The Jeddah Municipality has announced the opening of registration for the second season of its pioneering community initiative, "Basta Khair" (Good Deeds Stall), which launches in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative aims to bolster social and economic development in the city. Applications will be accepted from the 7th to the 27th of Ramadan, providing a valuable opportunity for productive families and those most in need to showcase their products and generate additional income during this important season.
Background of the initiative and its strategic objectives
The “Basta Khair” initiative comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, which focuses heavily on community development, empowering its members, and enhancing the contribution of the non-profit sector and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the national economy. Historically, “bastas” or temporary stalls have been an integral part of the popular commercial fabric in Saudi cities, especially during seasons like Ramadan. The initiative aims to organize this spontaneous activity and transform it into a structured and safe platform that contributes to improving the urban landscape and provides a decent working environment for beneficiaries, reflecting the municipality’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Target groups and community empowerment
In its second season, the initiative targets carefully selected groups to ensure support reaches those who truly need it. These groups include divorced women, widows, social security beneficiaries, registered productive families, people with disabilities capable of working, and beneficiaries of accredited charitable organizations. The focus on these groups goes beyond providing temporary financial assistance; it aims to achieve sustainable economic empowerment by giving them the tools and opportunities to manage their small businesses, gain experience in sales and marketing, and build a customer base that may extend beyond the initiative's duration.
Details of the second season and the equipment provided
To ensure the initiative's success and provide an ideal environment for participants, the Jeddah Municipality allocated a fully equipped site in the Al-Salamah district to host more than 30 stalls. The site was equipped with all necessary basic services, including electricity, adequate lighting, and standardized signage reflecting the initiative's visual identity, lending an aesthetically pleasing and organized atmosphere to the event. These facilities guarantee participants a healthy, safe, and attractive environment for visitors and shoppers to display their products.
Expected economic and social impact
Majed bin Omar Al-Sulami, Director General of Community Service at the Municipality, explained that the second season will see an expansion in participation, emphasizing the continued efforts to achieve the initiative's goals. "Basta Khair 2" is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, it contributes to revitalizing commercial activity in the host neighborhood and provides consumers with a variety of local products. Socially, the initiative strengthens the spirit of community solidarity and supports the independence of low-income families, contributing directly to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy.
