November to March is terrace season in the UAE. As the weather cools, cafes and restaurants open their outdoor seating, and customers choose where to sit by what they see from the street. Good outdoor signs, flags and menu boards bring them in. Just make sure everything stays inside your permitted area.

Outdoor seating rules to know first

You need a permit before you set up outdoor seating. In October 2026 Abu Dhabi Municipality published clear rules for cafes and shops:

Seating must be directly beside your shop and no longer than your shopfront.
At least 1 m of pavement must stay clear for people walking.
Areas longer than 12 m need a walking route through the seating.
Keep 8 m from residential building entrances, 3 m from electricity rooms and telecom towers, 2 m from car park entrances, bus stops and emergency zones, and 1 m from street lights, road signs, parking machines and fire hydrants.
Movable barriers up to 1.20 m high are allowed. The area should not be fully enclosed.
Parasols must be at least 2.20 m high and closed in strong winds.

In Dubai, check the Dubai Municipality outdoor seating guideline and get your permit before you open the terrace.

Terrace branding checklist

Sidewalk sign: an A frame sidewalk sign with today’s special. Place it inside your area so the 1 m walkway stays clear.
Barrier covers: branded barrier covers turn movable barriers into advertising and keep the space tidy.
Fence screens: fence screens add privacy and your logo along railings.
Flags: feather flags and garden flags catch the eye of passing cars and walkers. Take them in when the wind is strong.
Menus: a wooden menu board by the entrance and table tents with QR menus on every table.
Evening glow: a neon sign under a covered area or behind the glass makes your terrace stand out at night.
Windows: static clings for seasonal offers that you can swap each month.

Events on the terrace

Hosting a live screening, market night or brunch? Add a custom canopy tent for shade and branding, and a roll up banner at the entrance. For the full indoor list, see our hotel and restaurant branding checklist and restaurant signs.

Plan for the season

December: National Day, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the New Year
December and January: Dubai Shopping Festival
February and March 2027: Ramadan, when outdoor dining during fasting hours is limited. See our Ramadan 2027 guide for iftar tents and signs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for outdoor seating?

Yes. Get a permit from your municipality before you set up outdoor seating, and keep all signs and flags inside the permitted area.

Which outdoor sign is best for a small cafe?

An A frame sidewalk sign and a few table tents are the simplest start. Add feather flags if you face a busy road.

Do you deliver across the UAE?

Yes. Al Burooj Advertising delivers across all seven emirates and ships internationally.

Do your prices include installation?

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

Opening your terrace this winter? Browse our flags and restaurant signs or email your terrace photos to hello@alburoojadvertising.com and our team will send you a quote.