The Riyadh Province took the lead in trade expansion last year, with 99,826 municipal licenses issued from its province.
These were distributed among foodstuff stores, commercial establishments, industrial workshops, decor and furniture, electrical appliances, car maintenance, health materials, fuel, health services, in addition to other services.
The capital is witnessing growth in all sectors, including the commercial sector, in addition to the increasing volume of local and foreign investments. Riyadh is now a city that attracts all kinds of commercial activity.
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs said in a report that the Jeddah governorate came second to Riyadh, with 31,943 licenses, then Makkah with 29,771 licenses, Madinah with 16,844 licenses and the Eastern Province with 15,912 licenses.
The Al-Jamoum Governorate (Makkah) issued 6,214 licenses, Taif issued 5,926 licenses, Jouf issued 5,913, Najran issued 4,661, and Khafji in the Eastern Province issued 4,586 licenses.
Municipalities stipulate that all general trading stores should be located in suitable commercial areas or within commercial trading centers. Stores should have either a ground floor or mezzanine; they can be included in a number of floors in the commercial center after satisfying preconditions and acquiring municipal permits.
Stores should be within fire-resistant buildings and have a commercial license. The location should have a suitable number of parking spaces at the front of the store. Stores that run the risk of fire should obtain the agreement of the Civil Defense department.
Municipalities regulations stipulate that license renewals can only apply to existing stores, applicants should have photocopies (and original copies) of other government licenses that have been renewed or obtained after the issuance of the municipal license. They should also bring a copy of the renewed lease which is approved and stamped from relevant authorities alongside the original lease. The applicant will then fill in an application form for renewing his store’s license.
License renewals include filing the complete portfolio to the relevant department or administration in the municipality. License will only be renewed after ensuring that the store is practicing the same activity in the same location and after verifying there are no changes in space and that all regulations and specifications are met, in addition to fees being paid (including inspection and advertisement fees). The owner then receives the license and the municipality keeps a copy in the store’s file.
Government authorities will be provided with monthly data about all new and renewed licenses. The Civil Defense keeps a copy of the license if the premises run a high risk of fires.
Riyadh issues 99,826 municipal licenses
