Opening a shop outside Dubai? Each emirate has its own sign rules and its own permit process. Our Dubai shop sign rules guide covers Dubai. This guide explains the basics for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, so you can plan the right size and type of sign before you order.

Abu Dhabi: the Commercial Signage Regulations

Abu Dhabi signs follow the Commercial Signage Regulations published by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The Department of Economic Development (ADDED) also approves some sign types and mall signage. Applications go through Abu Dhabi’s government services, usually on the TAMM platform, so check the current steps there before you order.

Key sizes and rules in Abu Dhabi

Ground floor fascia: the sign goes on the fascia when the fascia is 80 cm or taller. For a glass shopfront with no fascia, the sign must sit at least 2.5 m above the ground.
Building top signs: up to 2 m high and up to 75% of the building width, one sign per elevation.
Entrance, column and ATM signs: up to 0.56 m², for example 75 x 75 cm.
Colonnade signs: bottom edge at least 2.4 m above the ground and no more than 1 m high.
Projecting signs: total thickness up to 25 cm, and only for certain businesses such as clinics and salons.
Villa signs: up to 3.75 m² on the building and 1.5 m² on the boundary wall.
Phone numbers and websites: no more than 10% of the sign area.
Lighting: all cables and lights must be hidden inside the sign. Only 3D letters without a background, and banners, may be lit from outside.
Not allowed: covering architectural features, blocking views into or out of the shop, or advertising other companies’ products.

Running a sale or promotion in Abu Dhabi? ADDED also requires permits for advertising and promotional campaigns, so plan your promo banners with that in mind.

Sharjah: Outdoor Advertising Permit

Sharjah City Municipality issues an Outdoor Advertising Permit that covers all types of outdoor advertising. Businesses usually need:

Trade licence
Chamber of Commerce membership certificate
The proposed sign location
The trade licence of the company making or installing the sign
Any approvals required by other authorities

Companies holding a Ruwad (Sharjah Pioneering Enterprises) certificate may get reduced fees. The municipality customer service number is 06 516 2388.

Ras Al Khaimah: Commercial Sign Board Permit

RAK Municipality has a Commercial Sign Board Permit for shop signs, plus separate permits for signs on building facades, fences and pylons.

Which sign type suits your shop?

Front lit signs: bright 3D letters, popular for retail and restaurants.
Back lit signs: a soft halo glow for clinics, salons and offices.
Side lit signs: a modern look for cafes and boutiques.
Light boxes: simple and clear, great for pharmacies and clinics.
Hanging signs: for projecting signs where your business type allows them.
Acrylic and metal signs: for entrances, offices and villas.

Not sure which one to pick? Read front lit vs back lit vs side lit signs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a shop sign in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?

Yes. Permanent shop signs need approval from the relevant authority in each emirate. Check the requirements before installation.

Do you handle sign permits?

We handle DET shop sign permits for our customers in Dubai. For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and RAK, email us your location and shopfront photos and we will advise you on what to prepare.

Can you make signs in centimetres to match the approved drawing?

Yes. Tell us the approved width and height in cm and we will make the sign to that size.

Do your prices include installation?

Prices on our product pages exclude permits, approvals and installation services.

Planning a new shop sign? Browse our signs or email a photo of your shopfront to hello@alburoojadvertising.com and our team will send you a quote.