ZP27 - Sidewalk/Public Area Occupation Permit

We’re here to help you obtain a permit to occupy part of the sidewalk or public area in front of your commercial shop. This service allows you to set up outdoor spaces that enhance your services and engage more customers.

This service enables customers to obtain a permit to occupy a portion of the sidewalk or public square adjacent to a commercial shop holding a valid commercial license. This service is governed by the “Executive Regulations of the Law on Occupancy of Sidewalks and External Squares” – No. (3) of 2018, Second Edition, which outlines the engineering requirements for regulating sidewalk and outdoor courtyard occupancy and enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the Emirate.

Authorized Concerns for the Use of the Sidewalk or Public Squares:

• Activities related to serving food such as outdoor sessions (cafes, restaurants, cafeterias).

• Elements of outdoor seating coordination (occupancy) such as simple light poles, temporary umbrellas, plant beds and the like.

• Activities related to children's games.

• ATMs and similar bill payment machines, vending machines, and steel barriers for security reasons in front of ATMs or bank entrances and the like.

• Commercial activities of hypermarkets - supermarkets - groceries (without external display of foodstuffs - library - display of flowers and natural plants with non-static displays) or the like.

• Commercial activities of shops selling (fabrics, clothes and the like) for specific areas in the streets of local markets according to the distribution approved by the competent department.

• Car sales or rental activities (car shows, carnival competitions and the like only for specific streets and areas according to the distribution approved by the competent department).

• Containers for clothing donation or other activities (charitable activity) and the like.

• Any other occupancy approved by the competent department.

Occupations not covered by the permit

• Billboards of all shapes and types must be authorized by the Municipality's Advertising Department.

• Temporary construction and renovation works that need to occupy/close/convert sidewalks

• Other works detailed in the Executive Regulations of the Law on the Occupancy of Sidewalks and External Yards

Sub-Cases of Applying for a Permit to Occupy Sidewalks and External Yards

• New Request

• Request for Amendment and Addition

• Renewal without modification or addition

• Renovation with modification and addition

• Cancellation of the permit

• Assignment to third parties

All service transactions are provided through the accredited engineering consultancy offices in the Emirate, while the beneficiary can apply for only three cases, which are (renewal without amendment, cancellation of the permit, and waiver to others).

How Long Will It Take?

What Will You Get?

One-Year Occupancy Permit (Renewable).

How Do You Apply?

• Submission Fee: AED 300

• Occupancy Fees:

• For areas less than 25 square meters: Occupancy area × AED 200

• For areas more than 25 square meters:

• Occupancy area/Shop area × Annual rent value × 10%

• Minimum annual occupancy fee: AED 2,000

What Documents Do You Need?

1. Land Document (Sketch) : Plot plan or archive number (for older site plans).

2. Emirates ID : For the permit beneficiary and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner.

3. Trade License : ssued by the Department of Economic Development (must include shisha service in the activities, if applicable).

4. Valid Lease Agreement – Authenticated according to regulations.

5. Seating Layout Plan – Includes number and placement of furniture, pedestrian paths, seating area dimensions, signage, sidewalk width, light post placements, signage, billboards, fences and fire hose positions.

6. NOC for Site Service Clearance Certificate : NOC for Site Service Clearance from following entities: Etihad Water and Electricity Etisalat Corporation Wastewater Agency (if pavement excavation is involved)

What Terms and Limitations Apply?

Terms :

• Ensure the commercial shop is within a Commercial or Commercial/Residential building and its location is on the main road.

• Ensure the outdoor seating (for restaurants/cafés) is at least 10 metres from residential entrances and adjacent buildings.

• Permanent structures are not allowed.

• Perimeter fences must not exceed 0.8m in height, be well-designed, and not obstruct views.

• The permit holder must comply with cleanliness and public health regulations before, during, and after use.

• Shisha is not permitted in outdoor seating for hotels rated below 4 stars.

• You can not prepare food outside the shop's boundaries.

Limitations

• Permit is valid for one year only from the date of issue.

• Working hours must align with the shop’s operational hours (maximum of 12 hours at night).

• Revoke the permit if complaints are received or conditions are violated.

Services Link

You can apply online through https://rakdigital.rak.ae/index.html?sap-language=ar#/Lobby/MS17