Dubai: Saudi Arabia has issued new regulations banning small grocery stores, commonly known as “baqalas”, from selling a range of products including tobacco, fresh produce, dates, and meat, in a sweeping move aimed at reorganising the retail sector.

The directive, issued by Majed Al Hogail, Minister of Municipalities and Housing, took immediate effect, though existing establishments will be given a six-month grace period to comply.

Under the new rules, kiosks and grocery stores are prohibited from selling regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, dates, fruits, vegetables, and meat.

These items may only be sold in larger retail outlets such as supermarkets and hypermarkets. The sale of meat will also require a separate licence.

While restrictions tighten on certain products, the amended regulations allow grocery stores to sell items like charger cables and prepaid recharge cards.

The rules also establish minimum floor space requirements, with 24 square meters for grocery stores, 100 for supermarkets, and 500 for hypermarkets. (Gulf News)