Cairo's Billboard Boom: Navigating the City's New Advertising Landscape
Cairo's roads are seeing a surge in billboards, rising from 2,500 in 2019 to over 6,300 now, plus 300 new digital ads. This expansion ties to Egypt’s rapid transport network growth, contributing significantly to state revenue but also causing driver distraction and societal stress due to idealized advertising.
Cairo's bustling streets have faced a new challenge: a surge in billboard advertisements. The number of billboards has more than doubled over the past six years, from 2,500 in 2019 to approximately 6,300 today, along with a tenfold increase in digital ads, highlighting the burgeoning advertising landscape.
The rapid proliferation is linked largely to the significant expansion in Egypt's transport network under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's leadership, with new roads and bridges facilitating a rise in roadside advertisements. These ads, ranging from detergents to luxury real estate, are strategically placed, contributing significantly to state revenues.
However, the visual clutter on Cairo's roads has stirred debate. While some see the ads as effective marketing, others, including psychotherapist Khaled Salaheldin, warn of the psychological impact amid economic challenges. Meanwhile, Egypt's leadership is considering regulations to balance urban aesthetics with advertising growth.
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