Heavy Lifting Logistics in Dubai: Permits, Road Closures, and Crane Mobilisation Challenges

Dubai is a city where heavy lifting logistics requires precision, planning, and strict compliance with regulations. Any mistake in the documentation or deviation from the route can lead to downtime and financial losses. Therefore, every operation for moving or installing bulky equipment must begin with careful preparation.

RTA Permissions and Approvals

The movement of heavy machinery on the roads of Dubai is possible only with permission from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The application is submitted through an electronic portal and includes the exact parameters of the equipment  weight, dimensions, photos, as well as a description of the route. The deadline for reviewing standard applications is usually three business days. For non-standard cargoes, additional coordination with the road and police services is required.

The RTA defines routes, time windows, and control points. Deviations from the approved route are prohibited and entail fines or temporary suspension of transportation.

Preparatory Stage

• Clarification of all technical characteristics of the cargo
• Development of a detailed mounting scheme
• Checking bridges, interchanges, and height restrictions
• Confirmation of insurance coverage
• Preparing an alternative route in case of blockage

Road Closures and Time Restrictions

The movement of heavy convoys  and crane services in Dubai is regulated by strict time limits. During rush hours, transportation is prohibited from 6:30 to 9:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. The optimal time for transportation is at night or early morning. In some cases, a partial road closure is required, coordinated with the RTA and the police.

For safety, pilot cars and a special escort are used. The route is accompanied by a dispatcher who monitors the movement of the convoy in real time.

Crane Mobilization and Technical Limitations

Each type of crane requires an individual approach.

• Mobile crane is convenient to transport, but requires axle load control.
• Crawler crane provides stability on the site, but requires transportation in sections.
• Rough terrain crane is effective on difficult surfaces, however, it has limitations along the route.
• Spider crane is used in cramped facilities where access is limited.

Before starting work, a technical check is carried out, the wind load is calculated and the foundation is prepared. In conditions of heat and sand, special attention is paid to the condition of hydraulics and filters.

Assembly and Preparation on Site

Large cranes are delivered in parts. Auxiliary trailers and cranes with lower lifting capacity are used for assembly. Storage areas and the installation procedure are pre-determined on the site. Each element is installed under the supervision of engineers and operators with appropriate licenses.

Load Balancing and Maintenance

The axle load must strictly correspond to the chassis specifications.  For oversized cargo, rental mobile cranes must have visible signal markings, approved turning radius calculations, and support from escort vehicles. Crews maintain radio communication throughout each movement phase to prevent incidents.

Insurance and Legal Liability

Every operation involving the transportation and lifting of equipment must be insured.

• The transit insurance policy covers transportation damage.
• Civil liability protects against damages related to damage to infrastructure or property of third parties.
• Additional coverage includes compensation for downtime or evacuation of equipment.

Documents and copies of insurance must be kept by the crew and the project coordinator.

Digital Tools and the RTA Logisty Platform

Modern solutions, such as the RTA Logisty system, allow you to track the movement of equipment, book transport and obtain online permits. Using telematics helps you control your route, driving style, and fuel consumption. These technologies increase transparency and speed up the approval process. The organization of heavy lifting in Dubai requires strict compliance with regulations, technical discipline and precise planning. RTA permits, route control, and site preparation are a unified system that ensures safety and efficiency.

With Safest Lift crane and heavy equipment rental company ensures that the project is completed on time and without violations of the law.