Transit advertising

Branding a company vehicle in Dubai: the RTA permit, step by step

· 3 min read

Two city buses with full-colour advertising wraps driving along a Dubai road

A billboard reaches one place. A branded vehicle drives across the city and is seen in many districts every day. That is why many companies brand their fleets.

In Dubai, putting a company logo or wrap on a vehicle needs permission from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This post covers how that works, as published in November 2024, and what to settle before you order a wrap. Check the current steps on the RTA website before you apply.

Who applies

The company that owns the vehicle, with a Dubai trade licence. We prepare the application for our clients and manage the permissions for the campaign.

Other emirates apply their own equivalent process, so tell us where the vehicles will run.

The steps

As described in November 2024, the company applies on the RTA website:

  1. Log in and go to the permit section for vehicles, then choose the "Advertising on Vehicles" service.
  2. Upload the documents.
  3. The RTA reviews the application and replies by website, email and SMS.
  4. If it is approved, pay the fee online.
  5. Print the permit.

What the RTA asks for

  • the design, shown from all sides
  • a mock-up
  • a Dubai trade licence
  • for some vehicle types, a letter of request describing the activity

This is why the design must be settled before the application, and why you should not print before the permit is approved.

What changes the fee

The fee depends on the type of vehicle and on how much is covered: logo and trade name on the doors, a partial wrap or a full wrap. Fees are set by the RTA and can change, so look at the current list on the RTA website.

Decide before you ask for a quote

  • How many vehicles, and which types? A van, a bus and a pickup are treated differently.
  • How much of each vehicle? Logo and name, partial wrap or full wrap.
  • Which emirate? The process can differ.
  • When must they be on the road? Give us the date and we will plan around it.

The wrap and the paint

We use removable vehicle-grade vinyl. It is applied and removed by professionals, and the paintwork underneath is left intact.

A whole fleet

For many vehicles, we coordinate print, wrapping and launch so they go out together.

Transit or a billboard?

A billboard gives you one location. Transit gives you reach across the city and the same message seen often. Some clients use both. We can quote either, or both together.

Planning a fleet campaign? Tell us how many vehicles and where they run.

Related service: transit advertising.

Frequently asked questions

Will a wrap damage the vehicle?

No. We use removable vehicle-grade vinyl, applied and removed by professionals, so the paintwork is left intact.

Who approves vehicle branding in Dubai?

The RTA. Other emirates apply their own equivalent process. We manage the permissions for the campaign.

Can you brand a whole fleet?

Yes. We coordinate print, wrapping and launch across the fleet so the vehicles go on the road together.

Which areas do you cover?

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, with route planning to match your audience.

Related service

Transit advertising

See how Rabtora delivers transit advertising across Dubai and the UAE.

Talk to Rabtora about transit advertising

Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you with options and a clear quote.

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