Arabic language check required for all adverts

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Advertising permits are issued through an online system and decided by a specialist committee, the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Wael Al Mubarak, has told the Shura Council, saying 18 staff process applications across all municipalities.

Replying in writing to Shura Council member Dr Ebtisam Al Dalal, Al Mubarak said applications are filed through the ministry’s website or the national eGovernment portal, then checked to ensure the required details and papers are in place, including the advertising content.

The file is then sent to the Advertising Committee, which rules on acceptance or refusal. Fees are paid after approval.

Applications

“Advertising licences are processed through applications submitted via the approved electronic system on the Ministry’s website, or through the national eGovernment portal,” he said.

The minister said the 18 staff sit in services licensing sections and handle the review, follow-up and oversight of adverts under the rules in force.

He added that each municipality also has five staff in its inspection and monitoring section tasked with overseeing advertisements.

He said the key requirements for a permit include the type of advert, where it will be placed, its size, and the details of the advertising company.

Requirements

Licences are usually issued within an average of five working days from the date an application is submitted, provided it meets the full requirements. Adverts are also checked for language when they reach the committee, Al Mubarak said, with Arabic required to be correct before clearance is given.

“The advertising content is linguistically reviewed when presented to the Advertising Committee, with an emphasis on adherence to correct Arabic before approval is granted,” he said.

Coordination

On coordination with other bodies, the minister said the Advertising Committee was formed under Decree-Law No. 14 of 1973 on the Regulation of Advertisements and its executive rules, issued under Decision No. 2 of 1977 and later amended.

The committee brings together the relevant parties, studies applications and gives a technical view, while some requests are sent to service bodies for review.

Amendments

Al Mubarak said the ministry has submitted two draft amendments to the current law to the legislative authority to match current conditions and changes in commercial and advertising activity.

The aim, he said, is to improve the look of cities and make licensing procedures faster and more orderly.

He added that the ministry would continue working with the Shura Council on matters that fall within its remit.