Unlicensed E-Commerce Training Ring Uncovered in Riyadh

Authorities in Riyadh uncovered an unauthorized e-commerce training operation in the Al-Batha district on 29 September 2026. A joint effort by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and Riyadh police detected the facility, which was operating without the required licenses.

the facility trained unauthorized foreign workers on how to establish and operate online stores. Trainees were charged SAR 300 each, and the operator claimed to provide an international e-commerce certificate. The operation involved a foreign investor along with two violating residents.

Why It Matters

E-commerce activity in the Kingdom must be conducted through properly licensed and registered channels. Unlicensed operations expose both operators and trainees to legal risk and can mislead workers who pay for training that does not meet official standards or lead to legitimate, compliant online businesses.

Under the official Ministry of Commerce framework, e-commerce violations may carry a fine of up to SAR 1,000,000, suspension of the e-commerce activity, or the temporary or permanent blocking of an online store. The exact penalties imposed in this particular case were not specified in the available information.

Residents and entrepreneurs looking to launch online stores are reminded to ensure they hold the correct licenses and registrations before starting any commercial activity, and to be cautious of training offers that promise unofficial or unverified certificates.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving