Muscat Municipality has issued a warning to the city’s residents, saying that those hanging clothes on the balconies of residential buildings may face fines ranging from 50 Omani Rials to 5,000 Omani Rials (Dh47,696 or $12,986). Those who ignore the law can be sentenced to six months in prison.
According to a notification issued on Wednesday, the municipality reminded residents to always abide by Article (32) of Local Order No. 92/23, which is designed to improve buildings in the governorate.
The municipality stressed that municipal rules prohibit hanging laundry on balconies without the installation of covering elements. Clothing must be covered with one of two elements.
“Mushrabiya” or wooden mesh with holes not exceeding 1.50 cm x 1.50 cm, or open concrete work with holes not exceeding 7 cm and at least 10 cm deep.
The municipality authorities said that any residential building with more than 3 units must provide one balcony for each unit, depending on the construction conditions of the unit, and these balconies must be covered with approved covering materials. .
Under Article 14 of the Muscat Municipality Law, violation of these regulations will result in a fine.
It clearly states that residents who hang laundry on their balconies may be fined between 50 Rials and 5,000 Rials or imprisoned for a term of not less than 24 hours and not more than 6 months.
The municipality emphasized that these measures are necessary to maintain the beautiful urban face of Muscat.
