Pr 402- Abu Dhabi Lighting Manual =link= | SECURE — 2027 |
The Abu Dhabi Lighting Manual (PR-402), specifically the latest Version 3.0 (July 2021), is the definitive technical standard for public lighting design within the Emirate. It establishes mandatory guidelines for the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to ensure energy efficiency, road safety, and sustainability. Key Technical Standards
Designers and contractors must adhere to specific performance metrics for LED installations:
Lighting Classes: Standardized levels (e.g., M2 for high-speed roads at 1.3–1.5 ; M4 for minor routes at 1.0 LED Specifications:
Color Temperature (CCT): Standard accepted colors are 2700K, 3000K, and 4000K.
Protection: Luminaires must meet high Ingress Protection (IP) and Impact Protection (IK) ratings.
Warranty: Minimum 10-year full warranty required for street and tunnel lighting. Physical Infrastructure:
Poles: Maximum bracket arm length is typically 1.5m with a maximum tilt angle of 5 degrees. pr 402- abu dhabi lighting manual
Clearance: A 1000mm clear area is required around pole centers, typically finished with hardscape or gravel. Scope of the Manual
PR-402 is divided into comprehensive sections covering the full lifecycle of a lighting project: Focus Area Section A & B Roadway, Parking, Tunnel, and Underpass Lighting Section C Street Lighting Poles and foundations Section D Public Lighting Management Systems (PLMS) & Dimming Section E & F Solar Street Lighting and Gantry/Signage Lighting Section G Light Pollution Mitigation (Dark Sky Policy compliance) Section H Project Submission & Verification Requirements Compliance & Submission PR-402 (Lighting Design Manual) | PDF - Scribd
PR-402 Abu Dhabi Lighting Manual , also known as the Abu Dhabi Lighting Design Manual
, serves as the authoritative regulatory framework for all roadway and public realm lighting within the Emirate. Issued by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
, its current version 3.0 (July 2021) mandates high-efficiency standards to support Abu Dhabi's 2030 sustainability goals. Key Technical Standards
The manual provides rigorous specifications that every consultant and contractor must follow: LED Mandate The Abu Dhabi Lighting Manual (PR-402) , specifically
: All new installations, including tunnels and underpasses, must use LED luminaires to ensure energy efficiency and long-term durability. Color Temperature (CCT) : Accepted ANSI standard LED colors are Lighting Classes
: It defines specific luminance levels for different road types: Highways/Freeways (100Kph+): (30 lux in conflict areas). Major Arterials (80Kph): (30 lux in conflict areas and crosswalks). Residential/Parking: Standardized lux levels based on road class. Structural Requirements
: Lighting poles are designed to withstand wind velocities of with a gust factor of 1.14. Maintenance & Warranty
: Street and tunnel lighting fixtures must come with a minimum 10-year full warranty Operational Guidelines
The manual is structured into parts for specialized infrastructure: Part 1, Section B : Focuses on Tunnel and Underpass Lighting
, requiring vibration-proof and corrosion-resistant fixtures suited for extreme heat and humidity. Part 1, Section C : Details specifications for Roadway and Parking Lighting Poles Exterior / street lighting
, including foundation design and coordination with landscaping (requiring a 1000mm clear area around poles). Dark Sky Policy Integration : External lighting must be installed within
of building limits to prevent light pollution, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy Purpose and Impact
Transitioning to these standards is estimated to save the Emirate over AED 1 billion
by 2030 by reducing energy waste and light pollution. It ensures a uniform "look and feel" across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Gharbia, prioritizing both public safety and environmental stewardship. lighting classes for a specific road type, or perhaps the submission requirements for getting a design approved? PR-402 2021-577 | PDF - Scribd
Exterior / street lighting
- ADSDM – Volume 4 (Lighting) – mandatory for public roads, walkways, and transport infrastructure.
- Estidama PBRS – Lighting Pollution Requirements (Light Trespass & Sky Glow) – mandatory for all new buildings and communities.
1. Possible confusion with known Abu Dhabi lighting regulations
The most widely recognized public lighting standards in Abu Dhabi are:
| Document | Issuer | Scope | |----------|--------|-------| | Abu Dhabi Street Design Manual (ADSDM) | Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) / Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) | Includes street lighting design, poles, photometrics, and safety | | Estidama Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS) | DMT – Urban Planning Sector | Includes exterior lighting, light pollution, and energy efficiency (Villa, Building, Community scales) | | Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) – Technical Regulations | QCC / ADQCC | Product standards for lighting fixtures (e.g., streetlights, indoor luminaires) | | Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) / Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) – Electrical regulations | ADDC/AADC | Service connection requirements that may reference lighting in public/private areas | | UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice (CoP) | Civil Defense | Emergency lighting, exit sign requirements |
PR 402 might be an internal project specification (e.g., from a consultant like Parsons, AECOM, or a developer like Aldar, Masdar, or MOD Properties) or a legacy Abu Dhabi municipality code that has since been replaced.
3. Full Cutoff Luminaires
Zero uplight is not a suggestion; it is a specification. Every luminaire must be full cutoff (BUG rating of 0 or 1 in the Uplight category) . Light spill above 90° horizontal is prohibited.
