Understanding the Rise of Duplicate Images in Riyadh: Background Context and How We Arrived at This Point

Riyadh's cityscape has been plagued by duplicate images, with identical billboards and advertisements popping up across the city, affecting its aesthetic appeal and causing concerns among residents and visitors alike.

The issue of duplicate images has become a pressing concern in recent months, particularly with the city's efforts to rebrand and revamp its public spaces. The Riyadh Development Authority has been working to enhance the city's visual identity, but the proliferation of duplicate images has hindered these efforts. As the city prepares to host major international events, such as the upcoming Riyadh Season, the need to address this issue has become increasingly urgent.

In Riyadh, duplicate images can be found in various locations, including the busy streets of Olaya and Kingdom Centre, as well as in popular shopping districts like Granada Mall and Kingdom Mall. The Riyadh Municipality has launched initiatives to regulate outdoor advertising, but the problem persists. Organisations like the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce have also weighed in on the issue, calling for greater oversight and enforcement of advertising regulations.

Local Efforts to Address the Issue

According to data from the Riyadh Development Authority, the city has seen a significant increase in outdoor advertising in recent years, with the number of billboards and advertisements rising by 25% between 2020 and 2025. The authority has reported that the cost of removing and replacing duplicate images has exceeded SAR 10 million (approximately USD 2.7 million) in the past year alone. As of June 2026, the authority has implemented a new policy requiring advertisers to obtain permits and adhere to strict guidelines for outdoor advertising, with fines ranging from SAR 5,000 to SAR 50,000 for non-compliance.

Looking ahead, residents and visitors can expect to see a concerted effort to address the issue of duplicate images in Riyadh. The city's authorities have pledged to increase enforcement and monitoring of outdoor advertising, with a focus on ensuring compliance with regulations and reducing the visual pollution caused by duplicate images. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that efforts to enhance its visual identity are successful, and that the issue of duplicate images is addressed in a comprehensive and effective manner.