Shura Council backs adverts on public buildings under new rules

TDT | Manama

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The Shura Council approved yesterday a draft amendment that lets government bodies sell advertising space on unused parts of public buildings, under rules to be set by ministerial decision, and voted to move it forward on an urgent basis.

The change amends Article (12) of Decree-Law No. (14) of 1973 on the regulation of advertisements, attached to Decree No. (27) of 2025.

It keeps the general ban on placing adverts on public buildings, or on parts of buildings set aside for public services, but adds an exception allowing adverts in designated vacant locations under terms to be laid down by the minister concerned with municipal affairs.

Basis

Ali Al Shehabi, rapporteur of the Shura Council’s Public Utilities and Environment Committee, said the draft law was meant “to provide a legislative basis allowing government entities to invest vacant sites in public buildings or parts of buildings allocated to public services, by using them as marketing advertising spaces”.

Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, said the change was intended to improve the look of built-up areas and create a new advertising market while keeping the character of government buildings.

“The draft law aims, among other things, to develop the urban frontage of areas, open a new advertising market, and make best use of available sites in government buildings, while preserving their urban and functional character,” he said, adding that the controls would be issued through a ministerial decision, with further detail in implementing rules.

Licensing

During the debate, Shura member Dalal Al Zayed described the amendment as an exception to a total ban, with licensing kept under ministry control, but asked what legal route would be open to a rejected applicant.

“When an advertising request is refused, will the refusal be open to challenge before the competent court, or not?” she said.

Second Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council Dr Jehad Al Fadhel backed tying the exception to minister-issued conditions, saying this keeps public buildings from losing “their dignity or neutrality”.

Decision

She also urged that the ministerial decision require adverts to respect the built identity and public taste, and asked the government what income lift it expects for the ministry’s budget.

The Council decided to send the bill to the Speaker of Parliament for referral to the Prime Minister ahead of submission to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.