Radio advertising remains one of the most trusted and effective ways to connect with an audience in the UAE. Whether you're planning to advertise on Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4, Dubai Eye 103.8, or another popular UAE radio station, the quality of your script and recording can make or break your campaign. Here’s how to get it right—step by step.
Start with a Strong Script
The heart of a great radio ad is a great script. For a standard 30-second radio advert, aim for around 70 to 85 words. This allows for a natural speaking pace while keeping the message clear and digestible.
Here’s how to structure your script:
- Hook (5–7 seconds): Grab attention fast.
- Main message (15–20 seconds): Explain your offer or value.
- Call to action (5–7 seconds): Tell the listener what to do next.
Keep your language punchy and conversational, and make sure the tone matches your brand. Whether you're raising brand awareness or promoting a time-limited offer, your script should be focused on one clear message.
Note: Longer (60-second) and shorter (10–15 second) formats are also available, but 30 seconds is the industry standard and best for balancing cost and impact.
Crafting the Perfect Voiceover
Your voiceover sets the tone for your entire ad. Think about:
- Voice type: Male or female, young or mature, local accent or neutral English?
- Pace and energy: Match your product and audience—upbeat for retail, calm and confident for finance.
- Professional vs. DIY: While it’s tempting to record it yourself, a professional voiceover artist brings polish and authority.
Working with a station like Radio 1 UAE? Choose a voice that resonates with their core audience.
Preparing for the Recording
Even the best script can fall flat without good preparation.
- Environment: Choose a quiet room with minimal echo.
- Equipment: A quality microphone and basic editing software go a long way.
- Script formatting: Use bold or italic cues to highlight emphasis or pauses.
- Practice runs: Read the script aloud multiple times to fine-tune timing and flow.
If you're unsure of the technical setup, we can guide you during a free consultation.
Also check out our article Promoting your brand with UAE Radio Advertising
Recording Best Practices
Ready to hit record? Keep these tips in mind:
- Stick to the pace: Don’t rush or drag—your target is 30 seconds.
- Watch your tone: Smile while speaking—it naturally lifts your voice.
- Record multiple takes: Even pros don’t get it perfect on the first go.
- Stay hydrated: Dry mouth affects clarity.
Save your recording in a high-quality format (like WAV or 320kbps MP3) for best results.
Stay Compliant with Broadcast Regulations
All ads aired in the UAE must meet local content standards. These include:
- Avoiding offensive, misleading or unsubstantiated claims
- Respecting cultural and religious sensitivities
- Not promoting restricted services or unlicensed medical products
UAE radio stations often review scripts and recordings before approving broadcast. We recommend getting your script checked early to avoid delays.
Post-Production Essentials
Once the voiceover is recorded, it’s time to polish your ad.
- Trim and edit: Remove any errors, silences or background noise.
- Balance levels: Ensure voice, music and effects are well mixed.
- Add music or sound effects (SFX): These should support, not overpower your message. Always use properly licensed audio assets.
Software like Audacity, Adobe Audition or GarageBand can do the job, or you can leave it to us.
Testing Before Broadcast
Before submitting your ad to stations like City 1016 FM or Al Arabiya 99:
- Play it for a fresh set of ears
- Check your timings
- Test how it sounds on different devices
If you’re running multiple creatives, consider A/B testing to see what resonates best.
Working with Airtime Arabia
At Airtime Arabia, we support you at every stage—whether you need help writing a compelling script, finding the perfect voice, or getting your ad cleared and aired. Visit our radio stations directory to explore where your brand can shine, or contact us to get started.
Ready to Record?
Recording a radio advert doesn’t have to be complicated. With a focused script, clear voice, and clean production, your 30 seconds on air can make a lasting impression.
Book a free consultation and let’s bring your script idea to life:
