JEDDAH: As the government seriously considers a proposal for a 9 p.m. shop closure time, it has decided to exclude many sectors from its implementation.
This was disclosed by a source in the Jeddah Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He told local media that the decision came after traders discussed the proposal with officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.
The meeting “stressed importance of restricting the decision to some of the commercial sectors to raise job nationalization ratios,” according to the source.
It will have an adverse impact on economy if all sectors are included in the closure decision, closing all the shops at the same time, he said.
The Council of Saudi Chambers conducted a comprehensive and integrated study on the economic impact of the closure decision and the study was submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, according to the source, explaining that limiting the application of the decision to some sectors has positive impact, while others will suffer negative impacts such as food shops. “Some sectors can absorb the decision while other vital ones cannot,” added the source.
Abdulaziz Al-Turaiki, a businessman, confirmed that the private sector fully understands the justification for the 9 p.m. closure decision as it is an effort to increase the rate of Saudization of jobs and to rationalize the consumption of electricity.
He however said that full coordination must be worked out with the private sector to reach a mutual deal in this regard.
He, however, questioned the premise that the closure decision will actually contribute to significantly decreasing electricity consumption rates as many electrical appliances will continue to operate even if shops are closed.
He also said that many people shop after sunset in the summer due to soaring temperatures during the day and the difficulty in moving around in such heat.
9 p.m. closure not for all shops
9 p.m. closure not for all shops
