They say it is the little things in life that make it worthwhile – today, unlike most days, I was not battling the metro rush hour and managed to get a seat on my way to work. With my Ipod playing my favorite tunes I assumed today’s commute would be relaxing and picturesque – but I was in for a surprise.
As we started on Sheikh Zayed Road, posters of “TIM HORTONS” , “RAK BANK”, and “AEROPOSTALE” glared at me. Multi – storey buildings had advertisements of these running along their entire length. With these 3 ads having caught my attention, I began to notice how at every 20 feet, on Sheikh Zayed Road, there were advertisements. From food and beverage, to banking to lifestyle, advertisements from each industry infiltrated what people regard Dubai’s skyline. Seeing this influx of information, I began to think of their effectiveness as well as the resulting Visual Pollution.
Sheikh Zayed road represents Dubai’s evolution and why it is on the world map today. A drive down this road is a must for any visitor as that is where one truly experiences Dubai at its finest. Futuristic architecture of skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed leaves one marveled, which is why it is saddening to see them bombarded with advertisements. These ads not only take away from the aesthetics of the landscape, but also cause an eyesore. Moreover, how much of this is effective? People driving down Sheikh Zayed are usually busy commuters with little time to spare. I’d imagine most people zooming down this road pay little or no attention to these advertisements.
Sheikh Zayed road is just one example of Visual Pollution in Dubai. Everywhere you see, whether it’s the Metro, buses driving around Dubai, light posts around the city, advertisements have taken over. People are provided with so much information, which in most cases goes unnoticed. Compromising a city’s aesthetics for the sake of advertising makes me wonder – where is the balance? Dubai could definitely reduce this Visual Pollution, because if nothing else, it’ll make my metro rides more enjoyable!
