Billboard / Outdoor Advertising & Out of Home (OOH) Media Formats in the UAE

Out of home advertising is literally everywhere you look in the UAE. From huge 400 Meter Hoardings in Dubai & bridge banners in Abu Dhabi all the way down to circuits of Mupis in Sharjah & the Northern Emirates. There are thousands of options that vary greatly in price to those unfamiliar with market rates – even amongst comparable sites from different suppliers. The below guide will give you a better understanding of the different formats available & help you make an informed decision about what best suits your needs.

According to evidence presented by Statistica, out-of-home advertising spending (OOH) is expected to grow to 38.06 billion USD globally by 2020. Here’s everything you need to know to benefit from this powerful advertising opportunity.

What is Out-of-Home Media?

In its simplest form, out-of-home advertising also referred to as outdoor advertising or outdoor media, is advertising that reaches consumers while they are outside their homes. Out-of-home media is advertising focuses on marketing to consumers while they are “on the go” in public places, in transit (while they commute), waiting (such as in a medical office), and/or in specific commercial locations (such as in a retail venue).

Benefits of Outdoor Media Advertising

Unlike other traditional advertising platforms (i.e. print, radio, TV, etc.), out-of-home media (OOH) cannot be turned over, turned off, fast-forwarded, tossed to the side, or avoided as consumers walk/drive past a strategically placed sign. Essentially, OOH advertising space is one of the few remaining places where consumers do not control the ad space.

Unavoidable – Anyone who leaves their home is exposed to out-of-home advertising. They can’t avoid it, as it’s strategically placed along their daily route. Even if they try to ignore it, they will at the very least notice the various forms of outdoor media.
Consumer Friendly – Outdoor media is both engaging and impactful. OOH seamlessly fits into consumers routines. Once you place your chosen outdoor media in its specific location, consumers will be able to view it when they’re out and about.
Expanded Reach – Consumers are out and about more. While traditional advertising may not reach your target market, OOH has the potential to reach everyone walking or driving past your sign.
Adaptable – Outdoor advertising is a flexible communication tool. While audiences for traditional media continuing to diminish, outdoor media can effortlessly reach mass audiences.

Types of Out-of-Home Media

Outdoor advertising provides an ideal solution to reach your busy customers while they are on the go and on the move. OOH advertising provides various mediums for generating instant awareness, to include hoardings, unipoles, bridge banners, lampposts, mega coms, metro pillars, mupis, digital LED screens, and more!

Hoardings

Hoardings are large outdoor advertising structures typically placed in high-traffic areas (such as a billing board placed alongside a busy road). Hoardings provide a large, creative, and powerful outdoor advertising option to effortlessly spread your brand message to passing pedestrians and drivers.

Thanks to their large size and grandeur, hoardings attract potential customers while simultaneously showcasing your message clearly and vividly.

Advantages of hoarding advertising include –

Establish strong brand awareness.
Provide continuous and frequent messaging.
Offers effective exposure to expansive audiences.

Unipoles

The unipole is a large-format billboard placed on top of a high pole. Whether you opt for light-box or front-lit illumination, unipoles are proven to produce significant results because of their long-distance visibility. Additionally, the distinct rectangular shape of a unipole provides advertisers with the opportunity to get creative to enhance the content of their message.

Advantages of unipole advertising include –

Guaranteed exposure from long distances.
Wind resistant paint prevents damage from wind abrasion.
Sustainable during extreme temperatures.
Lighting ensures high visibility both night and day.

Bridge Banners

Bridge banners provide companies with the opportunity to place a large sign on the front of bridges. These banners are often lit up to ensure visibility both day and night. Essentially, the large horizontal advertising campaigns can only be missed by someone driving with their eyes closed!

Advantages of bridge banner advertising include –

Guaranteed exposure from long distances.
Lighting ensures high visibility both night and day.
Provide continuous and frequent messaging.
Offers effective exposure to expansive audiences.

Lampposts, Mega Pillars, & Mupis

Take a look around you. You’d be hard pressed not to see a lamppost. Lampposts are everywhere, providing advertisers an effective place to showcase banners and signs. Depending on where you place your lamppost advertising, you can target precise geographical locations to create the most impact with your target audience. Thanks to the light source of the lamppost, signs can be seen any time of day.

Slightly larger than lampposts, metro pillars are light-boxes that provide clear exposure to your intended audience. Similarly, a MUPI is a small outdoor advertising board. Typically placed on pavements by the side of the road, mupis may be single-sided or double-sided and lit from inside

Advantages of lampposts and mega pillar advertising include –

Guaranteed visibility both night and day.
Provides an attention-grabbing advertising option in a specific location for targeted daily audiences.
Cost-effective, durable, and weather resistant.

Mega Coms

Commonly referred to as “street furniture,” mega com advertising is placed at eye level. These advertisements are generally placed on small streets, with a large, distinct artwork space.

Advantages of mega com advertising include –

Guaranteed visibility both night and day.
Provides an attention-grabbing, artistic advertising option in a specific location for targeted daily audiences.
Spreads brand awareness in a unique and thoughtful way.

Digital LED Screens

Large LED screens are used for branding across a wide variety of industries. Additionally, they can also be used in other areas such as during exhibitions, conferences, and other high-end display.

Advantages of LED screen advertising include:

Eye-catching advertising methods.
Guaranteed maximum visibility and exposure.
A simple ad can be seen thousands of times per day (as frequently as one time every minute throughout the day).
Provides an option to change visuals on a daily basis.
Variety of sizes to make a statement.

Outdoor Media

Out-of-home advertising in the UAE is cluttered, complex, and incredibly competitive. Our team of advertising professionals is here to assist you through the maze of locations, formats, and price opportunities to guarantee your message is viewed by the largest audience possible. Whether you seek LED screens, hoardings, lamp posts, or unipoles (etc.), we will identify the best locations at the best prices to maximize the effectiveness of your outdoor budget in the UAE.

Contact a member of our team to learn more.