Local News
Environment: 17,900 inspections and 2,900 violations in public markets
The Ministry of Environment carried out 17,900 inspection tours during Ramadan 1447 AH, during which it detected 2,900 violations and destroyed 58,500 kg of spoiled food to ensure consumer safety in the markets.
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.
Local News
Three billion riyals deposited as Ramadan aid for social security beneficiaries
The Ministry of Human Resources announces the deposit of more than 3 billion riyals in Ramadan aid for social security beneficiaries, in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to support beneficiary families.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially announced the completion of depositing Ramadan aid payments into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, totaling over 3 billion Saudi riyals. This immediate action was taken in implementation of the generous directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques issued a royal decree authorizing this generous aid, based on a proposal submitted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This initiative reflects the wise leadership's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of citizens, particularly families receiving social security benefits, ensuring a dignified life for them and meeting their increased living requirements during the holy month.
Thanks and appreciation from the Minister of Human Resources
Commenting on this event, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, commending this compassionate and fatherly gesture towards social security beneficiaries. Al-Rajhi affirmed that this generous act reflects the leadership's awareness of the needs of the most vulnerable segments of society, praying to God Almighty to protect the leadership and reward them abundantly for their continuous care and attention to their citizens.
The context of support and its social and economic impact
This aid is particularly significant given its timing, as the holy month of Ramadan typically coincides with a surge in consumption and increased household expenses for food and other Ramadan necessities. This royal gesture is a long-standing annual tradition that reflects the deep bond between the leadership and the people, and underscores the priority given to social welfare on the national agenda.
From an economic perspective, injecting over 3 billion riyals directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts will stimulate purchasing activity in local markets, benefiting the microeconomic cycle across the Kingdom. This direct support also strengthens the social safety net and alleviates the financial burdens that low-income families may face amidst global economic fluctuations.
Developing the social protection system
This generous support aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on developing the social services system and increasing the efficiency of government spending to ensure that support reaches those who truly need it. The social security sector has witnessed radical transformations in recent years through the implementation of the "Enhanced Social Security" system, which aims to empower beneficiaries and transform them from individuals in need to productive members of society, while continuing to provide direct cash support to the most vulnerable groups to ensure their financial stability.
Local News
United Insurance suspended the issuance of vehicle policies in 2026
The Insurance Authority suspends United Cooperative Insurance Company from issuing and renewing vehicle insurance policies as of February 2026 due to its non-compliance with standards and in order to protect beneficiaries.
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.
Local News
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques directs the disbursement of 3 billion riyals as Ramadan aid for social security beneficiaries
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has directed the disbursement of over 3 billion riyals in Ramadan aid to social security beneficiaries, with 1,000 riyals allocated for the head of household and 500 riyals for each dependent. Learn more about the details and the deposit date.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, has directed, based on the recommendation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, the disbursement of more than 3 billion Saudi riyals as Ramadan aid to beneficiaries of social security. This generous directive reflects the wise leadership's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of families benefiting from the social security system, its tireless efforts to provide them with a dignified life, and its dedication to ensuring their essential living requirements are met as the holy month approaches.
Details of Ramadan aid disbursement
In accordance with the royal directive, the royal aid payments are scheduled to be deposited directly into the beneficiaries' bank accounts within the next few hours. The aid amount has been set at (1000) Saudi Riyals for each head of household and (500) Saudi Riyals for each dependent family member registered in the system. This is to ensure comprehensive support and alleviate the financial burden on social security families before the start of Ramadan, a season in which consumer needs typically increase.
Thanks and appreciation from the Minister of Human Resources
In this context, His Excellency the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for this compassionate and humanitarian gesture towards their children who are beneficiaries of social security. Al-Rajhi emphasized that this generous support reflects the leadership's close connection to its citizens and its awareness of their needs. He prayed to God Almighty to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and to reward them abundantly for their exceptional care and attention to the citizens.
Extension of the social welfare approach in the Kingdom
This Ramadan aid is an extension of the long-standing approach adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since its founding in caring for the most vulnerable members of society. The Saudi leadership consistently takes the initiative on religious and national occasions to provide direct financial support to citizens, reinforcing the principles of social solidarity and economic stability. This initiative is particularly significant as it comes at a crucial time, helping families prepare for the month of fasting and secure essential food and supplies without hardship.
Government support and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This direct support aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on the social protection sector. The social security system has undergone significant developments aimed at empowering beneficiaries and transforming them from recipients of aid to productive members of society, while social safety nets continue to provide direct cash support to eligible groups. Injecting this substantial sum (over 3 billion riyals) into local markets within a short period will stimulate economic activity and purchasing power, benefiting the local economy as a whole and achieving the desired social balance.
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