Latest news with #MajedAl-Hogail
Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Baqalas Restricted Under New Rules As Saudi Pushes Retail Reform
RIYADH, June 27: The Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing has announced sweeping changes to the operations of small grocery stores—known locally as baqalas—prohibiting them from selling several commonly stocked items, including tobacco, dates, meat, fruits, and vegetables. The decision, issued by Minister Majed Al-Hogail, aims to restructure the Kingdom's retail landscape while elevating public health and food safety standards. The new regulation is effective immediately; however, existing establishments will have a six-month grace period to comply. Key Restrictions Under the new rules, grocery stores, kiosks, and mini markets are no longer permitted to sell: Tobacco products, including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and shisha Dates Fresh meat Fruits and vegetables These items may now only be sold in: Supermarkets, which must obtain a special license for meat sales Hypermarkets, which may sell all the above without requiring additional permits The sale of accessories such as charger cables and prepaid recharge cards will still be allowed across all retail formats, including baqalas. Revised Space Requirements The regulation also introduces new minimum space requirements for each retail category: Baqalas (small grocery stores): Minimum of 24 square meters Supermarkets: Minimum of 100 square meters Hypermarkets: Minimum of 500 square meters These requirements are intended to create clear operational distinctions between store types and ensure more rigorous oversight. Impact on Retailers and Consumers The regulation is expected to affect thousands of small retailers across the Kingdom, many of which have long depended on items like dates and tobacco to drive daily sales. Store owners seeking to continue offering restricted goods will need to either expand their premises or transition to a higher retail classification. For consumers, the new policy could mean fewer convenience options at local shops, particularly for fresh produce. However, officials say the changes will enhance consumer protection through better product storage and handling practices in larger, licensed establishments. Enforcement and Compliance The Ministry confirmed that inspection teams will monitor compliance throughout the six-month transition period. After that, non-compliant businesses may face penalties, including fines or possible closure. The reforms are part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts under Vision 2030 to modernize its economy, streamline commerce, and promote public well-being through stricter food and retail standards.
Arab Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait's Al-Shaheed Park is a model for urban development: Saudi Minister
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 21: Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, has praised Kuwait's Al-Shaheed Park as a leading example of urban environmental design in the Gulf region. During the 28th meeting of the GCC Ministers of Municipal Affairs held in Kuwait, Al-Hogail highlighted the park's outstanding integration of national heritage, environmental awareness, and community engagement. In a post on his LinkedIn account following the visit, he expressed admiration for the various urban projects he witnessed, noting that Al-Shaheed Park left a lasting impression. 'Despite seeing many beautiful urban projects, my stop at Al-Shaheed Park cannot be overlooked,' Al-Hogail wrote. 'It is one of the most prominent urban environmental projects in the region.' He described the park as a thoughtful urban space that goes beyond aesthetics to foster a sense of identity and belonging, while also enhancing the quality of life. Al-Hogail noted that from the Martyr's Memorial to the Peace Circle, along with features such as the Green Belt Lake, artistic sculptures, bird habitats, and salt flats, the park clearly reflects a balance between cultural identity and environmental sustainability. 'This project brings together memory, ecological balance, and social function in an advanced urban concept,' he said. 'The moment you enter, the careful planning is evident. It's more than just a beautiful place — it's a space that strengthens community ties and improves daily living.' Al-Hogail emphasized that the park aligns with the values of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. 'We believe that well-designed public spaces can be powerful tools for development, memory preservation, and achieving environmental and human harmony — all in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.' The minister expressed his appreciation to those responsible for the development of Al-Shaheed Park, calling it a pioneering effort that enriches the Gulf's urban landscape and enhances the quality of life for its residents.
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Minister: More than 133,000 firms in Saudi construction sector
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said more than 1.6 million individuals are engaged daily across over 133,000 establishments in Saudi Arabia's construction sector, contributing to the realization of smart cities and integrated development. Speaking at the opening of the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF 2025) in Riyadh, Al-Hogail emphasized that project management is no longer a technical function but a strategic imperative for driving transformation. 'Project management enables organizations to be more predictable, responsive, and efficient. It enhances performance and elevates the quality of achievement,' he said. Al-Hogail added that Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 represents an ambitious roadmap for reshaping the Kingdom's economic, social, and developmental landscape. He noted that the National Projects Council is playing an expanding role in aligning national efforts and improving overall project performance. 'Government project management offices help strengthen planning, oversight, and governance, ensuring quality execution and alignment with national goals,' he said. GPMF 2025 is one of the world's leading events in the field of project management, attracting more than 13,000 professionals from over 100 countries. The forum features 120 international speakers, 60 panel sessions, and 16 specialized workshops, further underscoring Saudi Arabia's global leadership in institutional transformation and development planning.
Asharq Al-Awsat
07-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Unveils $2.6 Bln in Real Estate Supply Chain Investment Opportunities
The Saudi government is expanding its targets for 'Supply Pro,' a digital platform that connects contractors and building materials manufacturers under the National Housing Company. The plan includes a 30% increase in the number of registered local and international suppliers, a 7% localization of building materials used in housing units, and the creation of new investment opportunities valued at over 10 billion riyals ($2.6 billion) in manufacturing, supply, and logistics services. These initiatives are expected to generate more than 5,000 jobs. This was revealed by Mohammad Al-Bati, CEO of the National Housing Company, during his speech at the 'Real Estate Supply Chain Forum' in Riyadh on Tuesday, which was sponsored by Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail. The event, attended by a group of consultants, contractors, and manufacturers, aimed to explore collaboration opportunities, learn about the latest technologies in the building materials industry, and facilitate knowledge exchange between local and international companies to strengthen supply chain networks. Al-Bati also disclosed several agreements recently signed by the National Housing Company to support the real estate supply chain, with a total value exceeding 21 billion riyals ($5.6 billion). These agreements have notably boosted local content, increasing from 54% to 63% by the end of 2024, while generating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in this vital sector.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia raises white land tax to 10%, introduces annual levy on vacant properties
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to its White Land Tax Law, raising the annual levy on undeveloped land from 2.5% to 10% of its value and introducing, for the first time, an annual tax on long-vacant properties without justified use. The changes, passed during Tuesday's Cabinet session, are aimed at boosting property development and increasing housing supply, as the government works to address rising real estate prices. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced plans to offer housing units across various regions in partnership with private developers, priced between SR250,000 and SR1.2 million. The initiative targets raising Saudi homeownership to 66% this year, according to Minister Majed Al-Hogail during a recent government press conference. The amendments also unify the tax application stages, with the annual tax now covering individual or combined landholdings of 5,000 square meters or more within designated urban zones. Previously limited to residential and commercial land, the scope has expanded to include any undeveloped land suitable for development. Regulations for white lands will be issued within 90 days, while rules governing vacant property taxation are expected within a year. Minister Al-Hogail acknowledged the sharp rise in real estate prices in Riyadh but noted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had issued swift and firm directives to ensure property prices align with industrial, agricultural, commercial, and housing growth. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
