Launch of the Saudi Charity Basta Initiative 2026 to support street vendors
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing officially announced the launch of the second edition of the “ Saudi Arabia Charity Stall 2026 ” initiative, coinciding with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, in strategic partnership with the municipalities of various regions across the Kingdom. This step complements the efforts of the Ministry’s team supporting, developing, and empowering street vendors, aiming to transform this sector from an informal, unregulated practice into a structured, institutionalized operation that serves the local economy and enhances the urban landscape.
Strategic goals that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The “Saudi Arabia Charity Stall” initiative is not merely a fleeting seasonal activity; it is central to the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, specifically within the Quality of Life Program and programs empowering productive families and small entrepreneurs. The initiative primarily aims to eliminate the visual pollution caused by unregulated street vending, provide a safe and healthy environment for shoppers, and create formal and sustainable job opportunities for Saudi citizens, thereby boosting the gross domestic product and achieving self-sufficiency for many families.
Details of the second edition: Expansion and sustainability
The ministry explained that the new 2026 version is more extensive, aiming to allocate five prime locations in each municipality to reach an ambitious target of 350 retail outlets per municipality . To ensure uninterrupted income after Ramadan, at least two locations in each municipality have been designated for the "sustainability" track, guaranteeing the continued operation of these outlets throughout the year and transforming the activity from a mere "temporary stall" into a small business with the potential for growth and development.
Regulatory standards and unified visual identity
The second version is based on strict operational standards that ensure product safety and customer satisfaction, and includes:
- Strategic location: Choosing locations with high population density and close to parks and waterfronts to ensure a flow of visitors.
- Visual identity: Unifying the shape of the outlets in a way that reflects the identity of the cities and takes into account the urban privacy of each area.
- Health Control: Implementing continuous field monitoring to ensure the safety of food and products on display.
Successes of the first edition: Numbers and implications
This launch follows the resounding success of the first edition, "Basta Khair Saudi Arabia 2025," which set record numbers reflecting the critical need for such initiatives. The previous edition saw the participation of 1,732 vendors and welcomed approximately 814,000 visitors, achieving a 90% satisfaction rate among both participants and visitors. The initiative also achieved a 30% sustainability rate for the projects after the season's end, confirming the viability of the adopted operational model and its ability to transform street vendors into successful entrepreneurs.
