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.


How Saudi Arabia’s native wildflowers play a vital role in sustainability

Updated 21 June 2025
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How Saudi Arabia’s native wildflowers play a vital role in sustainability

  • The Kingdom blooms with wildflowers each spring, marking renewal, supporting biodiversity, and enriching cultural traditions
  • Hummayd, a native desert herb, thrives in arid climates and is prized in Saudi culinary and ecological heritage

JEDDAH: In the vast deserts of Saudi Arabia, a humble, yet remarkable, wildflower makes its mark each spring — Rumex vesicarius, known locally as hummayd.

Native to the Arabian Peninsula, this fast-growing plant thrives in sandy soils and plays a significant role in both the natural ecosystem and local culinary traditions.

“Hummayd is an annual herbaceous plant native to Saudi Arabia and widely distributed across its regions,” Arwa Alotaibi, a native plant researcher, told Arab News.

“Scientifically known as Rumex vesicarius, it belongs to the Polygonaceae family, commonly referred to as the dock or sorrel family.”

Hummayd is well adapted to desert conditions and is often found flourishing in arid environments. Its triangular green leaves and red or green flowers distinguish it from other wild plants. It typically grows to around half a meter in height and remains evergreen throughout its life cycle.

Due to its drought tolerance and minimal water requirements, hummayd is suited to Saudi Arabia’s harsh urban and desert climates, said Alotaibi.

“It is particularly abundant in the southern regions of the Kingdom, where rainfall is more consistent, followed by the Hijaz region, Najd, and the northern areas.”

Rumex vesicarius, known locally as hummayd, is an annual herbaceous plant native to Saudi Arabia and widely distributed across its regions. (SPA)

For generations, hummayd has held a special place in Saudi culinary traditions.

The plant can be eaten raw, with bread, or incorporated into tangy stews, Alotaibi said. In the Jazan region, it is especially prized for its unique acidic flavor.

“Rich in vitamin C, the plant aids digestion and helps reduce water retention, making it both flavorful and nutritious.”

Its cultural relevance is captured in a well-known Saudi proverb: “Spring has arrived with the coming of hummayd,” signifying the plant’s role as a seasonal marker of renewal and abundance.

Beyond its culinary and cultural value, hummayd is also ecologically beneficial, serving as vegetative ground cover, helping to stabilize hillsides, rehabilitate degraded land, and enrich green open spaces.

“Its presence supports biodiversity in desert ecosystems, providing a food source for animals such as camels, sheep, and rabbits,” Alotaibi said.

It is a tough plant that grows well in sandy, dry areas with very little water. It can survive harsh desert conditions and still remain green. (SPA)

As such, with its resilience, versatility, and deep cultural roots, hummayd is more than just a wildflower — it is a symbol of spring, sustainability, and Saudi heritage.

During spring, the Kingdom bursts with a bouquet of delicately fragranced wildflowers, blanketing the normally sandy landscape with a beautiful color palette.

The typical blooming period starts from February to April, with slight variations depending on plant type and geographic elevation. Some flowers may bloom as early as January, especially in the warmer southern regions, while others in elevated areas flower later.

“Wildflowers bloom across Saudi Arabia each year, with blooming seasons varying by region depending on plant type and climate,” Alstine Van Joshua, co-founder of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News.

“In general, wildflowers bloom during spring, especially after winter rains when temperatures become moderate and there is sufficient soil moisture.”

Humaid (Rumex vesicarius) is an edible wildflower that blooms in the Saudi desert during the spring. It is seen as a sign the season of growth and renewal has arrived. (SPA)

In the northern regions, areas such as Jouf experience a burst of wildflowers following winter rainfall, while in the southern highlands, areas such as Asir and Al-Baha, known for their cooler climate and high elevations, support a wide range of wildflower species.

Najran and Jazan also boast rich plant diversity, especially among the region’s deep valleys and high mountain areas.

Even in the Kingdom’s eastern and central deserts, wild desert flowers grow in sandy and wadi environments, typically after prolonged rainfall.

These plants are highly adapted to the harsh climate and require minimal water, making them an effective tool in combating desertification and restoring ecological balance.

It is a tough plant that grows well in sandy, dry areas with very little water. It can survive harsh desert conditions and still remain green. (SPA)

“Native plants contribute to biodiversity by providing natural habitats for various creatures, such as birds and bees,” said Van Joshua.

“Their value extends beyond the environment to include cultural and heritage dimensions, as they are traditionally used in folk medicine and decoration during social occasions, especially in regions such as Najran, Asir, and Jazan.

“Reviving this vegetation reflects a deep commitment to protecting nature, improving quality of life, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving net-zero goals.

“It also supports the creation of a more resilient and sustainable environment that secures natural resources and green spaces for future generations.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Hummayd has triangular evergreen leaves and blooms in red or green flowers. 

• It grows mostly in southern Saudi Arabia, but is found throughout the Kingdom. 

• The plant is rich in vitamin C and aids digestion. 

• It can be eaten raw, with bread, or cooked as a sour stew. 

The preservation of local vegetation is closely linked to environmental sustainability, and is considered one of the main pillars of reforestation projects and the rehabilitation of degraded lands.

