RIYADH — The Ministry of Commerce has announced an exceptional three-month discount season, Okaz newspaper reported. It will allow commercial establishments and online stores to offer promotions without affecting their annual allocation of permitted discount days.According to a circular issued to the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the exceptional season will run from Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026, and the period will not be counted against the annual limit for discount campaigns.The ministry said businesses and e-commerce stores can apply electronically for discount licenses through its website, enabling them to obtain, print and display the permits for consumers with ease.It encouraged businesses to take advantage of the initiative while complying with the regulations governing promotional campaigns. The Federation of Saudi Chambers also urged private sector establishments to participate in the season to maximize benefits for businesses and consumers.Under the ministry's existing regulations, commercial establishments are permitted to hold discount campaigns for up to 90 days per year, which may be divided into three separate periods. Each license may cover a maximum of 45 days for either comprehensive or partial discounts.The exceptional three-month season is in addition to those annual limits and will not be deducted from businesses' regular allocation of discount days.