Emirates Neon backs Dubai Municipality crackdown on illegal advertisements

The company said today it would provide any help it can to make the three-month long campaign a success and urged Dubai Municipality to extend it to include neon signs.

"It is important that everyone, for safety and security reasons, adheres to the regulations and technical specifications for outdoor advertising," said Rehan Merchant, Executive Director, Emirates Neon.

"We applaud Dubai Municipality's efforts to enforce the existing bylaws. There are many instances of companies not taking the necessary permissions and using sub standard materials, which pollute the environment and endanger the public.

"Professional operators work to exacting standards, over and above those demanded by the authorities. Emirates Neon is willing to co-operate with Dubai Municipality to ensure everyone in the outdoor advertising industry operates to the same high standards," said Merchant.

During the campaign, which runs until October, Dubai Municipality will review outdoor advertising in 11 areas of the city. Those on walls, billboards and rooftops will be checked first. Illegal, unsafe and unsightly advertisements will be removed and confiscated. Legal action may be taken against offenders.

"The focus of the campaign will be on safety and security and adherence to the rules and the technical specifications to be followed regarding billboards," said Mohammed Al Noori, Head of the Advertisement Section, Dubai Municipality.

"It is part of our efforts to inform and educate people on the need to maintain a clean environment. Unauthorised outdoor advertisements, many of which use materials that are harmful to the environment, contribute to giving the city a shabby look."