In a move reflecting the great appreciation that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has for science and scientists, His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received in Riyadh the Saudi scientist Professor Omar bin Mounis Yaghi, on the occasion of his winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2025, in a historic achievement that adds to the Kingdom’s record full of successes on the international stage.

During the reception, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince extended his sincere congratulations to Professor Yaghi on this distinguished scientific achievement, emphasizing that his winning the award is a source of pride for the entire nation. His Royal Highness commended the professor's tireless efforts and pioneering research in the field of chemistry, which led to this prestigious international recognition, and wished him continued success in his scientific and research career.

Background of the achievement and the importance of Professor Yaghi's research

Professor Omar Yaghi is one of the world's leading chemists and a pioneer in reticular chemistry. He is credited with developing new classes of chemical compounds known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). These materials are characterized by their exceptional ability to store various gases and molecules thanks to their microporous structure, opening up vast possibilities for revolutionary applications in numerous fields. His Nobel Prize is the culmination of a decades-long scientific career during which his research has transformed fundamental concepts in materials science and chemistry.

Local and international impact of the award

Domestically, this achievement represents a significant boost to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes scientific research, innovation, and human capital development. The Crown Prince's recognition of Professor Yaghi sends a clear message to Saudi youth and researchers that the leadership supports excellence and appreciates their contributions, thus motivating future generations to pursue careers in science and technology. Regionally and internationally, this accomplishment strengthens the Kingdom's position as a leading center for scientific research in the region and highlights the contributions of Arab and Muslim scientists to global progress. Furthermore, the potential applications of Professor Yaghi's research, such as carbon capture to combat climate change, hydrogen storage as a clean fuel, and highly efficient water desalination, are of paramount importance in addressing shared global challenges.

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has announced the launch of its annual Ramadan sales season, a proactive step aimed at regulating the market and meeting the increased consumer demand before and during the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The season is scheduled to officially begin next Sunday, corresponding to 13 Sha'ban 1447 AH (February 1, 2026), and will run for 54 consecutive days, concluding on 7 Shawwal 1447 AH (March 26, 2026).

General context and the commercial and cultural importance of the season

This announcement comes in light of the significant cultural and economic importance of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia. The holy month is a peak period for commercial activity, with consumer spending rising considerably. Saudi families prepare for Ramadan by purchasing a wide range of goods, from food and Ramadan beverages to new clothes, gifts, and Eid necessities. Organized sales seasons have become an integral part of these annual preparations, eagerly anticipated by consumers who take advantage of special offers and ease the financial burden on their household budgets.

Details of the initiative and its expected impact

The ministry explained that this extended period of discounts, which includes both traditional retail outlets and online stores, primarily aims to encourage consumers to plan their purchases in advance and shop early. This initiative is expected to help avoid the heavy congestion that markets typically experience in the days leading up to Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, thus providing a more comfortable and safer shopping experience for everyone. Economically, the initiative is anticipated to stimulate sales in the retail sector, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and foster healthy competition among retailers to offer the best deals and prices.

A regulatory mechanism to protect consumer rights

To streamline procedures for shop owners, the Ministry clarified that obtaining discount permits is done electronically through its official website. A key advantage is that the days of this season are not counted towards the annual discount allowance for each establishment. As part of its efforts to ensure the transparency of offers and protect consumers from deceptive discounts, the Ministry emphasized the ease with which any discount can be verified. Consumers can scan the QR code on the discount permit using their mobile phone camera to instantly view all permit details, including the discount percentage, duration, and the licensed establishment's information.

The ministry stressed that it will intensify its monitoring and inspection tours in all regions of the Kingdom throughout the season, to ensure everyone’s compliance with regulations and rules, to monitor any violations, and to take the necessary measures to protect consumer rights and enhance confidence in the local shopping environment.