My Life in Saudi

Dammam, Saudi Arabia – Change is sweeping through the Kingdom's retail landscape, and it's particularly noticeable at your neighborhood baqala . In a significant move aimed at modernizing the retail sector and enhancing public health standards, Saudi Arabia has officially banned small grocery stores from selling fresh food items like fruits, vegetables, dates, and meat. The directive, issued by Minister of Municipalities and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail, took immediate effect, though existing baqalas have a six-month grace period to adapt. This means your quick stop for a handful of tomatoes or a kilo of fresh dates will soon be a thing of the past at these smaller establishments. Why the Change? This new regulation isn't just about limiting what baqalas can sell. It's part of a broader strategy to reorganize the retail market, streamline practices, and improve health and safety. The government's vision is to create a more structured and standardized retail environmen...