Saudi to allow businesses to open 24/7 from today

Saudi Arabia on Monday announced that the business activities will be allowed to stay open 24/7 in the Kingdom from January 1, 2020.
According to Saudi Gazette report, the fees for granting the firms a license to function 24/7 depending on the shop's area and type of activity should not exceed SR100,000.
The ministry has also said that cameras and surveillance systems will be installed so that the shops and establishments can be issued a license to function 24 hours a day, the report added.
"Allowing commercial activities to function 24/7 will contribute to providing commodities and services to residents around the clock and will enhance the quality of life in cities," Majed Al Qasabi, the acting Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs was quoted as saying earlier in the report.
The decision comes after considering several factors including extending support to the private sector, enhancing life during night, especially with high temperatures during the summer.
Moreover, economists believe that the decision contributes to the multiplication of the movement of markets and stimulate interaction between citizens and residents and allow more freedom to exercise lifestyles for all.
While, the country is working to reduce the unemployment rate from 11.6 per cent to 7 per cent by expanding the empowerment of young people to work, supporting entrepreneurs, establishing large projects, increasing private sector participation and building partnerships, the decision will create new job opportunities for citizens.