The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has announced the official start date for this year's Ramadan sales season, which will begin on the 13th of Sha'ban 1447 AH, corresponding to February 1, 2026. This announcement comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to regulate commercial markets and stimulate purchasing activity during important religious and social seasons.
The ministry explained that the sales season will extend for an extended period of 54 days, continuing until Shawwal 7, 1447 AH (March 26, 2026). This extended period, which extends beyond Eid al-Fitr, aims to cover all consumer needs for Ramadan goods and Eid necessities, thus helping to alleviate pressure on markets and avoid the overcrowding that usually accompanies the final days before the holy month or before Eid.
Facilities for businesses and support for e-commerce
In support of the business sector, the Ministry of Commerce has enabled commercial establishments and online stores to easily apply for discount licenses electronically. This mechanism allows merchants to issue, print, and display licenses to consumers immediately, without deducting discount days from the establishment's annual quota, which is a significant incentive for the retail sector to offer the most competitive deals.
This season holds particular economic importance, as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are among the busiest periods for the retail sector in the Kingdom and the wider Arab region. Officially organizing these sales seasons helps strengthen trust between merchants and consumers, enhances market transparency, and supports the growth of e-commerce, which has become an integral part of modern consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia.
Consumer protection and smart monitoring
Regarding consumer protection, the ministry emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of discounts. Shoppers can use their mobile phone cameras to scan the barcode displayed on the discount permit shown in stores or on websites. This technology allows consumers to instantly access all official information, including the type and percentage of the discount, its duration, and the establishment's basic details, thus preventing fraudulent or misleading offers.
The ministry concluded its statement by emphasizing the continuation of field and electronic inspection tours of all commercial establishments in all regions of the Kingdom, to verify the merchants’ compliance with the regulations and regularity of discounts, and to ensure that there is no manipulation of prices before and after the discount, in order to ensure a fair and stimulating commercial environment for all.
