Saudi Arabia Joins Key Customs Pacts to Boost Trade

Saudi Arabia Joins Key Customs Pacts to Boost Trade

Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Customs Organization's Kyoto and Istanbul Conventions marks a significant step towards simplifying customs procedures and promoting trade facilitation. The Kyoto Convention focuses on standardizing modern customs procedures, while the Istanbul Convention facilitates the temporary import of goods. Both aim to reduce trade costs, improve efficiency, and foster global economic development. Saudi Arabia's membership is expected to accelerate global trade facilitation efforts.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Middle East Embraces Halloween As Saudi Arabia Joins Trend

Middle East Embraces Halloween As Saudi Arabia Joins Trend

Halloween is quietly gaining popularity in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, where it's experiencing a surge in popularity. This article analyzes the reasons behind Halloween's rise in Saudi Arabia, consumer spending patterns on costumes, candy, decorations, and the enthusiastic participation in Halloween-related activities. It reveals the trend of cultural integration and lifestyle changes in the Middle East driven by events like Halloween. The increasing acceptance and celebration of Halloween highlight a shift in cultural norms and consumer behavior within the region.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Saudi Arabia WCO Enhance Trade Rules in MENA Region

Saudi Arabia WCO Enhance Trade Rules in MENA Region

Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the WCO, hosted a workshop to enhance advance ruling capabilities among MENA customs administrations. The workshop aimed to promote trade facilitation by highlighting the benefits of advance rulings, including reduced costs, increased efficiency, and minimized disputes. The event underscored the importance of advance rulings in streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more predictable and transparent trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi UAE Shoppers Defy Inflation with Robust Ecommerce Spending

Saudi UAE Shoppers Defy Inflation with Robust Ecommerce Spending

A Kearney report indicates that despite inflation concerns, Saudi Arabian and UAE consumers maintain strong purchasing power. Online shopping remains popular, with brand building and offline experiences gaining importance. Cross-border e-commerce sellers should capitalize on this opportunity by optimizing online platforms, prioritizing brand development, and providing excellent customer service to succeed in the Middle Eastern market. Focus on creating a seamless and trustworthy online presence to attract and retain customers in this dynamic region.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Middle East Aviation Boom Fueled by Saudi Vision 2030

Middle East Aviation Boom Fueled by Saudi Vision 2030

OAG's mid-year report reveals robust growth in the Middle East aviation market, led by the UAE, with significant increases in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Cairo-Jeddah route benefits from diverse passenger sources, and the Chinese market supports Saudi Arabia's '2030 Vision'. The report analyzes the current market situation and trends, providing valuable insights for industry decision-making. The Middle East continues to be a key region for aviation growth, driven by economic diversification and tourism initiatives. The report highlights both opportunities and challenges for airlines and airports operating in the region.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba Bans Alcohol Sales to Saudi Arabia in Compliance Move

Alibaba.com has announced a new regulation prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages and food products to Saudi Arabia. This rule, effective February 18, 2025, is based on Saudi Arabian law and Islamic Sharia, which forbids the sale of alcohol. Merchants are advised to review existing orders and adjust their sales strategies accordingly. Alibaba.com will strengthen its monitoring and impose penalties on violators. This measure aims to ensure that platform merchants comply with Saudi Arabian laws and highlights the importance of compliant operations in cross-border e-commerce.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Updates SASO 2902 Energy Efficiency Standards for Exports

Saudi Arabia Updates SASO 2902 Energy Efficiency Standards for Exports

Saudi Arabia's energy efficiency standard SASO 2902 has undergone a significant update, impacting exports of products like LED lamps. Companies need to pay attention to the implementation of the new standard SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 and promptly change or reapply for certificates. The label change upgrade window closed on May 31, 2025. It is crucial to be aware of the mandatory effective and enforcement dates to ensure products comply with Saudi energy efficiency standards and avoid the risk of detention.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Expands Aviation Sector with New Airline, IATA Hub

Saudi Arabia Expands Aviation Sector with New Airline, IATA Hub

The Saudi Arabian government has announced that the International Air Transport Association will establish a regional office in Riyadh to meet the growing demands of the industry. Additionally, plans are underway to launch a new flagship airline aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, enhancing economic diversification, and reducing reliance on oil. The new airline is expected to increase the number of international routes significantly and boost air cargo capacity, with an anticipated ranking as the fifth largest in global air transit volume.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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Saudi Arabia Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's latest customs regulations include a complete exemption from export service fees, a reduction in import service fees to 0.15% of the goods' value, the implementation of a temporary import duty exemption policy, and an expanded range of tariff exemptions for industrial products. These regulations aim to simplify trade processes, reduce costs, and promote economic diversification and sustainable development, offering new opportunities for businesses. Companies need to actively adapt to the new rules and seize market opportunities.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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