A new step towards enhancing transparency in the Saudi market

As part of its ongoing efforts to regulate markets and protect consumer rights, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce announced on Thursday the results of the second phase of its comprehensive assessments targeting vital sectors that directly impact the lives of citizens and residents. The assessments included car dealerships, electrical and electronic appliance dealers and distributors, and e-commerce stores, with the aim of raising the quality of services provided, enhancing compliance with approved standards, and improving the overall customer experience.

General context and importance of the initiative in light of Vision 2030

This initiative is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the business environment and enhancing consumer confidence. With the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for cars and modern devices, the need has arisen for transparent regulatory mechanisms that ensure consumers receive the best services and contribute to creating a fair competitive environment among companies. These periodic assessments are an effective tool for achieving this goal, providing reliable data that helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and motivates companies to improve their operations and services.

Details of the automotive sector assessment

The ministry explained that the evaluation of car dealerships included 24 dealerships and was based on four main criteria and 16 sub-indicators to ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of service. The criteria included:

• Inventory and booking data: To assess the dealer's transparency in disclosing available cars and waiting lists.
• After-sales service: This is a crucial criterion that focuses on the duration of periodic maintenance, the availability of essential spare parts, and the quality of service provided at maintenance centers.
• Compliance level: To measure the extent to which the agent adheres to the regulations and rules set by the ministry.
• Commitment to protecting consumer rights: This includes responding quickly to complaints and handling them effectively.

Assessment of the electrical and electronic appliances and digital stores sector

In the electrical and electronic appliances sector, 18 agents and distributors were evaluated based on 11 criteria, primarily focusing on their adherence to consumer rights regarding warranties and maintenance, after-sales services, and their handling of consumer complaints. Meanwhile, in the booming e-commerce sector, 220 online stores were assessed according to 10 specific criteria, most notably their registration on the Saudi Business Center platform, the clarity of their exchange and return policies, and the provision of clear and effective communication channels for customers.

Expected impact and partnership with the private sector

The Ministry of Commerce affirmed that these standards and indicators were developed in collaboration and partnership with consumers and the private sector, with the aim of developing sectors and jointly addressing challenges. These assessments are expected to increase competition among agents and retailers to provide better service, and to empower consumers by giving them the necessary tools for comparison and choice. The Ministry intends to continue publishing the assessment results periodically, which will enhance market transparency and solidify a culture of quality and commitment among all commercial establishments in the Kingdom.

In an achievement reflecting its commitment to the highest workplace standards, Health Holding Company received the prestigious “Work” Award for 2023 in the Occupational Safety and Health category for the private sector. This recognition, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, acknowledges the company’s outstanding efforts in building a safe and sustainable work environment for its employees, further solidifying its position as a leading example in the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

General context and importance of the award

The “Work” Award is one of the most prestigious national awards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to motivate private sector establishments to excel and innovate across various aspects of the work environment. Occupational safety and health holds particular importance, aligning with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and the creation of attractive and safe work environments. The focus on occupational safety extends beyond simply protecting employees; its impact also encompasses increased productivity and enhanced organizational sustainability, goals the Kingdom pursues on its journey toward economic and social transformation.

Details of the achievement and the strength of the competition

Health Holding's victory was no accident; it was the result of its outstanding performance in a highly competitive event that included over 216,000 participating organizations. Thirty-eight awards were contested in the fifth edition of the competition, with over one million employees participating in the voting process. This high level of participation lends significant credibility to the win and reflects employee satisfaction with the company's policies. The company was honored under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, and His Excellency the Deputy Minister, Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, underscoring the importance the leadership places on such initiatives.

Expected impact on the health sector

This win marks a significant milestone for Health Holding Company, reinforcing its reputation as the region's largest integrated healthcare provider, operating a vast network of over 350 hospitals and employing more than 300,000 healthcare professionals. Implementing global safety standards in a workplace of this scale not only protects employees but also directly and positively impacts the quality of healthcare provided to patients. A safe work environment reduces workplace accidents and occupational stress, enabling medical and administrative staff to perform at their best, thus enhancing patient experience and safety.

A pivotal role in Vision 2030

This achievement aligns with the pivotal role played by Health Holding Company in realizing the healthcare transformation goals of Vision 2030. The company, which provides healthcare through 20 health clusters across the Kingdom, is implementing the modern Saudi healthcare model. This model prioritizes prevention over treatment, facilitates access to services, and enhances their quality. Employee safety is an integral part of this comprehensive system, which places human beings and their health at the heart of its priorities. The company emphasized that this recognition is a result of teamwork and the unwavering commitment of all its employees to implementing global best practices in safety, and serves as motivation to continue its journey of excellence.