JEDDAH: In an effort to provide appropriate areas for Saudi vendors who do not have fixed establishments, Riyadh Municipality has allocated 372 stalls free of charge for them at 15 locations in 10 districts of the capital.

“These stalls have been set at suitable locations, taking into account that they will not obstruct the movement of vehicular traffic or threaten the safety of people, besides ensuring that they do no affect the owners of regular stores,” Anwar Abdullah Qalam, general manager of comfort and safety in Riyadh Municipality, was quoted as saying by local media on Monday.

He said that 43 stalls have been set aside for people with special needs. “The sites were equipped with umbrellas to protect the sellers from the sun or rain,” he said.

Qalam said that the aim of these stalls is to put a curb on vendors roaming on the roads and to control the operation of sales and ensure cleanness at the sites. “The stalls are for Saudi vendors and will be open after the fajr (dawn) prayer until Maghreb (dusk). Allocation of stalls will be on a first-come, first-served basis and leaving goods after the daily sales operation or to install any additional umbrellas or lighting on the site will not be allowed,” he added.