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What is RTA approval?

At Daem, we are your dedicated partners in navigating the intricate landscape of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approval processes.

With extensive expertise and a deep understanding of local regulations, we specialize in securing essential permits and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for a diverse range of projects in Dubai.

Our commitment is to provide a seamless, efficient, and compliant pathway, allowing you to focus on the successful execution of your vision.

Streamlined RTA Approval Services for Your Dubai Projects: Your Gateway to Success

1. Permit for Construction (Gate Level Approval)

Beyond the Basics:

Securing a Gate Level Permit is a fundamental prerequisite for any construction project in Dubai, as stipulated by Dubai Municipality and enforced by the RTA.

This permit precisely defines the relative height of your building’s entrance in relation to the surrounding road network, crucial for proper infrastructure integration, drainage, and accessibility.

We manage the entire application lifecycle, from initial consultation to final approval, ensuring your project aligns perfectly with Dubai’s urban planning and safety standards.

Who Needs It: This permit is mandatory for private building owners, consultants, contractors, and government agencies undertaking new construction or significant modifications.

Process Insight: The process typically involves a precise topographic survey and a formal request through the Dubai Municipality’s “Build in Dubai Platform.”
The RTA then reviews the proposed gate level for its impact on existing and future road infrastructure.

Required Documents :

  • Effective Plot Plan: A detailed layout of your property.
  • Topographic Survey around the plot: A comprehensive survey indicating existing ground levels, surrounding infrastructure, and any potential influencing features.7 This must be conducted by an approved surveyor.
  • Dubai Municipality (DM) Form for Gate Level: The official request form, specifically tailored for RTA requirements, for determining and approving the gate level.
  • Additional project details: Depending on the complexity and scale of the project, the RTA may request architectural drawings, structural plans, or traffic impact studies.

Why it Matters: Obtaining this permit early prevents significant delays and costly rework during the construction phase, ensuring harmonious integration with Dubai’s road and transport network.

2. Landscaping Permit (Soft Landscaping Approval)

Enhancing Dubai’s Green Spaces: For projects involving the creation or modification of soft landscaping areas adjacent to Dubai’s roads, an RTA Landscaping Permit is essential.

This permit ensures that your green initiatives contribute positively to the city’s aesthetics while adhering to public safety and infrastructure integrity.

Our team facilitates the smooth acquisition of this permit, from design review to final approval.

Who Needs It: Individuals, developers, and companies planning soft landscaping along public roads, excluding the planting of trees (which may have separate approvals).

Process Insight: The RTA assesses the proposed landscaping design for its impact on road visibility, pedestrian flow, utility lines, and overall urban planning. The design must specify types of plants, irrigation systems, and hardscape elements within the right-of-way.

Required Documents (Expanded):

  • Effective plan from Dubai Municipality: A site plan indicating the proposed landscaping area in relation to the property boundaries and road.9
  • Detailed Design of the Landscaping Area: This includes plant schedules, irrigation plans, material specifications, and any proposed hardscaping elements.10
  • Site Photographs: Current photographs of the proposed landscaping area, providing a visual context for the application.11
  • No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant utility providers: For any underground or overhead utilities that might be impacted by the landscaping work (e.g., DEWA, DU, Etisalat).
  • Maintenance plan: A brief outline of how the landscaping will be maintained to ensure long-term sustainability and aesthetic appeal.

3. Supplementary Signs Permit

Guiding the City: Supplementary signs are vital for enhancing wayfinding and promoting key destinations across Dubai.

If your government entity or private company holds an existing RTA permit and requires additional signage to direct commuters to cultural, touristic, commercial, or service locations, we provide end-to-end support for acquiring or renewing these crucial permits.

We ensure all signs comply with RTA’s strict standards for design, placement, and content.

Who Needs It: Government organizations and private companies with existing RTA permits, seeking to install or renew informational/directional signs.12

Process Insight: The RTA meticulously reviews the proposed sign designs and locations to ensure they do not obstruct traffic flow, compromise safety, or detract from the urban aesthetic. There are specific fees associated with temporary and permanent panels, varying based on road classification (local, collective, arterial, free roads).

Required Documents (Expanded):

  • Effective plan from Dubai Municipality: A clear map indicating the proposed locations for sign installation.
  • Valid Trade License: Proof of your company’s legitimate operation in Dubai.13
  • Effective plan specifying the suggested locations to install the signs: This should include precise coordinates and visual representations of the proposed placement.14
  • Detailed design draft of the supplementary signs: Including dimensions, materials, content (Arabic and English text), and illumination details.
  • Classification Certificate (if applicable): For certain types of facilities.
  • Authorization Letter: If applying on behalf of another entity.
  • All other documents requested by the concerned department: RTA may request additional documentation based on the specific nature and scale of the signage.

Important Note: Temporary panels may have monthly fees, while permanent panels have one-time charges. Permits are often initially valid for three months, requiring renewal well in advance to avoid removal and fines

Service Features

  • Construction Permit Facilitation
  • Landscaping Permit Procurement
  • Supplementary Signage Authorization
  • Infrastructure NOC Acquisition
  • Outdoor Advertising Permit Handling
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4. NOC for Infrastructure

Building the Foundations of Tomorrow: Infrastructure projects are the backbone of Dubai’s development.15 We provide comprehensive professional support to help you apply for a diverse range of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the RTA, ensuring seamless execution of your infrastructure initiatives.

