RTA Right-of-Way Permits in Dubai
Nexa Event secures Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) right-of-way permits for events in Dubai — road closures for public events, race and parade routes, and on-road activations. This guide explains how the permit works and how we manage it alongside your event permit.
Updated August 2026
Who issues right-of-way permits in Dubai?
Temporary use of Dubai's road right-of-way is permitted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) under Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021, which regulates works in the right-of-way. For events, the relevant service is the Road Closure Permit for a Public Event — closing Dubai roads to hold a public event — issued through RTA's Right of Way Services Permits System (ROWPS).
Which events need an RTA permit?
Any public event that closes or occupies a road in Dubai: street festivals, races and parades, on-road brand activations, and events whose setup or traffic plan affects the road network. The permit sits alongside your event permit rather than replacing it.
Documents typically required
Applications commonly include a traffic management layout showing the closures, diversions and alternative routes, no-objection letters from the parties affected by the closure, the event programme and timings, and the event-type approvals the closure depends on — for example the DSC permit for a sports event.
How the process works
The typical flow: confirm the route or area and the closure timings, coordinate the traffic layout and supporting approvals, submit the application through RTA's ROWPS portal, respond to any queries from the authority, and receive the permit before your event date. Allow extra time where other approvals are required first.
How Nexa Event helps
We assess whether your event needs a right-of-way permit, coordinate the traffic management layout and the no-objections from the parties affected, submit and track the RTA application, and sequence it with your DET, DSC or other approvals so the closure is in place on the day — alongside registration, production, branding and staffing for the event itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an RTA road closure permit take?
RTA's service page states a completion time of seven working days for the Road Closure Permit for a Public Event, and notes that the process may take longer where other approvals are required (verified on 23 August 2026). File early — the closure depends on the parties affected agreeing first.
Is the RTA permit the same as my event permit?
No. The right-of-way permit covers the road closure itself and sits alongside your event permit from DET, DSC or another authority; we run them together so the approvals land in the right order.
Does RTA also handle event signage and branding on roads?
Not any more. Out-of-home advertising permits in Dubai, including temporary event branding on the right of way, are issued by Mada Media Company PrJSC under the RTA and Dubai Municipality concession. We handle that approval separately.
Which events need a road closure permit?
Any public event that closes or occupies a Dubai road — street festivals, races and parades, on-road activations, and events whose traffic plan affects the road network.
Do we need a Dubai company to get the permit?
Event permits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are applied under Nexa Event's own trade licences; for certain permit categories, additional requirements apply — we confirm exactly what is needed for your event.