Vehicle branding is one of the most high-impact marketing investments a company in the UAE can make. It transforms your fleet—whether delivery bikes, sedans, or heavy trucks—into mobile billboards that generate thousands of impressions daily.
However, the UAE has strict, specific regulations governing commercial advertising on public roads. Compliance is not optional; it is mandatory.
At Bayan Branding, we specialize in managing this complex regulatory landscape. This guide provides a direct, detailed look at the authorities, costs, and “golden rules” of vehicle branding across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman.
1. Why You Need a Permit (The Risks of Non-Compliance)
You cannot simply apply a sticker to a commercial vehicle and drive. The UAE considers this “Outdoor Advertising,” and it is regulated to ensure road safety and aesthetic standards.
The Consequences of Ignoring the Law
If you brand a vehicle without a permit, or if your permit expires, you face significant risks:
- Fines: Penalties for unauthorized advertising can range from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per vehicle, depending on the Emirate.
- Mulkiya Block: You cannot renew your vehicle’s registration (Mulkiya) if there is an active fine or an expired advertising permit on the file.
- Impoundment: In severe cases of “visual pollution” or offensive content, the vehicle may be impounded.
- Removal Costs: You will be forced to strip the branding immediately at your own expense.
2. Branding Options: From Spot Graphics to Full Wraps
Authorities categorize permits based on the “percentage of coverage.” Choosing the right type affects both your budget and the permit fees.
A. Spot Graphics (The Fleet Standard)
- What it is: Vinyl decals applied to specific, non-continuous areas. Typically includes the company logo on the driver/passenger doors and contact details on the rear trunk.
- Coverage: Less than 30% of the vehicle.
- Best For: High-volume delivery fleets, maintenance vans, and logistics trucks where cost-efficiency is key.
- Pros: Lowest permit fees, fastest installation, and easiest to repair if scratched.
B. Partial Wrap
- What it is: A seamless design that covers a significant portion of the vehicle (e.g., the entire rear half) while leaving the original paint visible on the front.
- Coverage: 30% to 50% of the vehicle.
- Best For: Companies wanting high visual impact without the cost of a full color change.
C. Full Wrap
- What it is: Covering the entire vehicle body in vinyl.
- Coverage: 100% of the painted surface.
- Regulatory Note: In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, if the wrap changes the vehicle’s fundamental color (e.g., turning a white van Red), you may need an additional clearance from the Police/CID to update the color on the Mulkiya.
2. Vehicle Branding in Dubai: The RTA Process
In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is the primary governing body for vehicle advertising.
The Authority
- RTA Advertising Department: Handles the approval of the artwork and issuance of the permit.
- Dubai Police (CID): Approval is required only if the branding changes the vehicle’s primary color by more than 30% or fully wraps the vehicle.
- Required Documents
- Valid Trade License (Dubai-issued).
- Vehicle Ownership Certificate (Mulkiya).
- Mock-up design of the vehicle (showing all four sides: Front, Back, Left, Right).
- NOC from the leasing company (if the vehicle is rented).
Vehicle Branding in Other Emirates
ABU DHABI: Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) / ADDED
- Authority: Department of Economic Development (ADDED) & ITC.
- Portal: TAMM (Abu Dhabi Government Services).
- Process:
- Apply via TAMM under “Issue Vehicles Advertisements Permit.”
- Upload vehicle photos and trade license.
- Physical Inspection: Abu Dhabi often requires a physical inspection of the vehicle at designated centers (like Adnoc testing stations) to ensure the sticker doesn’t block views.
- Fees (Estimated):
- Light Vehicles: ~AED 50 – AED 250.
- Heavy Vehicles: ~AED 400 – AED 1,000.
- Inspection Fee: ~AED 40 – AED 100.
- Critical Rule: “Visual Pollution.” Designs must be clean. QR codes are often rejected to prevent distracted driving.
SHARJAH: Sharjah Municipality
- Authority: Sharjah Municipality (Advertising Section).
- Process:
- Submit design for initial approval.
- Apply branding to the vehicle.
- Mandatory Inspection: You must bring the branded vehicle to the Municipality for a physical check before the final permit is issued.
- Fees (Estimated):
- Sharjah Registered Vehicles: ~AED 1,000 per year.
- Vehicles Registered in Other Emirates: ~AED 3,000 per year (This is a unique surcharge in Sharjah).
- Critical Rule: The trade name on the vehicle must match the Trade License exactly. No “brand names” allowed unless they are the trade name.
AJMAN: Municipality & Planning Department (MPDA)
- Authority: MPDA.
- Portal: AjmanOne App or Website.
- Process: Digital submission of design and documents.
- Fees (Estimated): ~AED 250 – AED 500 depending on vehicle weight.
- Why it’s popular: Ajman has one of the fastest approval processes in the UAE, making it a hub for logistics companies registering their fleets.
4. Technical Design Guidelines (The Fine Print)
To avoid rejection, your design must adhere to these universal UAE standards. Bayan Branding ensures every file we produce is compliant before submission.
- The 50% Arabic Rule: You cannot have English only. If your logo is English, you must add the Arabic translation of the company activity or name.
- Window Restrictions:
- Windshield/Front Side Windows: strictly prohibited.
- Rear Window: Permitted only if using Perforated Vinyl (One-Way Vision) which allows the driver to see out.
- Restricted Imagery: No smoking, alcohol, religious symbols, or political content. Images of people often require special approval or model release forms.
- Paint Protection: We recommend using high-grade cast vinyl. Cheaper vinyls can bake into the vehicle’s paint in the UAE heat, causing damage when removed.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I brand a rental vehicle?
A: Yes, but you need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the car rental company or leasing agency. They are the legal owners, so the permit will be issued under their traffic file but linked to your trade license.
Q: What happens if my branded vehicle gets into an accident?
A: If a body panel is replaced, the branding will be lost. You must reprint and reinstall the graphic for that specific panel. If the design changes during the repair, you must update the permit.
Q: Can I use a QR Code on my vehicle design?
A: It depends on the Emirate. Dubai (RTA) allows it in specific sizes. Abu Dhabi frequently rejects QR codes as they encourage other drivers to take out their phones while driving (safety hazard). We recommend avoiding them for smoother approval.
Q: My trade license is from Dubai, but my car is registered in Sharjah. Where do I get the permit?
A: You generally need the permit from the Emirate where the vehicle is registered (Mulkiya source). However, if you operate heavily in another Emirate (e.g., a delivery van stationed in Sharjah), Sharjah Municipality may require their own permit regardless of where the bike is registered.
Q: How long does the approval process take?
- Dubai/Ajman: 1 to 3 working days.
- Abu Dhabi: 2 to 5 working days (due to potential inspection requirements).
- Sharjah: 3 to 5 working days (requires physical inspection).
6. The Bayan Branding Process
We don’t just print stickers; we manage your fleet’s legal compliance.
- Consultation: We advise on the most cost-effective branding type (Spot vs. Wrap) for your budget.
- Compliance Design: Our designers create mock-ups that are guaranteed to pass RTA/Municipality checks (correct Arabic sizing, safe zones).
- Permit Management: We handle the government portal submissions, fee payments, and NOCs.
- Premium Installation: We install using weather-resistant materials in our climate-controlled facility to ensure longevity.
Ready to get your fleet on the road?
Stop worrying about fines and complex paperwork. Let Bayan Branding handle the permits and the printing.
