reviews large illuminated structures for safety and fire compliance when required.

Note: DEWA is not part of the advertising permit process — the site simply requires a legal power supply and electrical compliance certification.

2. When Is a Permit Required?

Approval is mandatory for all of the following:

  • Building façade LED screens

  • Digital billboards and unipoles

  • Temporary LED screens for events or exhibitions

  • Rooftop panels, MUPIs, or digital banners

  • Any illuminated sign visible from a public area

Even temporary installations require a short-term media permit from Dubai Municipality.

3. Key Documentation Required

When applying for an LED advertising permit, you’ll need:

  1. NOC from the Landlord or Property Owner

  2. Affection Plan (official plot plan from Dubai Municipality Survey Dept.)

  3. LED Screen Specifications:

    • Width × height

    • Pixel pitch and refresh rate

    • Automatic brightness control

    • Power and structural system

  4. Stamped Engineering Drawings (structure, fixation, foundation, electrical layout)

  5. Site Photos and Coordinates

  6. Sample Content or Video Loop (must comply with UAE advertising content code)

  7. Valid Trade License (advertising, contracting, or media activity)

UP2 assists clients in preparing all technical documentation, drawings, and NOC templates to ensure complete and compliant submission.

4. Permit Categories

Type Purpose Validity
Permanent Media Permit Fixed LED screens or long-term advertising structures 1 year (renewable)
Temporary Media Permit Event or short-term campaigns 7 – 90 days
Modification / Relocation Permit Upgrading or moving an existing screen Per project

5. Approval Process and Timeline

  • Dubai Municipality Review: 5 – 10 working days

  • RTA Road-Safety Approval: 7 – 15 working days (if visible from a public road)

  • Civil Defense (if required): 3 – 5 working days

⏱ Total duration: about 2 – 4 weeks from submission to final NOC, depending on site complexity.

6. LED Screen Regulations

  • Brightness Control:
    The OOH Manual requires automatic brightness adjustment according to ambient light. No specific nit limit is published, but brightness must not cause glare or visual disturbance.

  • Content Motion:
    Video or animation visible from public roads is not permitted. Only static or gently transitioning images are allowed in road-view zones.

  • Colour & Visibility:
    Avoid red or amber tones resembling traffic signals; text must be clear and legible.

  • Language:
    Both Arabic and English must appear correctly translated.

  • Prohibited Content:
    No political, religious, or culturally sensitive material; no alcohol, tobacco, or offensive imagery.

7. Renewal and Inspection

Permanent LED screens require annual permit renewal.
Dubai Municipality may inspect sites to ensure:

  • Structural and electrical safety

  • Correct brightness scheduling

  • Compliance with approved content

Non-compliance can lead to penalties, disconnection, or permit suspension.

8. How UP2 Supports Clients

UP2 manages the end-to-end approval process for LED advertising projects:

  1. Site Survey and Feasibility Check

  2. Preparation of Drawings, Specifications, and NOC Documents

  3. Affection Plan Retrieval and Application Submission

  4. Follow-Up with Dubai Municipality and RTA

  5. Commissioning and Inspection Support

Commissioning:
We program each LED screen with automatic brightness control and day–night scheduling profiles, ensuring full compliance with Dubai Municipality and RTA standards.
During handover, UP2 provides operational logs and calibration records to verify performance for inspection and client documentation.

🧾 Summary

  • Authorities: Dubai Municipality, RTA, Civil Defense (if required)

  • Documents: Landlord NOC, affection plan, LED specs, stamped drawings, sample content

  • Brightness: Automatic dimming required – no fixed nit value, but glare must be avoided

  • Content: No video visible to roads; must meet cultural and language rules

  • Timeline: 2 – 4 weeks average for approval

  • Renewal: Annual for permanent screens

  • UP2 Role: Full documentation, submission, and commissioning management

References

All information is sourced from official and public Dubai government materials:

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