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Tag: ramadan

  • Public Holidays and Working Hours in Makkah (Mecca): What the Rules Say

    Public Holidays and Working Hours in Makkah (Mecca): What the Rules Say

    Working hours in Makkah follow the national Labour Law, with shorter hours for Muslim workers in Ramadan and set holidays for the two Eids and national days. This guide summarises what the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) publishes for the private sector.

    It is not legal advice. Government, school and some sector rules differ. Check your contract and ask your employer, and see HRSD for the full rules.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: HRSD’s guide says private-sector working hours are 8 a day or 48 a week, with Friday as the usual weekly rest day. In Ramadan, Muslim workers’ hours are reduced to 6 a day or 36 a week. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are 4 days each, and Founding Day and National Day are one day each.

    Working hours

    HRSD rules (as published)

    • Normal hours: up to 8 a day or 48 a week (HRSD).
    • Ramadan: reduced for Muslims to no more than 6 a day or 36 a week.
    • Weekly rest: Friday, unless another day is agreed and the labour office is notified (HRSD guide).
    • Holidays: all hours worked on public holidays count as overtime (HRSD).

    HRSD notes that some categories of workers and industries can have different hours by ministerial decision.

    Official holidays

    HolidayLengthWhen
    Eid al-Fitr4 daysFrom the day after 29 Ramadan (Umm Al-Qura calendar)
    Eid al-Adha4 daysFrom the Day of Arafah
    Founding Day1 day22 February
    Saudi National Day1 day23 September
    Official private-sector holidays (HRSD)

    Sources: HRSD’s holidays page and its awareness guide. Exact Eid dates depend on the official calendar; follow official announcements each year.

    When holidays overlap

    According to HRSD:

    If a holiday overlaps with

    • Weekly rest: compensated by days before or after the holiday
    • Annual leave: the leave is extended by the holiday days
    • Sick leave: full pay for the overlapping days
    • National or Founding Day with Eid: no compensation

    Planning around Ramadan

    Shorter working hours change the rhythm of the day, and many families shift routines. Traffic and shopping patterns also change. Plan school runs and errands for the new timings in the first few days.

    Planning around Eid and Hajj

    Eid holidays are a popular time to travel or receive family. Book travel early. If relatives want to perform Umrah while visiting, our Nusuk guide explains permits.

    Fridays

    Friday is the usual weekly rest day. Our Friday guide covers planning the day.

    Questions to ask your employer

    Before each season

    1

    Ask for Ramadan hours in writing.

    2

    Confirm Eid holiday dates once announced.

    3

    Check any rota if your workplace runs in shifts.

    4

    Ask how overtime is recorded if you work on a holiday.

    Annual leave

    The HRSD guide lists annual leave of not less than 21 days. Check your contract for your own entitlement, and plan leave around the holidays.

    Leave after five years

    According to HRSD’s guide, annual leave increases to 30 days once a worker completes 5 consecutive years with the same employer. The guide also says leave must be taken in the entitlement year and may not be exchanged for cash. Check your contract and ask your employer how this applies to you.

    Schools and government offices

    School calendars and government working hours are set separately. Check your children’s school calendar and official announcements for each holiday period.

    FAQ

    How many hours can I work in Ramadan?

    HRSD says Muslim workers’ hours are reduced to no more than 6 a day or 36 a week.

    How long is the Eid holiday?

    HRSD lists 4 days each for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

    Is work on a holiday paid extra?

    HRSD says hours worked on public holidays count as overtime.

    Last checked: 21 October 2026.

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  • Iqama Renewal in Makkah: Timing, Family Members and Hajj Season

    Iqama Renewal in Makkah: Timing, Family Members and Hajj Season

    In Makkah, a valid iqama (resident ID) does more than prove who you are. It is the document behind your lease, your bank, your children’s school place and, once the Hajj season arrives, your ability to move in and out of the city. A lapse is far more tedious to repair than a renewal is to complete.

    This guide looks at renewal from a Makkah angle: when to start, how Hajj and Ramadan change the calendar, how to keep a household in order, and what to do when a renewal needs more than a few taps. We do not quote costs, because they depend on your category and change over time; Absher shows the figure that applies to you.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: Start early, because Makkah’s busiest periods leave little slack. Employees should expect their employer to renew through its government platforms; the sponsor handles relatives and household staff through Absher. Read the amount and the expiry date on screen before you confirm, and do not use anyone outside the official channels.

