In Dubai, shopfront signs need a trade-name signage permit from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the sign must follow DET's design rules. Designing within the rules from day one avoids remaking the sign.
Who issues the permit
DET issues trade-name signage permits and inspects shopfronts. The technical specifications sit in Dubai's Outdoor Advertising Manual, published with the RTA, Dubai Municipality and Mada Media.
The main design rules
- One trade name per outlet. Extra brand names or adverts on the shopfront are not allowed.
- Signs are horizontal, not vertical.
- Arabic text sits above English.
- Signs may project from one side only.
- The size must suit the shopfront's height and width.
- Lighting must stay within permitted brightness, and bright white backgrounds should be avoided.
- Signs are static: no video, moving images or animation.
- No signs on balconies, or on the outside of offices, clinics and shops above ground floor.
What this means for your sign
Plan the sign as one trade name, set horizontally, with Arabic on top and lighting that is bright but not glaring. If you want moving content, it belongs on an LED screen inside the shop window or premises, subject to its own rules.
Other emirates
Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and the northern emirates each have their own authority and rules. We check the requirements for the emirate before we design.
How we help
We design within the rules, prepare the drawings and visuals for the permit, then make and install the sign.
Rules as reported by the Dubai Media Office in May 2026. Requirements can change, so confirm the current rules with DET before installation.
Sources: Dubai Media Office: shopfront advertising framework (May 2026) · RTA: Outdoor Advertising Manual
Updated 13/10/2026 by the Victory Digital team.
