By Khitam Al Amir
Dubai: Saudi Arabia鈥檚 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has introduced a set of sweeping regulations governing the operations of mobile vending carts and food trucks across the Kingdom, part of an effort to standardise the sector and bolster food safety standards. The new requirements, approved by Majed Al Hogail, Minster of Municipal Affairs and Housing, include mandatory installation of surveillance cameras inside all vending units, and a blanket prohibition on operations past midnight 鈥 unless vendors obtain a 24-hour activity permit. The updated rules also outline strict limits on where mobile vendors can operate and what activities are permissible within the carts. Food truck and mobile cart operators have been granted a 180-day grace period to comply with the new regulations. .Saudi Arabia: GCC citizens and residents can now perform Umrah anytime.Under the new framework, vending is strictly prohibited near traffic lights, major road junctions, emergency exits, gas stations, and areas with high vehicle congestion. Vendors are also barred from operating near environmentally hazardous zones, such as waste dumps, sewage sites, or areas that emit gas and smoke. Locations allocated for emergency services or people with disabilities are off-limits as well.In a move aimed at maintaining public order and health standards, the regulations ban smoking, loudspeakers, and external audio equipment on all mobile units. Food preparation must take place inside the cart, with an exception made only if firewood or charcoal is used 鈥 requiring the use of a separate cart. The sale of tobacco products is explicitly banned. All operators must install security cameras that comply with the Kingdom鈥檚 Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras and its executive regulations. Additionally, individuals will be permitted to hold only one licence per cart, trailer, or semi-trailer, and must obtain approvals from the General Traffic Department and the relevant regulatory body overseeing their commercial activity. Temporary exemptions will apply to vehicles participating in registered public events..The new rules come after a period of public consultation held via the national 鈥淚stithlaa鈥 platform from May 13 to 28, during which citizens and stakeholders were invited to submit feedback..Saudi Arabia appoints first woman to lead regional health ministry office.Officials say the measures are intended to strike a balance between facilitating private sector investment and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols. The ministry noted that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to create a regulatory environment that supports commercial activity while preserving public health.All licencing procedures 鈥 including issuance, renewal, amendment, and cancellation 鈥 will fall under the purview of the Municipal Licensing Procedures System.The updated regulations reflect the Kingdom鈥檚 ongoing efforts to modernise its municipal governance and attract entrepreneurial activity, particularly in the growing mobile food sector, while ensuring that public welfare remains a top priority.