Plans to open selected public buildings to advertising under a tightly regulated framework have been revealed by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
He described the move as a ‘practical step’ to boost municipal and state revenues while safeguarding the public character of government facilities.
“We are working on the executive bylaws for the law, through which locations will be selected and clear rules put in place,” Mr Al Mubarak told the Shura Council yesterday.
“We have engaged a consultancy firm that believes this is a step in the right direction to enhance general revenues.”
He stressed that any advertising would comply with existing regulations, in addition to special conditions tailored to public buildings, which will be announced at a later stage.
The comments came as the Shura Council unanimously approved, on an urgent basis, a draft law amending Article (12) of Decree Law No (14) of 1973 regulating advertising.
The bill was forwarded to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.
Under current legislation, advertising on public buildings or facilities designated for public services is subject to an outright ban.
The amendment maintains the ban in principle but introduces a regulated exception, allowing vacant spaces on government buildings to be used for advertising, subject to controls set by ministerial decision.
Public utilities and environment affairs committee rapporteur Ali Al Shehabi said the amendment provides a clear legislative basis for government entities to invest unused spaces in public buildings as advertising platforms.
“The project aims to enable the optimal use of public assets and develop financial revenues, in accordance with controls and conditions to be defined by a ministerial decision,” he said.
“It expands the areas available for advertising in a positive and organised manner, contributing to higher municipal revenues through licensing fees and supporting overall state income.”
Shura Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed said the amendment represented a ‘constructive exception’ to an absolute ban, while maintaining oversight by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry.
Shura second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel welcomed the amendment, stressing the importance of keeping public buildings neutral and dignified.
“Linking the exception to controls and conditions issued by the minister is a positive safeguard so that public buildings do not lose their prestige,” she said.
“It places investment in government assets within a disciplined framework.”
Dr Al Fadhel added that the amendment could significantly stimulate the advertising sector and expand marketing platforms for businesses.
She proposed that future regulations take into account urban identity, public taste and fair pricing for small and medium-sized enterprises to prevent monopolisation by large companies.
She also asked the government to outline the expected positive impact on municipal revenues.
Public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan said the amendment provides a clear legislative foundation for better use of public assets without compromising their primary function.
“It balances economic development, public interest and preservation of the urban landscape,” he added.
Dr Ahmed Al Arayedh urged closer monitoring of advertising content, calling for accuracy in names and translations to ensure appropriateness and professionalism.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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