Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofMunicipalandRuralAffairsandHousing
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.
Khaleej Times
30-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Saudi ministry shuts down food chain branches after food poisoning reports
On Sunday, the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing issued a statement announcing the temporary closure of branches of a food establishment. The statement follows reports from several media outlets and social media accounts claiming that authorities shut down branches of a well-known Egyptian dessert chain in Saudi Arabia due to a large number of food poisoning cases linked to its products. The popular dessert chain, known for its Egyptian-inspired sweets, has rapidly gained recognition across the Gulf but now faces increased scrutiny following the incident. According to reports, authorities have confiscated food samples for laboratory analysis, and apps like Jahez and HungerStation suspended the chain's listings on delivery services. Referring to the reports, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, without naming the brand, clarified that through the efforts of its municipal teams across various regions, it has promptly addressed the complaints through field inspection teams and has taken the necessary regulatory measures to ensure public health and safety. The ministry further noted that most suspected cases of food poisoning have recovered, while the remaining cases are receiving the necessary medical care and are in stable condition. The ministry confirmed that in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, it had responded to the reported cases and handled them according to the approved procedures. As a precautionary measure, the manufacturing facilities and branches of the establishment have been temporarily closed until the completion of verification and analysis processes. The ministry reiterated that consumer health and safety are top priorities. It continued to coordinate with the relevant authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of food products. The ministry also urged the public to verify information before sharing and to rely on official sources for accurate updates. Saudi Arabia
Asharq Al-Awsat
12-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Residential Real Estate Market Expected to Attract $1.22 Billion in 2025
Saudi Arabia's private sector buyers are expected to spend $1.22 billion on residential real estate in 2025, with the NEOM megaproject emerging as the most attractive destination for home purchases, according to global real estate consultancy Knight Frank. NEOM, a centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030, is projected to house 9 million people and plays a crucial role in the Kingdom's economic diversification strategy, reducing reliance on oil. A Knight Frank report released on Tuesday, surveyed 1,037 households, including 100 expatriate families living in Saudi Arabia. The study found that both Saudi citizens and residents plan to spend $489 million on local residential properties, while $733 million is expected to be allocated for investments in Vision 2030's megaprojects. Knight Frank noted that individuals in Saudi Arabia are prepared to invest SAR 2.75 billion ($733 million) of their personal capital into residential real estate developments linked to Vision 2030. Meanwhile, the Saudi government is making significant strides toward achieving its Vision 2030 housing targets, with homeownership rates reaching 63.7% in 2024. The Kingdom aims to raise this figure to 70% by 2030. According to a report by the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, more than 205,000 off-plan housing units were approved and launched in 2024, while over 60,000 housing units were delivered. Additionally, 165,000 residential land plots were made available through the Sakani platform, allowing beneficiaries to build homes tailored to their future needs.