    Who renews which iqama

    Iqama holderWho actsWhere
    An employee in the private sectorTheir employerThe employer’s government portals, such as Muqeem
    A spouse or child on your iqamaYou, as sponsorAbsher Individuals
    A domestic worker registered to youYou, as sponsorAbsher Individuals
    Renewal responsibility

    The iqama renewal page on the Saudi national portal sets out the Absher menu paths for family members and for domestic workers. If you are an employee, you do not press the button yourself, but you still own the date: tell HR early if your passport is close to expiring or anything is unresolved.

    Why Makkah’s calendar needs extra slack

    Hajj season and the Makkah-issued resident ID

    During Hajj arrangements, the Ministry of Interior can require residents to hold a permit before entering Makkah. For the 1447 season, the ministry announced that residents without a permit would be refused entry, with exemptions for people holding a Hajj permit, an electronically issued work permit for the holy sites, or a resident ID issued in Makkah (DARP). The Public Security statement repeated the same three categories (DARP).

    For a Makkah household, the practical point is simple: an expired or mid-renewal ID is not something to discover at a checkpoint. Check every family member’s iqama well before the season, and read that year’s announcement, since details are published afresh each time.

    Ramadan and holidays

    Ramadan changes working hours, travel patterns and the pace of offices, and public holidays around Eid shorten the working week further. If an iqama falls due in or just after these periods, bring the renewal forward rather than aiming for the last possible day. Our Ramadan guide for residents covers how the month changes daily life in the city.

    The official timing rule

    The Ministry of Interior’s iqama violations page treats a failure to apply for renewal in good time, without an acceptable reason, as a violation. The exact deadline and penalty are in that page, and rules can be revised, so read it before you rely on any figure repeated in a chat group.

    What to take from the rule

    • Apply before the expiry date, not on it.
    • Late renewals carry consequences, and the exact amounts are on the official page.

    When a renewal needs more than a tap

    Most renewals finish online. Some do not, for example when a record is out of date, a passport has been replaced, or a record shows an unresolved item. In those cases the service itself will say what is required, which may include an appointment or a visit to a passports office. Use the service information on Absher rather than turning up unannounced, and bring the originals it lists.

    Plan the visit away from Friday midday, Eid and the peak of the pilgrim season, when roads around the centre are heavy.

    Tip

    If you cannot renew online, ask the employer or the Absher service first which office handles your case. Do not assume the nearest one does.

    Looking after the whole household

    Several iqamas, passports and sponsor accounts can easily drift out of step in a large household.

    Keep your household in order

    • Write down the expiry date of every iqama and passport in one shared note
    • Check that each passport will outlast the new iqama period
    • Clear any unresolved dues before you start, since they can block the request
    • Note who holds the sponsor’s Absher account and keep recovery details current
    • Renew before you book any trip abroad, not after
    • Tell your bank and landlord once the new card arrives

    When the new card is issued, your bank and landlord may ask for it. Our guide for newcomers to banking and utilities explains the accounts that depend on it, and the Nusuk guide for residents shows why a valid ID matters when you book an Umrah permit.

    Warning

    Beware of anyone offering to push a renewal through quickly for a payment. There is no unofficial shortcut. Use the Absher service or your employer’s own filings, and nothing else.

    A simple yearly routine

    A calendar that works in Makkah

    1

    Map the year: mark Ramadan, Eid and the Hajj season next to every expiry date.

    2

    Start early: begin the process well before the date, not near it.

    3

    Check the basics: passports valid, dues cleared, sponsor account working.

    4

    Submit and read: confirm the person, the period and the amount on screen.

    5

    Save proof: keep a screenshot that shows the renewed date.

    FAQ

    Does a Makkah iqama matter during Hajj season?

    It can. For the 1447 season, the Ministry of Interior exempted holders of a resident ID issued in Makkah from the permit requirement for residents entering the city. Check the announcement each year.

    Can I renew my wife’s or children’s iqamas myself?

    Yes, if you are their sponsor. The government portal describes the renewal as an Absher Individuals service.

    What if Absher will not let me finish?

    Read the message shown, clear what it names, and follow the next step the service gives you.

    Last checked: 16 October 2026. Rules and procedures change; Absher shows what applies to you.

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  • Ramadan in Makkah for Residents: Work Hours, Iftar, Traffic and Taraweeh

    Ramadan in Makkah for Residents: Work Hours, Iftar, Traffic and Taraweeh

    For people who live here, Ramadan in Makkah is two things at once: the most beloved month of the year, and the month when the city’s rhythm flips. Offices start later, roads are quiet at noon and packed at night, and the area around the Haram fills with visitors from across the world.

