MOMAH updates rules for advertising, signboards

Ministry of Municipalities and Housing headquarters

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing (MOMAH) issued updated regulatory requirements for permanent and temporary advertising and signboards in cities across the Kingdom.

The changes are aimed at encouraging investment and easing procedures for investors and beneficiaries, hence driving a positive impact.

The new rules cover advertising and signboards under the ministry’s supervision, with the goal of attracting investment, regulating both permanent and temporary displays, and enhancing compliance standards to combat visual pollution.

The requirements do not apply to advertising and signboards directed at customers inside commercial establishments, ads on mobile vehicles, screens and boards displaying product or currency prices, boards inside cinemas, or signboards for government announcements.

Licensing procedures—including issuance, renewal, modification, suspension, and cancellation—must comply with the Law of Municipal Licensing Procedures and its executive regulations.

Approval from the General Directorate of Traffic is required for licenses related to vehicles or trucks. Temporary promotional discount ads must be cleared by the Ministry of Commerce, while temporary real estate advertising boards require approval from the Real Estate General Authority (REGA).