Saudi ministry launches corrective period for anti-concealment law

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Under a new initiative, businesses in the Kingdom that are considered involved in "commercial concealment" are given six months to correct their status. (Supplied photo)
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Updated 04 March 2021
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Saudi ministry launches corrective period for anti-concealment law

  • Businesses in the Kingdom that are currently engaged in "commercial concealment" are given six options to correct their status until Aug. 23

JEDDAH: The National Program for Combating Commercial Concealment announced the start of a corrective period for violators of the system, ending on Aug. 23 after a six-month time frame.

“The corrective period of the anti-concealment law began. Those wishing to correct the situation of their businesses can apply electronically and benefit from the advantages of the corrective period and exception from the penalties stipulated in the law,” said a statement on the ministry’s website.

Regulations for correcting legal status relating to commercial concealment, as approved by the Ministry of Commerce, involve six options.

Violators can allow the entry of a non-Saudi partner into a business, or register the ownership of a facility in the name of a non-Saudi, after they fulfill the legal requirements for ownership.

Another option is to continue practicing business activity by introducing a new partner — a Saudi or licensed foreign investor — and registering the change with the Ministry of Commerce.

A Saudi violator can sell or waive a facility, while a non-Saudi violator can obtain the privileged iqama and complete a correction of status by taking advantage of the iqama benefits.

A final option in the corrective period lets a non-Saudi leave the Kingdom permanently through a final exit visa after submitting a pledge to abandon previous business rights, and announcing this through the means specified by the Ministry within a period not exceeding 30 days.

The new corrective regulations also state that an exemption from penalties will not include violators who were arrested before submitting a request to resolve their situation, or those who were referred to the Saudi Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution before submitting their request.

The request to correct a business status will be reviewed to verify that it meets the necessary requirements, and the applicant will be informed of the result within 90 days. The Ministry can extend this period in the event that it is incomplete based on acceptable reasons and justifications.

If a correction to an establishment’s status is incomplete, the applicant will be required to complete other corrective procedures within 180 days from the expiry date of the first deadline.

Talat Hafiz, a Saudi economist, financial analyst, and board member of the Saudi Financial Association, said commercial concealment is a major financial crime in the business environment of any country, including the Kingdom, “since it works against fair and unjustifiable commercial trading and causes significant harm to the economy and to its gross domestic product.”

He said: “The government of Saudi Arabia has been alerted to such risks and consequences of commercial concealment, and has introduced a very powerful national program to combat such economic and commercial disease by implementing the National Program for Combating the Commercial Concealment.”

Also known as the national anti-commercial concealment (Tasattur) program, the initiative aims to combat all types of commercial concealment by enforcing a number of measures and actions, including a gradual requirement for all business outlets to use electronic payment systems in their trade activities.

“This will give the consumer the choice to use different means of payment, in addition to cash payments,” Hafiz said. “This is part of the program’s initiative, under the title ‘Obliging shops and outlets to provide electronic payment systems.’”

In cases where these regulations are violated, stern measures and penalties will be imposed.

The procedures are part of the recommendations and directives of the Saudi leadership, Hafiz said, and are relevant to combating commercial concealment through the consolidation of efforts among several government sectors.

The program’s primary mission is to regulate financial transactions and eliminate the illegal remittance of funds.

“The program was launched by the Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia to limit the spread of commercial fraud and to ensure legal commercial trading in the country,” Hafiz said.

“The participants in the National Program for Combating the Commercial Concealment continue to work together, consolidate efforts and coordinate among each other for the implementation of the program’s recommendations.”

Each authority will carry out its own designated tasks, taking into consideration the fulfillment of the program’s objectives. Evaluations and assessment will be completed by every concerned authority during all implementation stages of the program.

The program ensures that all commercial businesses in Saudi Arabia are legally run and are established in accordance with Saudi commercial law and legal regulations.

“Such programs will limit cases of money laundering, because a well and legally established business doesn’t need to wash its money, and clean it up to converted money that looks and seems that is coming and generated from legal sources,” Hafiz said.

A recent example of commercial concealment crime involved a Saudi citizen and two expats. They were handed severe sentences following questioning by the Saudi Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution.

The Saudi national established two businesses and enabled two men hailing from Africa to handle illicit money for transfer abroad in exchange for payment.

Following the investigation, authorities handed the fraudsters prison sentences for periods of no less than 16 years and fines of no less than SR168,000 ($44,793).

