Signage to be standardised under new laws

A standardisation for storefronts and commercial businesses was developed by the Urban Planning Council and the Department of Economic Development.

ABU DHABI // New laws on standardised commercial signage and storefronts will regulate the size, type and position of signs allowed in the emirate.

Developed by the Urban Planning Council (UPC) and the Department of Economic Development, the regulations address building facades and the use of public space for equipment and storage as well as signage.

A commercial signage manual will be available for business owners and will outline specific zones based on the location of the business within a building. Each zone will have its own rules on signs permitted by font, specifications and dimensions, and positions on the building.

"The regulations are aimed at raising the standard and consistency of all permanent commercial signs across our emirate and will apply to all permanent new and existing signage on buildings," said Amer Al Hammadi, the UPC's director of planning and infrastructure.

"It will limit the use of storefront windows, improving appearance while allowing for natural surveillance."

No signs or portions of signs will be allowed to cover an "integral architectural element of a structure", obstruct a view into or out of a business or advertise third-party products.

Restrictions on air conditioning units and gas cylinders will also be enforced "to improve safety and maximise public access".

The Department of Economic Development will work with the municipality and UPC to ensure the implementation of the new regulations.

The new regulations are meant "to ensure signage uniformity on buildings and that signage complements the building to convey a positive image of the building and business".