Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is stepping up enforcement of shopfront signage regulations across the emirate, reinforcing a broader push to reduce visual clutter, preserve urban aesthetics, and improve road safety.
Under the directives of the Dubai Civility Committee, the DET is regulating trade-name signage on commercial shopfronts in line with the Outdoor Advertising Manual, introduced in 2024. The manual was issued by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality, in coordination with Mada Media, the body responsible for managing out-of-home advertising in Dubai.
The rules are clear and non-negotiable. Each commercial establishment is permitted to display only one trade name on its shopfront. Multiple signs or advertisements are prohibited. Signage must be displayed horizontally — not vertically — with Arabic positioned above English, and projection is allowed from one side only.
Proportionality is also a key requirement. Sign dimensions must align with the height and width of the shopfront, and excessive thickness or oversized displays are not allowed. Lighting must comply with approved brightness levels, and bright white backgrounds are prohibited. All signage content must remain static, meaning animated visuals, videos, or moving images are not permitted.
The guidelines also restrict where signs can be placed. Trade-name signage is not allowed on building balconies or on the external facades of offices, clinics, or commercial outlets above the ground floor.
The DET is responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections to ensure compliance. The department has called on all business owners and relevant entities to cooperate with these requirements, in support of Dubai's urban vision and its Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan goals.
Full technical specifications are available in Section 3.4 of the Outdoor Advertising Manual at rta.ae.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