These NOCs are mandatory for development projects within the Right of Way (RoW) or adjacent to RTA and DEWA reservations.

Types of Infrastructure NOCs We Facilitate:

  • NOC for Information: Obtain approvals for accessing necessary project-related information from RTA.
  • NOC for Construction Work: Secure permission to commence construction activities impacting RTA assets or the Right of Way.
  • NOC for Executing Trial Trenches: Ensure compliance for trial trenching during infrastructure assessments, often a preliminary step to confirm underground utility locations.17
  • NOC for Special Infrastructure Work: Get approvals for unique, non-standard, or complex infrastructure requirements.
  • NOC for Certifying As-Built Drawings: Assistance with certifying completed infrastructure drawings, including RTA spare ducts and utility distribution cross-sections for RTA road projects, ensuring accurate records.
  • NOC for Infrastructure Design: Facilitate the approval process for designing infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet RTA’s technical specifications and safety standards.

Process Insight: Applications are typically submitted through the RTA’s e-NOC system. The processing time varies by NOC type (e.g., 3 working days for Information and Trial Pits NOCs, up to 7 working days for Network and Road NOCs). NOCs are generally valid for 60 days and require renewal 15 days before expiry.

Required Documents (General): While specific requirements vary by NOC type, common documents include project drawings (PDF and CAD formats), technical specifications, environmental impact assessment reports (if applicable), and detailed plans showing existing and proposed work.

It’s crucial to refer to the RTA’s “Infrastructure NOC Technical Manual” and “Submission Guidelines.”

5. Outdoor Road Advertising Permit

Maximizing Your Visibility: For advertising companies and organizations seeking to install temporary advertising or promotional boards on Dubai’s roads for special events, product launches, or business promotions, securing an RTA Outdoor Road Advertising Permit is indispensable.

We offer comprehensive support, ensuring your campaigns are visually impactful and fully compliant with RTA regulations.

Who Needs It: Advertising companies and organizations looking to place temporary promotional boards on public roads.20 This does not include advertising on vehicles, which falls under a separate permit category.

Process Insight: The RTA carefully reviews the proposed advertisement design, content, and location to ensure it adheres to aesthetic standards, traffic safety, and cultural sensitivities.

There are strict guidelines regarding content (e.g., no religious or political themes, no nudity, 50% Arabic language requirement), size, height, and structural safety.

Required Documents for Advertising Approval (Expanded):

  1. Copy of Valid Trade Licenses:
    • For the party requesting the advertisement (advertiser).
    • For the company executing the advertisement (advertising agency).
  2. Authorization Letter from the Advertising Party:
    • Addressed to the Advertising and Investments Services section at the RTA.22
    • Clearly states the purpose and reason for the advertisement.
    • Confirms authorization of the mentioned company to execute the proposed advertisement.
    • Specifies the exact start and end dates for the requested advertising period.
  3. Responsibility Letter from the Advertising Company:
    • Addressed to the Advertising and Investments Services section at RTA.23
    • Provides explicit details of the proposed advertisement, including materials, installation methods, and maintenance plan.
    • Assumes full responsibility for any damages caused by improper execution, maintenance, or removal of the advertisement.24
  4. Proposed Advertisement Design: A detailed, high-resolution design draft of the advertisement, including dimensions, colors, content in both Arabic and English (minimum 50% Arabic), and any illumination details.
  5. Affection Plan: A document showing the exact location of the proposed advertising board, with precise coordinates and its relation to the nearest road, landmarks, and existing infrastructure.25
  6. Engineering Blueprints and Structural Load Calculations: For large-format structures, demonstrating safety and stability.
  7. Installation by Certified Companies: Proof that the installation will be carried out by RTA-approved contractors.

Key Considerations: Adherence to content guidelines (no religious symbols, no indecent images, minimum 50% Arabic), size and height limitations, and location-based zoning rules are critical for successful approval.

6. Renewal and Cancellation of Advertising Permits

Maintaining Compliance: Managing the lifecycle of your advertising permits is crucial for continuous compliance. Whether you need to renew existing approvals for temporary advertising boards or formally cancel a current permit, our team provides expert guidance and efficient processing.

We ensure all renewal and cancellation procedures adhere strictly to RTA regulations, making the process seamless and hassle-free.

Process Insight: Renewals typically require re-submission of updated documents and payment of applicable fees.

Cancellations involve formal notification to the RTA. It is generally advisable to initiate renewal or cancellation requests at least one month prior to the permit’s expiry. Failure to renew can result in automatic removal of signs and additional fines.

Required Documents (Renewal/Cancellation):

  • Valid advertising permit (original or copy).
  • Any updated company documents (e.g., trade license).
  • For renewal, updated design or affection plan if there are changes.
  • For cancellation, a formal request letter explaining the reason for cancellation.

By partnering with Daem, you gain a trusted ally dedicated to simplifying your RTA approval journey, allowing your projects to move forward with confidence and compliance.