Open for business: Riyadh ends mandatory prayer-time shop closures

Shops in Saudi Arabia may no longer be required to shut to allow citizens in the kingdom to pray the five Muslim daily prayers, reports revealed, after authorities announced some businesses would be allowed to remain open 24 hours a day.

The move, announced on Tuesday, permits stores and restaurants to remain open all day in exchange for a fee, the state Saudi Press Agency reported.

“This is positive news that I expect will increase consumption and create jobs,” said Mazen Al-Sudairi, head of research at al-Rajhi Capital in Riyadh. “Fast-food restaurants, cafes and cinemas will be the primary beneficiaries.”

Trading usually comes to a halt around midnight in the kingdom, and all businesses, including restaurants, cafes and stores, are required by law to shut during prayers throughout the day.

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A tweet published by Saudi-owned television channel Al-Arabiya which was later deleted said shops would now be allowed to stay open during prayers.

But Khalid al-Degaither, a Saudi official at the ministry implementing the new move said the cabinet decision “doesn’t include carrying out commercial activities during prayers and it doesn’t touch any previous decision related to prayer times.” 

Al-Degaither did not clarify whether shops operating during prayers would be violating the law despite repeatedly being questioned during a television interview.

Last year, a government document called for an end to the prayer closures, though nothing has surfaced since.

The move comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pursues a sweeping “liberalisation” drive that has led to new cinemas, concerts and sporting extravaganzas.

These apparent reforms however, do not include measures to allow freedom of expression or association or improve Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

Mohammed bin Salman’s reform is seen by some as an attempt to blunt public frustration over an economic downturn and high youth unemployment.

Saudi Arabia is also moving to boost domestic spending on entertainment and tourism, as the kingdom has reeled from low oil prices.

While Saudi Arabia is yet to offer tourist visas, the country has fast-tracked electronic permits for international visitors to attend such festivals to further boost revenue.

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