Saudi Arabia shuts 84 businesses in Riyadh over food safety violations

Inspectors issued 531 warnings, cut power to 11 sites and confiscated 31,000 products

Last updated: August 18, 2025 | 06:13

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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Dubai: Saudi authorities have closed 84 businesses in the capital, Riyadh, after inspectors uncovered a series of food safety violations during a sweeping crackdown, the city’s mayoralty said.

The campaign, conducted in cooperation with security forces and other government agencies, targeted food outlets, butcher shops, cafés, street vendors and makeshift warehouses operating in residential areas. The Manfuha neighbourhood, a densely populated district with heavy commercial activity, was a particular focus.

Inspectors issued 531 warnings, cut power to 11 sites and confiscated more than 31,000 products deemed unfit for consumption. More than 5,300 kilograms of food and 25 kilograms of tobacco were destroyed. In total, over 400 violations were recorded.

Also Read: Watch: Saudi Arabia seizes 8 tonnes of expired food repackaged for sale, including sweets

The Riyadh Mayoralty said the campaign was prompted by complaints filed through its “Madinaty” mobile app, which allows residents to report suspected breaches of food safety and product quality.

Officials said the closures were part of a broader effort to protect consumers and maintain oversight of the city’s markets.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia sets new rules for food trucks, bans operations after midnight

Daily and periodic inspections are set to continue, supported by new digital monitoring systems. The mayoralty urged citizens and residents to continue reporting violations through the app, calling public cooperation “a key factor in safeguarding the urban environment.”

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

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.