Saudi Arabia Introduces Extended Ramadan Sales Season to Streamline Festive Shopping
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia has unveiled a comprehensive nationwide initiative designed to transform the traditional shopping experience for consumers. The newly announced Ramadan sales season is set to run for an impressive 54 days, commencing on February 1 and concluding on March 26, 2026. This strategic move aims to alleviate the typical last-minute rush in markets, allowing households to plan their purchases in a more organized and stress-free manner.
Aligning with the Islamic Calendar for Enhanced Convenience
The timing of this extensive sales campaign has been meticulously synchronized with the Islamic calendar. It begins on Shaban 13 and extends through Shawwal 7, effectively covering the period well beyond the end of Ramadan and through the joyous celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr. By extending the sales window, the ministry seeks to distribute shopping activity over a longer duration, thereby reducing congestion and enhancing the overall consumer experience during these significant religious observances.
Comprehensive Product Coverage and Business Participation
The Ramadan sales season encompasses a broad spectrum of products essential for both Ramadan and Eid festivities. This includes all Ramadan-related goods as well as Eid necessities, ensuring that consumers can access attractive discounts across vital categories throughout the extended period. To facilitate business involvement, the Ministry of Commerce has invited retail establishments and online stores to participate by applying for discount permits electronically through the official platform, sales.mc.gov.sa.
Notably, participation in this initiative will not impact a business's annual discount balance. This means that establishments can obtain, print, and display official permits without depleting any of their allocated discount days for the year, making the process more straightforward and flexible for retailers of all sizes.
Ensuring Transparency and Compliance Through Technology
Consumer transparency stands as a cornerstone of this initiative. Shoppers can easily verify the authenticity of discounts by scanning the barcode displayed on the official permit using their mobile phone camera. Upon scanning, the system provides comprehensive details about the offer, including the type and percentage of the discount, its duration, and basic information about the establishment offering it.
To uphold the integrity of the sales season, the ministry has confirmed that inspection teams will conduct field tours across all regions of the Kingdom throughout the 54-day period. These inspections are designed to monitor compliance, verify the legitimacy of promotional offers, and ensure that advertised discounts align precisely with the information approved under the official permits.
This proactive approach by the Ministry of Commerce reflects a commitment to fostering a fair and transparent marketplace, ultimately benefiting both consumers and businesses during one of the most important times of the year for the Muslim community.
