Daijiworld Media Network - Sharjah (SR)

Sharjah, Sep 5: The Sharjah Municipality, based on the decision by the Sharjah Executive Council regarding regulation of outdoor advertisements, has deployed fifty inspectors to crack down on illegal advertisements across the emirate.

As per the Sharjah Executive Council, the municipality is the only local competent authority that can grant permits for external advertisements. It is illegal for a company or an individual to install advertising material without obtaining permit from the municipality or the executive council.

As per the new rule, it is forbidden to place the outdoor advertisement in places of worship, archaeological buildings, government buildings as well as any religious, historical or cultural buildings, public facilities, any places that impede traffic or visibility on the road. The approval for advertising outdoor will be provided in accordance with the requirements and regulation set by the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority after approval from the executive council.

As per Khaleej Times report, head of the city's cleanliness control department at the municipality, Mohammed Al Kaabi said, "The municipality is keen to remove all distortions such as illegal billboards, installed in various areas to promote the sale or lease of land, or anything else. During the last six months, the phenomenon of illegal advertisements has been increased in the city. Stickers, posters, billboards and pamphlets that advertise sale of items or lease of bed spaces and residential units covered the walls of buildings, electric posts, telephone booths etc," he added.

The inspectors deployed by the municipality have already in their effort to remove all unauthorised advertisements issued fines against 46 individuals and companies found violating the rules.