Indeed, these plants play a vital role in stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, enhancing rainwater absorption, and restoring soil fertility. In doing so, they support biodiversity by providing natural habitats for wildlife and contribute to ecosystem recovery and stability.

“In the face of relentless drought, blazing sun, and cold desert nights, they stand with quiet grace, unyielding, patient, and strong beyond measure,” Munira Alhazani, CEO of the Saudi Botanical Society, told Arab News.

“These resilient plants reflect our own journey, the emotions we carry, the challenges we face, and the courage that blossoms in our darkest moments.

“It is our passion, a steadfast love for life, that fuels our onward journey. Yet beneath this strength lies a fragile hope, a whisper of fear that in a fleeting moment of weakness, they might tire, fade, and quietly disappear.”

People in Saudi Arabia eat Humaid raw or cooked for its sour taste and health benefits. It can aid digestion and is rich in vitamin C. (SPA)

Efforts to protect the Kingdom’s wildflowers align closely with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees within the Kingdom and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, while also improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

On a regional scale, the Middle East Green Initiative seeks to plant 50 billion trees, including 40 billion outside the Kingdom, in what is considered the largest reforestation project of its kind.

The initiative aims to combat desertification, reduce emissions, and enhance the quality of life throughout the region.

“Local vegetation plays a direct and foundational role in achieving the objectives of these national and regional initiatives, as well as in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Van Joshua.

“Through these efforts, the Kingdom affirms its pioneering role in environmental protection — locally and regionally — while striving to build a more sustainable future and ensure a better quality of life for future generations.”
 

 


Saudi Shoura Council speaker participates in Rome conference

Saudi Arabia's delegation was headed by the speaker of the Shoura Council, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh. (Supplied)
Updated 20 June 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council speaker participates in Rome conference

  • Event aims to build bridges, promote mutual understanding

ROME: The Second Parliamentary Conference on Interreligious Dialogue — titled “Strengthening Trust and Embracing Hope for our Common Future” — has started in Rome, with the participation of the Saudi delegation headed by Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh. The event is being attended by heads of parliaments from around the world.

Lorenzo Fontana, the president of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy, praised the body’s significant and vital role, stressing the importance of the conference in building bridges and promoting mutual understanding.

 


Pesticides workshop held in AlUla

The workshop targeted farm owners, agricultural workers, and those interested in the sector. (SPA)
Updated 20 June 2025
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Pesticides workshop held in AlUla

  • The workshop was part of a series of different guidance programs and workshops implemented by the National Center for Palms and Dates throughout the year in many regions of the Kingdom

ALULA: A workshop, titled Safe Handling of Palm and Date Pest Pesticides, was held on Friday in the AlUla Governorate. The event, which was organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla, took place in the agricultural sector of the commission’s headquarters.

The workshop targeted farm owners, agricultural workers, and those interested in the sector. It aimed to raise awareness about safe pesticide use while enhancing efficiency in agricultural pest control in a way that improves production quality while ensuring environmental safety.

The workshop was part of a series of different guidance programs and workshops implemented by the National Center for Palms and Dates throughout the year in many regions of the Kingdom. They bid to support the agricultural sector’s development and enhance sustainability practices.

 

 


KSrelief distributes shelter aid in Somalia’s Togdheer region

The assistance comes as part of a 2025 initiative to distribute shelter aid to displaced persons in the African country. (SPA)
Updated 20 June 2025
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KSrelief distributes shelter aid in Somalia’s Togdheer region

  • The assistance will be distributed in cooperation with the UN World Health Organization to 45 healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria, based on field-identified needs

TOGDHEER: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center recently distributed 1,030 pieces of clothing, 475 shelter bags, and 20 tents to several camps in the Togdheer region of Somalia, benefiting 1,525 families and 9,150 individuals. The assistance comes as part of a 2025 initiative to distribute shelter aid to displaced persons in the African country.

Earlier, three relief trucks provided by the Saudi aid agency arrived on Wednesday in the town of Sarmada in Syria’s Idlib governorate, carrying 20 tonnes of medical aid.

The assistance will be distributed in cooperation with the UN World Health Organization to 45 healthcare facilities in northwestern Syria, based on field-identified needs. The aid supports frontline medical teams in underserved areas, benefiting about 150,000 people.

Elsewhere, the agency distributed 3,000 cartons of dates to families in need in the Shabwa governorate of Yemen, benefiting 18,000 individuals.

 


Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen

Updated 20 June 2025
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Masam Project achieves massive success in Yemen

  • KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015

RIYADH: Masam, a project launched by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, has achieved a significant milestone by clearing 67,585,167 sq. meters and removing 500,000 explosives from Yemeni lands since its launch in June 2018.

Items removed include anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, unexploded ordnance, and explosive devices indiscriminately planted to harm civilians.

Demining efforts have dramatically reduced casualties — and allowed displaced people and farmers to return and resume cultivation — earning widespread praise from the UN and international organizations.

The agency has also initiated the Artificial Limbs Centers Project in several Yemeni cities, providing prosthetics and aiding physical rehabilitation to those injured by explosives.

The Masam Project stands as a vital contribution in enabling a safe and dignified life for Yemenis.

KSrelief has implemented 3,438 diverse humanitarian projects across 107 countries, valued at over $7 billion, since its launch in May 2015.