How UAE Smart Cities Use LED Displays and Their Costs

Planning to buy or rent an LED screen for shopping malls or retail stores in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi? More than just eye-catching displays, these screens deliver everything from traffic updates and emergency alerts to advertisements and important announcements. In smart cities, LED displays keep the residents informed, engaged,  and connected.

Understanding the cost of LED screens is important in making smart choices for a city planner, business owner, or event organizer. Selecting the right LED screen involves finding the perfect balance between visibility performance and budget. In this blog, let us understand the types of LED displays and their cost in the UAE, so that you can make informed decisions on your upcoming projects.

Types of LED Displays & Their Costs

LED display screens come in many shapes and sizes. Each of the screens is designed and engineered for specific uses, like roadside billboards for advertising, digital signboards in shopping malls, etc. In this section, let us explore the typical cost of various LED screens. Moreover, the cost depends on several factors, including size, resolution, indoor or outdoor use, brightness, and durability.

Electronic Billboard Cost

Electronic billboards are large, high-visibility outdoor LED screens used along highways, building facades, and public areas with heavy traffic for advertising or informing citizens. They provide bright, dynamic content visible from long distances in the urban zones of the UAE. The cost of electronic billboards ranges from AED 240,000 to over AED 1 million for purchase, and the monthly rental rate for prime locations varies from AED 80,000 to more than 400,000, depending on the area. 


LED Video Wall Price

LED video walls comprise multiple smaller LED panels combined to form a large display. These screens are commonly used indoors in malls, event venues, and control rooms for delivering immersive visuals for advertising and presentations. In the UAE, the cost of smaller indoor LED video walls starts around AED 20,000 to 50,000, mid-range setups cost AED 50,000 to 150,000, and large-scale walls cost more than AED 150,000. However, the cost of LED screens can vary depending on various factors like pixel pitch, screen size and resolution, indoor vs outdoor use, etc.

Digital LED Sign Board Price

Digital signboards are medium to small-sized LED displays used for retail signage, institutions, kiosks, or traffic management. They effectively deliver messages to the target audience in localized spaces. Generally, the digital LED sign board price for commercial purposes ranges from AED 3000 to AED 5000. For customized or premium LED sign boards, prices can rise up to AED 10,000 or higher.

Indoor and outdoor LED screens

Indoor LED screens are designed for well-lit environments like malls and retail stores. Such screens usually have lower brightness and simple enclosures, making them more cost-effective. The price of such screens ranges from AED 2000 to AED 5000. Outdoor LED screens require high brightness, waterproofing, and robust construction to withstand moisture and dust, resulting in higher prices compared to indoor LED screens.  

Transparent LED displays

Transparent LED displays allow the viewers to see through the screen while displaying vivid visuals. This makes such screens perfect for storefronts and glass building facades. Due to the complex technology, the transparent LED displays cost from AED 2,000 to AED 9,000 per square meter, which is higher than traditional opaque LED screens.

Poster LED screens

Poster LED screens are digital displays used usually in airports, malls, and stations for advertising and informational purposes. Indoor poster LED displays cost start from AED 3,700 to AED 9,000. These screens are portable and deliver high-resolution visuals in retail stores and events.

Industry-Specific LED Displays Costs

The cost of LED displays varies significantly depending on where and how the screens are used. Several factors, such as size, pixel pitch, resolution, indoor vs outdoor installation, and display technology, influence the cost.


Church LED Screen Price

The cost of LED screens in worship places such as churches varies according to the type of LED screen used, pixel pitch, resolution, etc. The cost of small indoor church LED screens is lower compared to medium or large outdoor screens. Small LED screens for a church can cost between AED 6,000 to AED 15,000. However, the price range of large LED walls for a church starts from AED 36,000.

LED Screens for Events Price

Event LED screens are widely used for concerts, weddings, and corporate functions. Organizers of the event can rent or purchase various types of LED screens depending on the requirements. 

  • The rental cost of LED screens for events ranges from AED 500 to AED 2,500 per day, depending on the size, pixel pitch, and resolution.
  • The purchase price of large high-resolution indoor event walls ranges from AED 50,000 to AED 150,000+

Trade Show Video Wall Cost

Trade show video walls are modular displays designed for exhibition booths and product displays. The cost of small modular walls starts at AED 20,000, and large high-resolution exhibition walls cost more than AED 100,000.

Giant LED Screen Cost

Giant LED screens are used in stadiums, outdoor advertising, and government or public installations, offering maximum visibility and impact. The starting price of large LED screens is around AED 240,000. However, premium weatherproof, large-scale LED screens can exceed AED 1 million in cost. 

Factors That Influence LED Display Pricing

Size and resolution 

Large screens require more materials and complex manufacturing, increasing the cost. High-resolution screens with smaller pixel pitch provide a clear image but are more expensive due to advanced technology. Choosing the right pixel pitch depends on viewing distance and application needs. Smaller pixel pitch costs more and delivers content with clarity. 

Indoor vs outdoor use

Outdoor LED screens need strong weather-proofing, high brightness, and durability against dust and moisture, increasing production cost. However, indoor screens operate in controlled environments requiring less protective design and lower brightness, making them more affordable. The installation process of outdoor LED screens is more complex, contributing to higher overall expenses. 

Maintenance and energy efficiency

An efficient power supply to LED screens reduces electricity consumption, which is an important factor for displays that operate continuously. Maintenance cost for cleaning, repairs, and software updates of LED screens also adds to the expenses.

Customization 

Custom LED screens are generally costlier due to the design, fabrication, and installation demands. Also, special mounting, electrical, and safety requirements add to the labour and equipment expenses. Moreover, market demand, brand reputation, and technical advances influence the cost of LED screens.

Why Smart Cities Invest in LED Displays

  • Emergency alerts: LED displays provide a dynamic and real-time communication medium for cities to broadcast public announcements, weather warnings, and emergency alerts quickly. 
  • Revenue potential: Digital LED billboards and screens on building facades are used to generate revenue by displaying advertisements of local and international brands. 
  • Smart traffic navigation system: LED screens support smart traffic management by displaying real-time traffic updates and public transportation schedules, improving urban traffic. 
  •  Improve community engagement: LED displays help in promoting cultural events, social campaigns strengthening public participation.

Conclusion

LED display screens are transforming the urban spaces in the UAE. The cost of LED screens varies widely depending on the size, resolution, and customization needs of the clients. For smart cities, LED displays improve public communication, traffic, and community management effectively. Businesses, event organizers, and authorities should know the types of LED displays and their costs to make smart investments. LED technology is helpful to create dynamic, engaging, and informative environments that serve residents, customers, and audiences alike.