In Bahrain, the advertising landscape is shaped by various regulations emphasizing cultural respect, legal compliance, and specific industry guidelines:
General Advertising Regulations:
Press, Printing, and Publishing Law (PPP Law) No. 47 of 2002: This law encompasses all audio, visual, print, and digital content, mandating adherence to norms that protect public order and the principles of Islam, prohibiting content that could be deemed offensive to public morals or the political structure of Bahrain.
Media Content Regulation:
Resolution No. 1 of 2015: This resolution supplements the PPP Law, requiring all media content to be respectful of Bahrain's government and its relations with allied countries. It also sets guidelines for maintaining national unity and public ethics, including prohibitions against offensive material.
Specific Industry Regulations:
Various sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and telecommunications have their own specific advertising regulations, necessitating prior approvals for advertising certain products or services.
Billboard Advertising:
Law No. 14 of 1973 on the Advertisements Law: Primarily focuses on the licensing processes required before installing billboard advertisements, aiming to regulate the visual landscape and ensure content suitability.
Self-Regulation and Enforcement:
While there is no primary self-regulatory advertising system in Bahrain, the enforcement of these laws typically follows a reactive model, where actions are taken based on public complaints, guided by the Ministry of Information Affairs (MOIA) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
Understanding these frameworks is crucial for advertising effectively and legally in Bahrain, ensuring that campaigns are not only compliant with the letter of the law but also aligned with local cultural and ethical standards.