    This guide is about the practical side of resident life. It does not give religious rulings; for those, ask a qualified scholar you trust.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: In Ramadan, Muslim private-sector staff work no more than 6 hours a day under Saudi Labour Law, and government offices run shorter days. Daytime is calm, but evenings near the Haram are very crowded. Plan iftar at home or close by, and use Makkah Bus and official shuttle points for Taraweeh rather than driving into the centre.

    Work hours change

    The Ministry of Human Resources quotes Article 98 of the Labour Law: during Ramadan, actual working hours for Muslims are reduced to a maximum of 6 hours a day or 36 hours a week (HRSD). Outside Ramadan the cap is 8 hours a day or 48 a week.

    Government offices follow their own rules. The civil service regulation caps the Ramadan day at five hours, with a standard window of 10:00 to 15:00 that ministers may shift by up to two hours (Saudi Gazette). Each year’s exact timings are announced shortly before the month, so check your employer’s notice.

    Ramadan work hours (Labour Law, Art. 98)

    6

    max daily hours for Muslim workers

    36

    max weekly hours

    5

    max daily hours, civil service

    In practice, banks, clinics and government counters open later than usual. If you have an appointment or paperwork to finish, do it in the first week, or use the online platforms, which keep running.

    The shape of a Ramadan day

    Most residents find the day falls into a pattern:

    • Morning to early afternoon: quiet roads and shorter office days. Good for errands.
    • The hour before Maghrib: the busiest traffic of the day as everyone heads home or to iftar. Avoid main roads into the centre if you can.
    • After iftar to late night: shops, restaurants and malls come alive, and the roads fill again for Isha and Taraweeh.
    • Before Fajr: suhoor. Many bakeries and food shops stay open late.

    Tip

    Do the weekly shop in the morning or early afternoon. Supermarkets are calmer then, and you avoid the pre-iftar rush. Our Friday guide has more on timing busy days.

    Crowds around the Haram

    The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque prepares a dedicated operational plan for Ramadan each year, built around peak times and maximum capacity (SPA). For residents, that means road diversions, controlled access and heavy foot traffic, especially on Friday nights and in the last ten nights.

    If you live in a central district such as Ajyad, expect your street to feel very different. Arrange deliveries for the morning, and agree a plan with family members on how you will reach home after late prayers.

    Taraweeh logistics

    Getting to the Haram for Taraweeh is the part that takes the most planning. The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has said its Ramadan bus plan aims to reduce congestion in the central area, with more buses on some routes and shorter waits between trips (DARP).

    Park-and-ride points matter too. The Royal Commission upgraded the Kudi site, about 96,000 square metres, into a main shuttle station with 246 bus bays, to support shuttle services to the Grand Mosque (Saudi Gazette).

    Planning a Taraweeh night

    1

    Check routes first: open the official Makkah Bus app for live routes near you.

    2

    Leave early: aim to arrive well before Isha; the last stretch is on foot.

    3

    Pack light: water, a small prayer mat, phone charged, ID with you.

    4

    Agree a meeting point: phone signal can be weak in big crowds.

    5

    Plan the way home: buses and shuttles are busiest straight after prayers.

    Warning

    Follow posted signs and the instructions of security staff. Roads near the Haram may close at short notice, and parking in restricted areas can lead to fines or towing.

    Iftar and family life

    Many families break the fast at home and go out afterwards, which is far easier than trying to reach the Haram for Maghrib with children. If you do want to pray Maghrib there, set off early and keep the meal simple.

    Hosting is part of Ramadan here, too. If relatives are visiting from Jeddah or Madinah, the Haramain train station in Ar Rusayfah opens daily from 06:30 to 00:30, which suits late arrivals. Remember that guests coming for Umrah will need a permit; our Nusuk guide explains the steps.

    FAQ

    Do non-Muslim staff also get shorter Ramadan hours?

    Article 98 sets the reduced hours for Muslim workers. Ask your employer how it applies its own schedule to other staff.

    What is the quietest time to run errands in Ramadan?

    Late morning and early afternoon are usually calmest, before the pre-iftar rush.

    Is driving to the Haram for Taraweeh a good idea?

    Usually not. Roads near the centre are diverted and parking is limited, so buses and official shuttle points are easier.

    Last checked: 13 October 2026.

