His Excellency Mr. Ahmed al-Khatib, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, has declared that the closure of shops during prayer times should not be considered an obstacle against tourism.

The matter was debated for quite a time, and people’s reactions varied. Most people consider the closure of shops at prayer time to be a positive aspect of society that shows commitment to Friday prayer.

Others observed that closures affect tourists, citizens, and residents in Saudi Arabia in different ways, noting that most shopkeepers are non-Muslim. In their opinion, the closure of shops during prayer times should be optional.

Those who object to optional closures consider closing shops during prayer time to reflect the religious nature of the kingdom, which should be preserved and adhered to.

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Is it really just society habit or a religion-related?

رئيس هيئة السياحة"الخطيب":

إغلاق المحال التجارية أثناء وقت الصلاة لا يشكل عقبة أمام السياحة.

.#المملكة #السياحة

. pic.twitter.com/cJEmcJEOER

— أخبار السعودية (@SaudiNews50) November 25, 2019