Daily Pulse – 12 November 2026

A short morning brief of Saudi business moves that matter to SME owners. Sourced from public reporting over the last day; confirm details with your adviser before you act.

1. Cabinet Approves New Unified Consumer Protection Law

Saudi Gazette reported that the Saudi Ministry of Commerce announced Cabinet approval for the Consumer Protection Law, creating a unified legal framework for product and service standards.

The law comes into force 180 days after publication in the official gazette, replacing the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law, the E-Commerce Law, and the Commercial Data Law. Penalties for violations include fines of up to SR8 million, imprisonment for up to two years, and the suspension of business activities.

What it means for an SME owner: SME owners must review their compliance, clear product data, and sales policies across physical and e-commerce platforms before the 180 day grace period ends.

Source: Saudi Gazette

2. GOSI Clears Debts for Inactive Business Establishments

Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) has zeroed out outstanding financial debts for business establishments that have permanently ended their commercial activities.

What it means for an SME owner: This allows former business owners to settle past records without carrying over uncollected social insurance liabilities.

Source: الشرق الأوسط

3. Health Ministry Clarifies Regulations for Employee Sick Leave

Saudi Gazette reported that the Ministry of Health announced sick leave is granted strictly based on a professional medical assessment of the patient's actual condition, rather than on employee preference or request.

The ministry clarified that attending physicians set the leave duration based on health status and work impact, adding that there is zero tolerance for any misuse of medical leave certificates.

What it means for an SME owner: Employers can expect tighter adherence to medical standards for sick leave documentation, helping maintain workplace operational consistency.

Source: Saudi Gazette

4. Qualification Released for 3,200 MW Solar and Wind Projects

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Saudi Principal Buyer released a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for Round 8 solar and wind power projects.

The upcoming renewable energy installations feature a total combined production capacity of 3,200 MW.

What it means for an SME owner: Local contractors and technical service providers can seek sub-contracting and supply chain opportunities linked to major infrastructure tenders.

Source: وكالة الأنباء السعودية

5. Tadawul Main Index Gains 1.4 Percent to Reach 10,308 Points

Argaam reported that the Saudi Stock Exchange main index (TASI) rose by 1.4 percent to close at 10,308 points.

Total trading turnover for the session reached SAR 4.8 billion.

What it means for an SME owner: Positive domestic stock market sentiment indicates steady commercial liquidity across the national economy.

Source: Argaam

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This brief is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Verify every figure and deadline with the issuer or a qualified adviser.