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  • Last Ten Nights of Ramadan in Makkah: A Resident’s Planning Guide

    Last Ten Nights of Ramadan in Makkah: A Resident’s Planning Guide

    The last ten nights are when Makkah is at its fullest. Visitors arrive from every corner of the world, the Haram stays busy through the night, and residents juggle late nights with work, school and family.

    This is a planning guide for those ten days. It covers timing, crowds, leave and logistics, not religious rulings; for those, ask a scholar you trust.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: Expect the heaviest crowds of the year. Aim for quieter times away from the main prayers and weekend nights, follow the live crowd screens, plan leave early, protect your sleep, and use buses rather than driving into the centre.

    Why these ten days feel different

    For Ramadan 1447, the General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques activated a separate plan for the final ten days, built on operational services, maintenance, crowd management and enrichment (Saudi Gazette). Colour-coded screens tracked crowd density in real time and guided worshippers towards less congested areas.

    For residents, the practical result is that routines that worked in the first twenty days may not work now. Journeys take longer, and the centre is busy at hours that are normally quiet.

    Timing your visits

    Quieter times to aim for

    • Weekday daytime visits rather than weekend nights
    • Times away from the main prayers and iftar
    • Earlier in the ten days rather than the final odd nights
    • Whatever the live crowd screens and staff direct you to on the day

    Crowd patterns shift from year to year, so watch the Grand Mosque’s live density screens and official announcements rather than fixed hours. If you plan Umrah as a resident, book a permit on Nusuk first; our Nusuk guide explains how. Daytime is hot, so bring water and take breaks.

    Work, leave and school

    Under Article 98 of the Labour Law, Muslim workers already work no more than 6 hours a day in Ramadan (HRSD). The Eid al-Fitr holiday for private-sector workers is 4 days, starting the day after 29 Ramadan on the Umm Al-Qura calendar (HRSD).

    Many residents also take annual leave for the last ten days. If you want to, ask early: colleagues will have the same idea.

    Ramadan and Eid at work (HRSD)

    6

    max daily Ramadan hours, Muslim workers

    36

    max weekly Ramadan hours

    4

    days of Eid al-Fitr holiday, private sector

    Itikaf logistics

    For those observing itikaf at the Grand Mosque, the 1447 plan included dedicated logistical and medical services (Saudi Gazette). Arrangements and any permit requirements are announced each year, so check the General Authority’s official announcements before Ramadan rather than relying on last year’s process.

    At home, plan for the family member who is away: who does the school run, who has the car, and how you will stay in touch.

    Sleep and health

    Late nights stack up quickly over ten days. Residents who manage best usually pick a pattern and stick to it: a rest after Dhuhr, an early night on work nights, and late nights on the weekend.

    Warning

    Watch for exhaustion and dehydration, especially in elderly relatives. Save MOH’s 937 line and the numbers in our emergency guide.

    Getting around late at night

    The Royal Commission’s Ramadan bus plan adds capacity on some routes to ease congestion in the central area (DARP). Check the official Makkah Bus app before each trip, as services can change through the month.

    A late-night trip home

    1

    Check the app before leaving: routes can change during the month.

    2

    Wait out the first rush: stops are busiest straight after prayers.

    3

    Stay together: agree a door number as the family meeting point.

    Ten-night checklist

    • Leave requested at work
    • Umrah permit booked on Nusuk if needed
    • Family travel plan agreed for each night
    • Groceries for Eid bought before the last few days
    • Emergency numbers saved

    FAQ

    When is the Grand Mosque least crowded in the last ten days?

    Patterns change each year. Weekday daytimes away from the main prayers are usually calmer; follow the live crowd screens on the day.

    How long is the Eid al-Fitr holiday?

    Private-sector workers get 4 days, starting the day after 29 Ramadan, according to HRSD.

    Do I need a permit for itikaf at the Grand Mosque?

    Check the General Authority’s official announcements each year, as arrangements can change.

    Last checked: 12 October 2026. Ramadan 1448 dates depend on moon sighting and are not given here.

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  • Taraweeh in Mecca for Residents: Getting There, Finding Space and Getting Home

    Taraweeh in Mecca for Residents: Getting There, Finding Space and Getting Home

    For many residents, Taraweeh at the Haram is the heart of Ramadan. It is also the part of the month that needs the most planning: a night-time trip into the busiest part of the city, often with family.

    This guide covers only the practical side: timing, transport, finding your way and getting home. For questions about the prayer itself, ask a scholar you trust.

    Quick answer

    Short answer: Leave home well before Isha, use Makkah Bus or an official shuttle point rather than driving into the centre, and agree a door number as your family meeting point. Carry water, ID and a charged phone. Expect the slowest part of the night to be the trip home straight after the prayer.

