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The Ministry of Commerce carried out the visits to a range of sites including central markets, gold and jewelry shops, electrical and electronic appliance stores in addition to other retail outlets. These inspections focused on confirming the availability of goods along with diverse alternatives while checking that price tags and electronic pricing systems were clearly displayed. Teams further monitored sales discounts and ensured full adherence to the ministry’s commercial regulations across all regions of the Kingdom.
Ministry of Commerce figures show the September activity contributed to a cumulative total of 383,000 inspection visits completed through the first nine months of 2026. The same period saw authorities process 443,000 consumer protection reports while launching 58 product recall campaigns that covered more than 222,000 vehicles and 8,500 additional items. The ministry has expanded its use of artificial intelligence to assess incoming reports and direct risk-based oversight particularly in the precious metals and gemstones sector.
A separate national program to combat commercial concealment involving 13 government entities conducted more than 34,000 inspection visits by the end of September according to the Saudi Press Agency. That effort identified 1,066 initial suspected concealment cases together with 77 violations of market rules. The program has integrated artificial intelligence to develop a concealment index and to route suspected cases efficiently to field inspection teams.
The September inspections formed part of ongoing efforts to maintain stable supplies and fair pricing in the domestic market. Officials emphasized compliance checks on promotional offers to prevent any misleading practices that could affect consumers. Such regular oversight supports broader objectives of market transparency and consumer protection across the Saudi economy.
Data from the ministry indicated that the visits extended beyond core retail categories to encompass additional commercial locations as needed. This comprehensive approach allows for timely identification of potential issues before they escalate. The scale of activity in September alone highlights the systematic nature of regulatory enforcement maintained throughout the year.
