Councillors are seeking unified regulations for signage across Bahrain’s commercial districts, warning that unregulated displays are damaging the kingdom’s urban landscape.
The proposal, submitted by Southern Municipal Council member Mohammed Daraj, was unanimously approved and has been referred to Parliament for further review.
It calls for standardised rules governing the size, design and placement of commercial signs, aiming to curb what members describe as ‘signage chaos’– a visual clutter affecting streets, shopping areas and mixed-use neighbourhoods.
Mr Daraj argued that oversized and inconsistent shop signs were increasingly harming Bahrain’s urban identity.
“I simply want to organise the mess our commercial streets, districts and areas are currently in,” he said.
“Giving businesses the choice of standardised signage sizes suited to specific areas is acceptable and can be worked on. The goal is to create order, ensure fairness and improve the overall appearance of our towns.”
The proposal also seeks to regulate the languages used on signs, strengthening the presence of Arabic alongside English under clear guidelines.
Mr Daraj noted that several Gulf cities already apply similar rules to preserve the visual appeal of commercial areas.
However, legislators warned against imposing blanket regulations nationwide.
During discussions yesterday, Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber treasurer Ahmed Al Salloom said the concept had strong potential but required flexibility.
“Unified signage could be introduced in old Muharraq, Manama and East Riffa suqs, but in other places it becomes very difficult,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“Shops vary in size, location and nature of service. Businesses could, for example, choose from six approved signage sizes or formats within a particular area. The scope is wide and we can work together on practical organisational rules.”
Concerns were also raised about restricting commercial creativity.
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk said any future regulations could also extend to malls and shopping complexes, but cautioned against over-regulation.
“I think imposing blanket rules is difficult in a country that has diverse businesses and innovative commercial activities,” he said.
“It is like limiting the ground rather than aiming for the sky. The proposal has good intentions and provides a strong foundation, but it cannot be applied across the board.”
Meanwhile, Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif stressed the need for urgent action.
“The market is witnessing signage chaos, and in many areas it has become an eyesore,” he said.
“However, I agree with the important points raised by MPs, and the objective now is to bring everyone on the same page to develop practical regulations.”
Following the consensus, councillors and MPs will now work alongside the Ministries of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, Works and Housing and Urban Planning to draft rules that could reshape Bahrain’s commercial streets for years to come.
For now, Bahrain’s push to tackle shopfront clutter has officially begun.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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