Authorities also seized SR739,990,490 in assets from the three, and imposed a travel ban and prohibited the Saudi national from practicing commercial activity for five years.

Public prosecution handed down an order to deport the two expats following the completion of their prison sentences. On top of this, the accomplices will have their commercial registrations canceled, and are required to collect due Zakat taxes and fees.

The judgment of the case will also be published in two local newspapers, while the illegal funds will be tracked abroad through statutory procedures.


East Arafat Hospital’s mobile unit performs 14 emergency cardiac procedures during Hajj

Updated 07 June 2025
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East Arafat Hospital’s mobile unit performs 14 emergency cardiac procedures during Hajj

  • Onsite response eliminates need to transfer patients to specialized centers
  • Indonesian pilgrim who suffered cardiac arrest airlifted to Taif 

MAKKAH: A mobile unit of East Arafat Hospital’s Cardiology Department has successfully performed 14 emergency cardiac catheterization procedures since it began operations on the first day of Hajj, the Makkah Health Cluster has announced.

The procedures are being conducted under the direct field supervision of King Abdullah Medical City based in Makkah city, the health cluster said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, or SPA.

Composed of a specialized cardiology team, supported by qualified Saudi professionals in anesthesia, nursing, and urgent cardiac care, the mobile cardiac catheterization unit is deployed at the holy sites to provide immediate on-site intervention. 

Officials said the initiative eliminates the need to transfer patients to specialized centers, “thereby enhancing patient safety and ensuring continuous medical care.”

Meanwhile, the Air Medical Evacuation team at the Ministry of Defense rescued an Indonesian pilgrim who suffered a cardiac arrest on June 5 in Makkah.

The patient was airlifted from Al Noor Hospital in Makkah to King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif city.

Air evacuation units stationed near the holy sites ensure rapid emergency response, improving rescue times and increasing survival rates.

Health officials had earlier announced the successful test of a new service transporting medicine with drones during Hajj, which started June 4 and will run until June 9.

As reported earlier by Arab News, Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel the drone delivery trials over the past two years tested for safe takeoff and landing, as well as high temperatures. The drones are equipped with cooling systems, he said.

The drone initiative is a part of the comprehensive healthcare transformation taking place in the Kingdom, under the Saudi Vision 2030 program.


Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims

RIYADH: As Hajj rituals continue to take place in the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister on Friday night toured a shuttle bus service used to move pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. 
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle station west of the Jamarat complex, as pilgrims attempt to complete the Tawaf Al-Ifadah inside the holy mosque in Makkah. 
The services uses a dedicated lane to transport approximately 20,000 passengers per hour on 100 busses  on the short 20 minute journey northward to the Ground Mosque. 
The minister’s visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a report on the Saudi Press Agency said.
Over 1.6 million pilgrims are taking part in this year's Hajj, which is an annual event and a key pillar of Islam. 
Saudi authorities have said the event has been a success with various ministries and state institutions taking part in ensuring the safety and timely provision of services to pilgrims.
In an address on Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors.”
The pilgrims, who are affectionately  referred to as the Guests of Allah, are encamped in the tent city of Mina and will be performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual at the Jamarat over the next few days.
They spent Thursday standing at the plain of Arafat, an act considered as the climax of Hajj, supplicating and asking forgiveness from Allah. 
On Friday, Muslims across the globe marked Eid Al-Adha, which is always celebrated the day after Arafat.


How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact

Updated 07 June 2025
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How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact

  • Hajj generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, making sustainable solutions critical to protecting the holy sites
  • Pilgrims are being encouraged to think beyond convenience and adopt habits that support the health of the planet and community

RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind.

From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices.

Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season.

Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether.

One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics.

“We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,” Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News.

Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based manufacturer, provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics. (Supplied)

Although the company will not be directly involved in this year’s pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj.

“We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,” he said.

“These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.”

Pilgrims are encouraged to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability. (SPA)

Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability.

“Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,” he said.

“By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability vision.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled.

• Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life.

• Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution.

• By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish.

While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom.

One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets.

By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources.

The Sustainable Ihram Initiative focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets. (SPA photo)

“The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency.

As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices.

By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.

 


Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

Prince Salman bin Sultan receives well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Madinah. (Supplied)
Updated 06 June 2025
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Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

  • The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.

During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.

The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.

The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.

 


Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

Updated 06 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

  • Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.

“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”

His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.

The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.