Sharjah: Al Dhaid Municipality to regulate outdoor ads with new permit system from June 2

Sharjah: Starting June 2, 2025, Al Dhaid Municipality will roll out a new permit system for all outdoor advertisements in a bid to stop random and unlicensed ad placements across the city.

The move is part of the municipality’s broader efforts to improve the city’s visual appearance and eliminate cluttered or poorly designed advertising. Billboards, banners, and signage placed without permission on streets, bridges, and public spaces will be prohibited under the new rules.

According to Hamad Rashid Al Tunaiji, Director of Al Dhaid Municipality, the decision targets ad displays that don’t meet basic technical or aesthetic standards—such as poor design, mismatched colours, or unclear language—which, he said, can harm the city’s image and make it less welcoming for residents and visitors.

“The goal is to create a more cohesive and attractive urban environment by regulating how advertising is done in public spaces,” he said.

To advertise outdoors, businesses will now need to obtain official permits. Applications can be submitted in person at the municipality’s offices. A dedicated team has been set up to manage the approval process efficiently.

The municipality is also warning that stricter inspection campaigns will begin once the system takes effect. Unauthorised signs will be removed, and all new advertisements will be checked for compliance.

Authorities are encouraging all companies and institutions operating in Al Dhaid to align with the new permit process to avoid penalties.

Officials say the new system is also designed to reflect Sharjah’s broader cultural and aesthetic values, ensuring that outdoor advertisements are well-planned and visually consistent with the emirate’s identity.