The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has launched the second edition of the Basta Khair Saudi Arabia initiative, a nationwide program designed to support cottage industries and productive families throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative, which runs until the end of Ramadan, provides designated marketplace locations across the Kingdom where families can sell traditional homemade food, crafts, and goods directly to the public.
Bringing Local Producers to the Forefront
The program is being rolled out across municipalities nationwide, with each municipality hosting up to five locations and accommodating as many as 350 sales outlets. In the northern city of Arar, the initiative was launched in cooperation with the Social Development Bank, drawing participation from more than thirty families working in cottage industries who presented traditional dishes commonly served at Ramadan tables.
The concept behind Basta Khair is straightforward yet powerful. By providing regulated, well-located spaces for small producers, the initiative removes one of the biggest barriers facing home-based businesses: access to customers. Families that might otherwise rely on social media or word of mouth are given physical storefronts in high-traffic areas during the peak season for food purchases in the Kingdom.
Supporting Vision 2030’s Economic Diversification
The initiative aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic objectives under Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of small and medium enterprises as a cornerstone of a diversified economy. Cottage industries represent a particularly important segment, as they often employ women, youth, and families in rural and semi-urban areas who may have limited access to traditional employment channels.
By formalizing these marketplaces, the Ministry is also reinforcing food safety and quality standards. Participants operate within a regulated framework that ensures hygiene requirements are met while preserving the authenticity and cultural significance of the products being offered. From sambousek and luqaimat to handmade spice blends and traditional confections, the stalls showcase the rich culinary diversity found across the Kingdom’s regions.
A Ramadan Tradition Taking Root
Now in its second year, Basta Khair appears to be establishing itself as an annual Ramadan fixture. The expansion from the inaugural edition to a broader nationwide rollout signals strong community demand and institutional commitment. For shoppers, the bazaars offer a chance to purchase fresh, locally made products while directly supporting their neighbors and communities. For the producers, Ramadan’s heightened consumer activity presents an unmatched opportunity to build a customer base and generate income during the most commercially active period of the year.
