Municipal Council approves sweeping amendments to advertising regulations

The Chairman of the Legal and Financial Committee of the Municipal Council, Fahd Al-Abduljader, announced the approval of sweeping amendments to the advertising regulations, marking a decisive step toward reorganizing the advertising sector, protecting Kuwait’s urban landscape, and improving the aesthetic and functional use of public and private spaces, while ensuring public safety and safeguarding the rights of all stakeholders.

Al-Abduljader explained that the amendments introduce an updated and more inclusive definition of advertising, encompassing all commercial, informational, seasonal and promotional content, as well as construction project signage, events, advertising media, locations, and both fixed and mobile electronic screens.

The amendments also clearly define the competent authority responsible for supervision and enforcement.

The new regulations mandate that all commercial, craft and industrial establishments display an official identification sign on their premises prominently and comply with all requirements for the full term of the license.

The amendments also regulate licensing procedures, specifying a one-year validity period for advertising licenses and obligating license holders to remove advertisements within three weeks of license expiration or cancellation.

Detailed controls have been introduced governing the placement and specifications of advertisements on rooftops, shopfronts, multi-storey buildings, vehicles, motorcycles, shopping malls, highways, sports facilities, resorts, Kuwait International Airport and fuel stations.

These include precise requirements related to dimensions, spacing, heights, lighting systems, screen types and the submission of approved engineering plans.

The regulations prohibit advertisements for tobacco products, medicines and medical procedures without official authorization, in addition to any content deemed harmful or inappropriate. The mayor has been granted the authority to ban additional products or materials when necessary.

The amendments further organize temporary and seasonal advertising, including sales campaigns, exhibitions and construction project signage, subject to approvals from relevant authorities such as the fire department and civil aviation.

Illuminated advertising boxes on shopfronts have also been regulated, with limits on size, fixed lighting requirements and a ban on moving or animated content.

In addition, the regulations establish a municipal register for advertising and publicity companies, setting clear conditions and standards for their qualification and classification to ensure compliance with applicable laws and professional standards.

Annual fees have been determined for all forms of advertising, including rooftop signage, facades, transportation advertising, illuminated boxes, seasonal advertisements and electronic displays, based on specific criteria for each category.

The amendments also introduce a system of graduated fines ranging from KD 100 to KD 5,000, depending on the nature of the violation. Penalties may include the removal of offending advertisements, confiscation of materials, and temporary or permanent license withdrawal after two warnings. A QR code system will be used to facilitate license tracking and monitoring of violations.

Al-Abduljader emphasized that these reforms aim to achieve effective regulation of the advertising sector, improve Kuwait’s urban appearance, ensure the safety of public facilities, enhance transparency in fees and penalties, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms—reflecting the Municipal Council’s commitment to sustainable urban development and balanced investment in public and private spaces.