    Plan the night, not just the prayer

    A Taraweeh night really has three parts: getting in, the prayer, and getting out. Residents who enjoy it most tend to plan the first and last parts as carefully as the middle.

    Before you set off

    • Transport: check routes on the official Makkah Bus app for your district.
    • Meeting point: the Grand Mosque uses a door numbering system to help people locate themselves (Saudi Gazette).
    • Elderly relatives: the Ramadan 1447 plan included elderly transport services from key transit stations.
    • Health line: save MOH’s 937 in every phone.

    Getting there

    Driving into the central area at night in Ramadan is rarely worth it. Roads are diverted and parking close to the Haram is limited.

    The Royal Commission’s Ramadan bus plan adds buses on some routes and shortens waits to reduce congestion in the central area (DARP). Park-and-ride is the other option: the Kudi site was upgraded into a main shuttle station with 246 bus bays (Saudi Gazette). Our Makkah buses guide explains how to plan a trip.

    A Taraweeh night, step by step

    1

    Eat iftar lightly at home: a heavy meal and a long walk do not mix.

    2

    Leave early: aim to reach the Haram area well before Isha.

    3

    Take the bus or shuttle: check the app for the nearest stop.

    4

    Note your door number: take a photo of it as you enter.

    5

    Leave a few minutes after the crowd: the first wave out is the slowest.

    Finding your way inside

    The Ramadan 1447 plan included interactive guidance screens with directions in five languages, 3D maps, and an updated digital Worshipper Guide (Saudi Gazette). The General Authority for the Two Holy Mosques runs the season at maximum capacity at peak times (SPA).

    In practice, the areas closest to the centre fill first. If you arrive later, follow staff directions to open areas rather than pushing towards a favourite spot.

    Warning

    Follow staff and security instructions at all times. Gates and walkways may close when areas reach capacity, and moving against the flow of the crowd is unsafe.

    With children and elderly relatives

    Families make Taraweeh work by keeping it simple. Dress children in something easy to spot, write a parent’s phone number on a card in their pocket, and decide in advance where you will meet if separated.

    For older relatives, ask at the main transit stations about the elderly transport services listed in the Ramadan plan. A small folding stool or cushion, where permitted, and a bottle of water make a long night easier.

    Getting home

    The trip home is where most residents lose time. Buses and shuttles are busiest immediately after the prayer, and taxis are hard to find near the centre.

    Tip

    If your family can wait 20 or 30 minutes after the prayer, the walk to the bus stop is usually calmer. Use the time for a short rest and a drink of water.

    A weekly rhythm

    Not every resident goes every night. Many choose a few nights a week at the Haram and pray in their local masjid on others, especially on school and work nights. Fridays are heavier still; our Friday guide explains why.

    FAQ

    What is the best way to reach the Haram for Taraweeh?

    For most residents, Makkah Bus or an official shuttle point. Driving into the centre is slow, and parking is limited.

    How do I find my family if we get separated?

    Agree a door number in advance. The Grand Mosque uses a door numbering system to help people locate themselves.

    What should I carry?

    Water, ID, a charged phone and as little else as possible.

    Last checked: 12 October 2026. Ramadan 1448 dates depend on moon sighting and are not given here.

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  • Shopping and Groceries in Makkah: A Practical Guide for Residents

    Shopping and Groceries in Makkah: A Practical Guide for Residents

    Weekly shopping in Makkah follows the city’s own calendar: prayer times, Fridays, Ramadan nights and the Hajj season all change when stores are busy and how easy they are to reach. A little timing know-how saves a lot of waiting.

    This guide covers the main types of shops residents use, when to go, how delivery fits in, and where to turn if something goes wrong. It names no stores and quotes no prices.

    Quick answer

    Shop early in the day or after Isha, avoid the hours just before Jumu’ah and Iftar, and stock up before Ramadan and the Hajj season. Use delivery apps when roads near the centre are busy. Prices on display must include VAT, and you can report problems to the Ministry of Commerce on 1900.

    Key takeaways

    • Prayer times: shops have been allowed to stay open during prayers since a 2021 business circular, though many still pause (Reuters).
    • VAT: advertised prices for goods must include VAT (ZATCA).
    • Commerce complaints: use the Balagh Tijari app or call 1900 (Ministry of Commerce).
    • Food safety: the SFDA’s unified call centre is 19999 (SFDA).

    The main ways residents shop

    Most households in Makkah mix three or four kinds of shopping, depending on what they need and how far they are from the centre.

