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...

If you're an expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, it's important to know the details of your employment contract. The Qiwa platform now allows employees to view, verify, and download their job contracts online — making the process transparent and simple. 📌 What is Qiwa? Qiwa is a digital platform launched by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) to unify employee and employer services, including employment contracts, job offers, and labor transfers. ✅ Why Should You Check Your Qiwa Contract? To ensure your job title, salary, and terms match what you were promised. To make sure the contract is uploaded and approved by the employer. To have legal documentation in case of disputes. 🔍 How to Check Your Contract in Qiwa Visit the official Qiwa site: qiwa.sa Log in using your Absher credentials (national/Iqama ID + password + OTP). Once logged in, go to “Employee Services” . ...