Ministry of Commerce Keeps Pace with Market Momentum: Introduced and Amended 14 Business Activities in Six Months

Tarek Arabyik: Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry revealed that the ministry introduced and amended 14 commercial activities during the first half of 2026, a move reflecting a trend toward keeping pace with the transformations the economy is undergoing and evolving market needs, while opening new pathways for investors and entrepreneurs to enter diverse activities and sectors.

This step carries implications that go beyond merely adding new titles to the list of commercial activities, as diversifying the base of activities is directly linked to macroeconomic dynamics. It expands the range of fields available for capital investment, creates new opportunities for establishing businesses and expanding operations, thereby broadening the base of economic activity and enhancing the market’s capacity to absorb new investments. The introduction and regulation of activities generate momentum in the markets; each new activity provides additional space for investors to deploy capital, while opening the door for new companies and projects to enter and compete. This, in turn, impacts demand for real estate, shops, equipment, services, labor, and supply chains associated with these activities. As this economic cycle widens, multiple sectors move simultaneously, boosting commercial and service activity and increasing market dynamism.

Furthermore, having an official and clear classification of activities required by the market is a crucial factor in reducing uncertainty for investors. The activity becomes defined from both a commercial and regulatory perspective, with licensing, requirements, and supervisory authorities becoming clearer. This helps transform unregulated economic opportunities into formal activities that are eligible for investment and expansion.

This step gains greater significance in light of the need to broaden the economic base beyond traditional activities. The diversity of investment opportunities offers investors wider choices and helps attract capital seeking new growth areas. It can also enhance the market’s ability to draw local and foreign investments, particularly when ease of entry into activities is coupled with clear regulatory frameworks and a developed business environment. The impact of introducing new activities is not limited to investors alone; it extends to the economy more broadly. An increase in the number and diversity of activities means a broader base of companies and projects, increased commercial and service transactions, and the creation of new links between sectors. This strengthens the cycle of economic activity and generates further movement within the market.

In addition to introducing new activities, the Ministry of Commerce is regulating existing activities that are already operational. This means that a commercial activity may exist in the market in practice but lacks a clear commercial classification. Therefore, the ministry introduces an official title to help regulate it and subject it to appropriate oversight and requirements, keeping pace with market developments and ensuring that the commercial system remains capable of accommodating new and evolving economic activities.

According to an analysis by Al-Anbaa, the list of key activities introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry during the first half of 2026 included five main activities as follows:

1. Purchase, sale, and exchange of used electrical appliances.

2. Solar drying of foodstuffs.

3. Relaxation and body care centers for men.

4. Relaxation and body care centers for women.

5. Restaurants offering shisha.

At the same time, the Ministry of Commerce amended the nature of several activities within the limits established by the Unified Classification of Economic Activities for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These amendments included nine activities as follows:

1. Car rental without drivers.

2. Motorcycle rental.

3. Psychological counseling.

4. Property inspection services.

5. Retail sale of precious watches.

6. Wholesale sale of precious watches.

7. Retail sale of jewelry.

8. Halal food consulting.

9. Chemicals, drilling fluids, and their derivatives for oil and gas wells.