Riyadh, September 14, 2026: Ahead of Saudi Arabia's 96th National Day on September 23, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce has launched a major retail and online shopping discount season. Over 12 million products are currently included in promotional campaigns, supported by more than 3,500 issued discount licenses. The government has declared September 23 a paid official holiday for employees in the private and non-profit sectors.
- Over 12 million products included in promotional campaigns
- More than 3500 discount licenses issued by the Ministry of Commerce
- September 23 declared a paid official holiday for private and non-profit sectors
The Ministry of Commerce is urging consumers, including expatriate communities, to
verify discount authenticity by scanning the unified electronic barcode displayed with offers. Scanning the code provides essential details, including the discount type, percentage, validity period, and establishment information. This verification process is designed to protect shoppers from misleading advertisements, expired licenses, or discrepancies between advertised rates and actual billing prices.
Promotions cover a wide range of categories, including electronics, smartphones, home appliances, groceries, perfumes, and clothing. The Ministry warns that online shoppers should
exercise caution by verifying the identity of e-commerce platforms and avoiding payments to personal bank accounts. Customers are advised to store offer screenshots, invoices, and product details to facilitate potential returns or dispute resolution. Shoppers should also review model numbers, warranty coverage, and hidden costs like delivery or installation fees.
To report commercial violations, including fake discounts or refund issues, consumers can use the Balagh/Commercial Violation app or call the unified reporting number 1900. The Ministry emphasizes that
citizens and residents should not share sensitive banking information on third-party links or unofficial websites during the complaint process. With the 96th National Day approaching, authorities are conducting field inspections to ensure regulatory compliance across all physical and online retail outlets.
