Saudi Arabia shuts 231 Riyadh businesses in food safety crackdown

Raids in Manfouha uncover dangerous violations threatening public health

Last updated: September 03, 2025 | 16:11

Khitam Al Amir

1 MIN READ

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Agencies

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s municipal authorities have closed 231 businesses in Riyadh’s Manfouha neighbourhood following a sweeping inspection campaign that uncovered widespread health and safety violations, the Riyadh Region Municipality said.

The raids, carried out with the support of security forces and several government agencies, targeted shops, food outlets, and street vendors after a surge in consumer complaints. Inspectors seized large quantities of unsafe products, confiscated 140 vendor carts, and destroyed more than 13 tonnes of spoiled food and illicit tobacco.

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Violations ranged from the sale of rotten meat and expired personal care products to unhygienic storage and residential homes illegally converted into warehouses. Officials also issued 1,547 warnings and citations.

Municipal officials said the crackdown is part of broader efforts to improve quality of life in residential districts and safeguard public health.

Khitam Al Amir

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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