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Saudi Arabia has implemented new regulations preventing baqalas, or small grocery stores, from offering tobacco products, as well as certain food items such as dates, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Announced by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al Hogail, this directive is effective immediately, while existing establishments will be granted a grace period of up to six months to adjust, as reported by Saudi Gazette.
Important Updates: New Food Regulations in Saudi Arabia
The new guidelines state that kiosks and grocery outlets are not permitted to sell tobacco products, which include both traditional cigarettes and electronic options, as well as fresh produce like dates, meat, fruits, and vegetables. These items may only be available in larger supply stores such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, where separate licensing is required for selling meat. Additionally, sales of charger cables and prepaid recharge cards are allowed in grocery outlets, supermarkets, and hypermarkets.
The government has also established minimum space requirements for these stores: grocery shops must cover at least 24 square meters, supermarkets a minimum of 100 square meters, and hypermarkets at least 500 square meters.
In another noteworthy event, King Faisal University has reached a significant academic achievement by obtaining international accreditation from the US Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for its Bachelor of Public Health program within the College of Applied Medical Sciences. This accreditation, which remains valid until 2030, marks the program as the first to receive CEPH recognition outside the United States and the inaugural one in the Middle East. This recognition, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, reflects a commitment to high educational standards in public health.
This milestone underscores the university’s commitment to educational excellence and aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aimed at improving the quality of education and equipping national talent to meet the demands of the evolving healthcare sector.