Shura Council Urges Action on Economic Sectors and Arabic Language Policy

The Shura Council, in its 27th ordinary session, has taken decisive steps to enhance the Saudi economic landscape and preserve the Arabic language. In a move that reflects a commitment to fostering growth and consumer rights, the council urged the Ministry of Commerce to expedite solutions for challenges facing businesses in promising sectors. This includes a crucial directive to the Saudi Central Bank to work with commercial outlets to accept all approved electronic payment methods, moving beyond a single preferred option. This initiative aims to bolster consumer rights and support the vital tourism industry.

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The Shura Council urged the Ministry of Commerce to coordinate with relevant authorities to expedite solutions for the challenges facing economic operators in promising sectors.

Furthermore, the council is pushing for greater transparency and accountability in e-commerce by demanding updated standards for classifying verified online stores. Consumers will benefit from clearer processes for financial and contractual disputes, with mandated timelines for resolution and explicit disclosure of value-added tax. These measures underscore a dedication to creating a more robust and trustworthy digital marketplace.

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The council also called for coordination with the Saudi Central Bank to encourage commercial outlets to accept all locally and internationally approved electronic payment methods.

Beyond economic reforms, the Shura Council is championing the Arabic language. It has called upon the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language to collaborate with the General Authority of Endowments to establish dedicated endowments, ensuring financial sustainability. The Academy is also tasked with actively implementing the National Arabic Language Policy in coordination with government bodies, launching programs that support linguistic identity, and developing a national initiative focused on Arabic for children. This dual focus on economic vitality and cultural preservation highlights the council's comprehensive approach to national development, ensuring that progress in one area does not come at the expense of another.

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The council demanded that the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language coordinate with the General Authority of Endowments to establish special endowments that support its financial resources and achieve sustainability.