The Saudi Ministry of Commerce announced the issuance of 1,987 licenses for discounts and promotional offers to commercial establishments and online stores across the Kingdom, as part of its preparations for the holy month of Ramadan. These licenses cover more than 5 million products, a move aimed at stabilizing the market and meeting the increased demand during Ramadan.
General context and importance of the initiative
This annual initiative reflects the religious, cultural, and economic significance of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. This season witnesses a marked shift in consumption patterns, with a significant increase in demand for food and Ramadan-related goods, as well as Eid al-Fitr necessities such as clothing, perfumes, and gifts. The Ministry of Commerce plays a pivotal role in regulating the market during this period to ensure the availability of goods, protect consumers from misleading business practices, and guarantee fair competition among merchants, thus demonstrating the government's commitment to supporting citizens and residents and easing their financial burdens.
Licensing details and product variety
The Ministry clarified that the "Ramadan Sales" season officially began on the 13th of Sha'ban and will continue until after Eid al-Fitr. The licenses issued cover a wide range of in-demand goods and products, most notably: food and consumer goods, electrical and electronic appliances, perfumes and cosmetics, clothing and fashion, in addition to other diverse items. This variety ensures consumers have multiple options at competitive prices, whether in traditional stores or through e-commerce platforms, which have become an integral part of the Kingdom's commercial landscape.
Economic impact and consumer protection
Domestically, these discounts are expected to stimulate commercial activity and boost the retail sector, a key pillar of the national economy. They also support price stability and mitigate seasonal inflation that can accompany peak shopping periods. To enhance transparency and protect consumer rights, the Ministry affirmed its continued intensive monitoring of commercial establishments across the Kingdom to verify the legitimacy of discounts and compliance with approved regulations and requirements. The Ministry has also provided consumers with an effective tool to verify the validity of offers by scanning the QR code (barcode) on the discount permit using a mobile phone camera. This displays all permit details, the discount percentage, and its duration, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions based on accurate information.
