The Insurance Authority issued an administrative decision to suspend United Cooperative Insurance Company from issuing or renewing insurance policies for all vehicle products. This decision was based on the company's failure to exercise due diligence in rectifying its operational and regulatory deficiencies, which negatively impacted the quality of services provided to policyholders and beneficiaries. The decision was made in accordance with the powers granted to the Authority and pursuant to the Cooperative Insurance Companies Control Law and its implementing regulations.

The Authority clarified in its statement that the suspension decision includes all types of vehicle insurance policies, including comprehensive insurance, and will take effect on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The Authority emphasized that this measure does not relieve the company of its existing obligations, as it remains fully responsible for current insurance policies and for receiving and processing any claims arising from them, while taking all necessary measures to ensure that the interests of current customers are not affected.

Regulatory context to enhance sector stability

This decision comes within the framework of the firm regulatory role that the Insurance Authority has exercised since its establishment, which aims to regulate and supervise the insurance sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a way that ensures fair financial transactions and protects the rights of those involved. The Authority operates according to a clear strategy that aligns with the objectives of developing the financial sector, where adherence to technical standards, financial solvency, and service quality are fundamental pillars that cannot be compromised. Temporary suspension procedures are one of the regulatory tools used by the Authority to evaluate the performance of companies and encourage them to restructure their operations in accordance with regulations.

Impact of the decision and protection of the rights of the insured

This decision is of paramount importance locally, as it sends a clear message to all those working in the insurance sector about the necessity of full compliance with regulations. This measure is expected to contribute to raising the level of competitiveness based on quality and financial solvency, rather than solely on price competition. Regarding policyholders, the Authority affirmed that their rights are protected and that their current policies remain valid until their expiry dates, thus ensuring uninterrupted insurance coverage.

In closing, the Insurance Authority confirmed that the suspension will remain in effect until the regulatory body is satisfied that Al-Muttahida Company has fundamentally rectified its situation and fully complied with regulatory standards and requirements. The Authority urged all clients and rights holders facing difficulties or a lack of response from the company to promptly file their complaints through the official channels available on the Authority's "Customer Protection" website, ensuring their cases are addressed according to established procedures.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture revealed its intensive monitoring efforts during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, with field teams conducting more than 17,900 inspection tours covering public markets and slaughterhouses across all regions and cities of the Kingdom. These efforts are part of the Ministry's strategy to ensure the highest levels of food safety and to verify the readiness of establishments and their strict adherence to approved health and environmental regulations.

Details of inspection tours and volume of operations

Official statistics revealed that inspection tours resulted in the direct supervision of 111,300 animals slaughtered in approved abattoirs, with extensive field participation involving 494 judicial officers. These meticulous campaigns led to the detection and recording of approximately 2,900 violations and warnings issued to several establishments that failed to comply with the required technical and health standards, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to enforcing regulations to ensure consumer safety.

General context and importance of seasonal monitoring

These campaigns become even more crucial during peak seasons like the holy month of Ramadan, when consumer demand for meat and fresh food products rises significantly. The Ministry proactively addresses this increased demand by intensifying oversight to prevent any violations that could harm public health, such as unregulated slaughter or the sale of unfit food. These efforts are an integral part of the national food security system that the Kingdom seeks to strengthen in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to improve the quality of life.

The role of the non-profit sector and reducing waste

In a gesture reflecting the integration between the government and non-profit sectors, 31 associations specializing in food preservation participated in this oversight system. These associations contributed effectively to utilizing surplus food and reducing waste, representing an important social and economic dimension that strengthens the values ​​of social solidarity and preserves resources, in line with environmental sustainability initiatives.

Safety procedures and community awareness

Regarding laboratory testing, specialized teams collected and examined approximately 1,500 random samples to ensure that products were free of contaminants and fit for human consumption. Alongside punitive measures, the Ministry focused on preventative measures by implementing 368 awareness and educational campaigns targeting market workers and consumers to promote sound health practices. The rigorous testing procedures resulted in the destruction of approximately 58,500 kilograms of food products deemed unfit for consumption, preventing them from reaching consumers and protecting them from potential health risks.

The ministry confirmed at the end of its report that these campaigns are ongoing and will not stop, stressing that the main goal is to raise the level of compliance with safety standards and ensure the quality of food in circulation, which directly contributes to promoting public health and protecting consumer rights to obtain safe and healthy food.