    • Hypermarkets and large supermarkets: good for a big weekly shop, with parking, fresh counters and household goods under one roof. They are usually on main roads and inside malls.
    • Neighborhood grocery shops (baqala): small corner stores for bread, milk, water and everyday top-ups. Many families rely on one within walking distance.
    • Fresh produce, meat and fish markets: traditional markets and specialist shops for fruit, vegetables, dates and fresh meat, often favoured for quality and choice.
    • Malls: for clothing, household items and children’s shopping, with food courts and indoor space in the hotter months.

    Near Al-Masjid Al-Haram, shops cater heavily to visitors. Residents living further out often find their weekly shop easier in their own district.

    To compare prices between shops, look at the shelf price and your receipt rather than adding tax in your head: under ZATCA rules the advertised price must already include VAT.

    Timing your trips around prayer

    Prayer times shape the rhythm of the day. A 2021 circular from the Federation of Saudi Chambers allowed shops to stay open during prayers, but practice still varies, and some stores pause or slow down while staff pray.

    The practical rule is simple: don’t plan a rushed trip for the minutes just before or during a prayer. Leave a buffer, especially before Maghrib, when many people shop on their way home.

    Fridays need their own plan. Traffic and parking near masjids get busy before Jumu’ah, so many residents shop on Thursday evening or Friday afternoon instead. Our Friday in Makkah guide has more on planning the day.

    Tip

    Check a store’s current hours on its official app or listing before a late trip. Some businesses operate through the night with a municipal permit, but not all do.

    Ramadan, Eid and the Hajj season

    Ramadan changes everything. Daytime shopping is quieter, the hour before Iftar is busy, and stores and malls are often lively late into the night. The SFDA has said it steps up inspections of food facilities during the month.

    Before Eid, expect crowded malls and longer queues, especially for clothes and sweets. Shopping a week or more early makes it calmer.

    During the Hajj season and other peak periods, roads near the central area and the holy sites can be closed or diverted. Residents often stock up on staples beforehand and lean on neighbourhood shops and delivery until things ease.

    PeriodUsually busierUsually calmer
    Ordinary weekdaysEarly evening, after workMornings and after Isha
    FridaysBefore Jumu’ahFriday afternoon or Thursday evening
    RamadanThe hour before Iftar, late nightsLate morning and early afternoon
    Before EidThe last few daysA week or more ahead
    Hajj seasonAreas near the centre and holy sitesYour own district, or delivery
    When to shop: busy vs calmer times

    Using delivery apps sensibly

    Grocery and food delivery apps are a real help when it is hot, when roads are busy, or when you have young children at home.

    Check the app’s own help pages for fees and refunds before your first order. The steps below cover the rest.

    A smoother delivery order

    1

    Download from the official store: use well-known apps from the App Store or Google Play only.

    2

    Save your location carefully: add your building, entrance and a landmark the driver can find.

    3

    Set substitution preferences: choose whether to accept, reject or be called about swaps.

    4

    Time it well: avoid ordering right before Iftar or Jumu’ah, when demand peaks.

    5

    Check on arrival: look at seals, dates and temperatures before the driver leaves.

    Watch for fake delivery messages. Never pay for a “missed parcel” or “delivery fee” through a link sent by text. Open the app you ordered from and check the order there instead.

    Prices, receipts and your rights

    Under ZATCA’s retail guidance, the price advertised for goods and services in the local market must include VAT. Keep your receipt for anything you might return, and check the store’s return policy before you buy larger items.

    If a shop overcharges, misleads you or refuses a valid return, the Ministry of Commerce says complaints should only go through its Balagh Tijari app or by calling 1900, and not through unofficial websites.

    For food safety concerns, such as spoiled or wrongly labelled food, you can contact the SFDA on 19999. For hygiene problems at a local shop or restaurant, the municipal services line 940 takes reports, which are passed to the responsible municipality.

    Warning

    Be wary of social media sellers offering food, Zamzam or medicines with no shop, licence or receipt. Buy from licensed stores so you have a way to complain if something is wrong.

    Smart shopping habits

    • Main shop planned for a calm time, not right before a prayer
    • Staples stocked before Ramadan and the Hajj season
    • Delivery address saved with a clear landmark
    • Receipts kept for larger purchases
    • 1900, 19999 and 940 saved in your phone

    Last checked: 14 October 2026.

    This guide is general information for residents and does not endorse any store or app. Rules and services can change; check official sources for the latest details.

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