Dubai is introducing a new visual identity for its addressing system, covering area signs, street signs and house number plates. Announced by the Roads and Transport Authority on 7 October 2026, the programme will update how locations are identified across the city, with a phased rollout through 2030.
Where the rollout starts
The programme covers 186 areas across 19 sectors, with implementation planned in phases from the fourth quarter of 2026 through 2030. The first phase includes more than 2,000 signs across five areas:
- Za’abeel 1
- Za’abeel 2
- Nad Al Sheba
- Al Khawaneej 1
- Nazwa
The project is being led by the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning in coordination with RTA and Dubai Municipality.
New colours, Makani numbers and QR codes
Five colours will reflect the geographic character of different areas. Blue represents locations near the sea, while gold reflects desert surroundings. The approved house number plate designs will include the property’s Makani number and a corresponding QR code.
Future stages are intended to extend the identity to bus stops, smart applications and area map boards. These are planned elements of the programme, rather than features already available everywhere.
Rollout details still to come
The RTA release does not provide an installation date for each building. It does not announce a requirement to amend tenancy contracts or property documents, or an application deadline for property owners.
Keeping arrival instructions up to date
As local signage changes, a practical next step is to check the directions used by tenants, guests and service teams. The following recommendations concern day-to-day property management; they are not requirements announced by RTA.
Start with the journey from the street to the correct entrance. A map pin can identify a building while still taking a visitor to a service entrance, parking ramp or neighbouring tower. Test the route using the same link and instructions sent to a first-time visitor.
For a holiday home, keep one approved set of directions and use it consistently in pre-arrival messages and the guest guide. Include a current entrance photograph and explain where a taxi can stop. Share access codes privately with confirmed guests rather than adding them to public listing photographs.
For a long-term rental, a short update to the tenant may be enough. Cleaning and maintenance teams should receive the same verified location details so that different people are not working from conflicting versions.
Arrival-information checklist
- Ask the building manager whether nearby signs or the building’s number plate have changed.
- Check the displayed building details and Makani number against the location information sent to visitors.
- Test the shared map link and confirm that the directions lead to the intended entrance.
- Replace outdated entrance photographs and remove references to signs that are no longer there.
- Update guest messages, tenant information and contractor instructions from one approved version.
Key takeaways
- Update directions when changes are verified at the property, rather than assuming every area has changed at once.
- Treat the map pin, street directions and entrance photograph as one set of arrival information.
- Assign one person to maintain that information across guest, tenant and contractor communications.
Frequently asked questions
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Review your options and ask how each company handles guest arrivals, tenant communication and day-to-day coordination at your property.
Source: Roads and Transport Authority, “Launching New Visual Identity for Dubai’s Areas in Coordination with RTA and Dubai Municipality”, 7 October 2026. Additional reporting: ARN News Centre, 7 October 2026.
