ع
The Ministry of Commerce issued a circular to the Federation of Saudi Chambers announcing an exceptional discount season spanning three months, Okaz newspaper reported on July 20, 2026. This period from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 will operate outside the standard rules governing promotional activities for commercial establishments and online stores across the kingdom. Establishments seeking to join must secure the appropriate approvals to ensure their participation aligns with the initiative’s framework. The ministry emphasized that the exceptional window provides added flexibility to boost commercial activity during the late summer and fall period.
Businesses can submit applications for discount licenses through the ministry’s electronic portal, which streamlines the approval process and allows for quick issuance of documentation. Once granted, these licenses can be displayed to inform consumers of the valid promotions on offer. The system ensures all participating outlets maintain transparency in their pricing adjustments throughout the campaign. Okaz newspaper noted that the digital application method reflects ongoing efforts to modernize regulatory interactions for the private sector.
Under normal regulations, commercial establishments may conduct discounts for up to 90 days per year, a total that can be divided into three separate periods with each individual license capped at 45 days, according to standing ministry rules. The exceptional season operates independently of this allocation, meaning participants will retain their full annual entitlement after the campaign concludes. This structure aims to encourage broader participation without penalizing businesses that have already used portions of their standard allowance earlier in the year. The distinction helps clarify how the new window supplements rather than replaces existing promotional opportunities.
The Federation of Saudi Chambers responded to the ministry circular by calling on private sector entities to engage fully with the discount season. Federation officials highlighted the potential advantages for both retailers and shoppers, including increased foot traffic and enhanced value for consumers. Their statement urged establishments to prepare attractive offers while maintaining adherence to all relevant commercial standards. The federation’s endorsement underscores the collaborative approach between government bodies and business representatives in driving the initiative forward.
The General Authority for Statistics reported that Saudi retail trade sales rose 4.8 percent year on year in 2025, providing context for the timing of the new discount season as authorities seek to sustain momentum in the non-oil economy. This growth aligns with broader objectives under the Vision 2030 framework to strengthen domestic consumption and support small and medium-sized enterprises. The exceptional promotion period arrives at a time when consumer spending patterns show seasonal peaks in the final quarter, according to authority data. Such campaigns have historically contributed to elevated transaction volumes in participating outlets.
Ministry guidance stresses that all discounts offered during the season must fully comply with established promotional regulations to protect consumer rights and maintain market fairness. Establishments found in violation risk penalties that could include license suspension or fines, the circular warned. Officials encouraged businesses to focus on genuine price reductions rather than superficial marketing tactics. The emphasis on compliance forms a core element of the announcement designed to foster trust in the retail marketplace.
