DUBAI

The UAE has topped the list of GCC countries in advertising spending in the first quarter of 2017 with Dh1.5 billion, accounting for 46 per cent of the total advertising expenditure across the Gulf region, according to TBWA Worldwide.

The UAE is followed in the second place by Saudi Arabia with $220 million, Kuwait with $191 million, Qatar with $70 million, Oman with $35 million and Bahrain with $29 million. UAE newspaper-based ad placements accounted for the lion’s share of the advertising market with 41 per cent, spending Dh594 million. Outdoor advertising came second with Dh389 million followed by radio placements with Dh289 million, TV channels with Dh124 million and finally movie advertising at the last place with Dh41 million.

Regional media advertising is down 22 per cent at $1.7 billion from $2.1 billion in the same period in 2016.