Apply for a Permit to Utilise Pavements by Restaurants and Coffee Shops
A permit to utilise pavements issued by RTA is required to instal tables, chairs, or machines (grilling, payment, vending, or kids' game machines) on pavements in front of restaurants and coffee shops in Dubai.
Output
Permit to Utilise Pavements by Restaurants and Coffee Shops, valid from 6 months to 1 year
Ways to Apply
Website
- Website
Channels
Steps
- Log in using your username and password, or UAE Pass.
- Fill in the application.
- Receive a call from the inspector within 5 working days to schedule a site visit, if required.
- In case of approval, receive an SMS to pay the application and permit fees as well as the refundable deposit amount.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the permit through email and the ROWPS.
- In case of rejection, receive an SMS with the reasons (incomplete documents, unclear attached drawing, conditions not met, etc.), and apply again.
Service Time
5 working days
Important to Know
You Should Know
- Companies that can apply for this service are those that utilise pavements to place tables, chairs, grills, or machines in front of their coffee shops or restaurants.
- You can cancel the permit by visiting the Customer Happiness Centre in RTA Headquarters - Block C. In the event of permit cancellation, the fees paid are non- refundable.
- You can choose a permit validity period ranging from 6 months up to 1 year, depending on your needs.
- To renew the permit, you must follow the same process as you did for the initial application.
You Should Do
- Detail all areas to be utilised on the drawing and secure enough space for pedestrians.
- You must pay the fees within 13 days from receiving the SMS with the approval.
Eligible Categories
Companies that own restaurants and coffee shops
Service Requirements
- Drawing (Plan detailing the shop location, the area to be utilised with dimensions, the pavement width, and the names of neighbouring streets if any, or any other landmarks and pedestrians walkway dimension)
- Site photo
Fees
Select Permit Object
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit card
Terms and Conditions
- Follow the rules and regulations adopted by RTA.
- Keep pathways clear for pedestrians, providing sufficient walking space.
- Leave a space of at least 2m from the pavement width for the movement of pedestrians.
- Don't anchor flower and plant containers to the pavement, and make sure they occupy an area of maximum 1m.
- Don't anchor sunshades to the pavement, or cover all the utilised area, to maintain the overall aesthetic appearance.
- Ensure that chairs and sunshades don't obstruct the view of vehicle drivers or compromise the general safety of pedestrians.
- Don't use any rugs to cover the utilised area.
- Don't instal lamp posts or columns that are higher than 1m, unless on certain roads specified by the relevant department, ensuring that they aren't reflective nor have any influence on the traffic safety.
- Don't instal televisions or any other screening machines in the utilised area on the pavement or in any other place, because they might affect the traffic safety.
- Don't place statues or sculptures in the utilised area to ensure they don't obstruct pedestrian movement.
- For more information, check the Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021 Regulating Works in the Right of Way.
FAQs
- Q: What's the process if I want to instal a snack display counter on the pavement?
- A: You must apply for a permit to utilise pavements by restaurants and coffee shops and submit the request under the vending machine option.
- Q: If I have an expired permit to utilise pavements by restaurants and coffee shops and I've already paid the refundable deposit amount, can I apply again with the same insurance?
- A: Yes. If the system asks you to pay the refundable deposit amount again, you must visit the Customer Happiness Centre in Umm Ramool.
Updated on: 04-November-2025