The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has adopted new municipal requirements to regulate mobile food cart activities, aimed at enhancing compliance with regulations, providing a safe operational environment, and raising the efficiency of health and food practices. This contributes to improving service quality and supporting investment opportunities for entrepreneurs.

The ministry explained that the requirements specify designated parking locations for mobile carts within areas belonging to municipalities, government entities, private facilities, investment sites, or municipal incubators. These must maintain a safe distance of no less than 10 meters from gas stations, and parking within residential neighborhoods, near emergency exits, or sources of environmental pollution is prohibited.

It added that the technical requirements for mobile carts mandate the provision of essential equipment that is slip-resistant and easy to clean, along with ventilation and air conditioning systems that prevent vapor condensation and maintain an internal temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, thermal insulation requirements, appropriate lighting, and safety measures must be implemented.

The ministry stated that operational requirements for mobile carts obligate obtaining official licenses and site permits from relevant authorities. The use of loudspeakers or smoking inside the cart is prohibited, with adherence to specified working hours and prohibition of conducting activities outside the cart’s scope. A first aid kit must be provided, and strict cleanliness standards applied.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing emphasized that food carts are subject to precise requirements related to food safety, including the use of potable water, provision of dedicated equipment for preparing and washing vegetables and fruits, prohibition of preparing sauces inside the cart, and compliance with cooling, heating, and thawing requirements according to the instructions of the Food and Drug Authority.

It highlighted the importance of clearly displaying basic information to consumers, including product names, ingredient details, allergens, temperatures, and expiration dates, in addition to placing a sign indicating the type and source of meat used. Electronic payment service must be permanently available, and the unified electronic code must be displayed on the cart.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing concluded by affirming its continued efforts to develop and update municipal requirements for various activities, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, contributing to enhancing public health and improving quality of life in cities and communities.

The requirements for regulating mobile carts can be viewed by visiting the following link:

Ministry of Municipalities and Housing

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in Saudi Arabia is a government body responsible for overseeing urban development, municipal services, and housing policies across the kingdom. Originally established as the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs in 1975, it was later merged with the housing sector to address rapid urbanization and housing needs. Its role includes planning cities, issuing building permits, and implementing national housing programs to support Saudi citizens.

Food and Drug Authority

The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) is a government agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating and supervising the safety of food, drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products. In the United States, the FDA was established in 1906 with the passage of the Pure Food and Drugs Act, driven by concerns over unsafe additives and misbranded products. Over time, its role has expanded to include oversight of biologics, tobacco products, and clinical trials, making it a key global authority in health and safety regulation.

Kingdom’s Vision 2030

“Kingdom’s Vision 2030” is a strategic framework launched by Saudi Arabia in 2016 to reduce the country’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and tourism. The vision aims to transform the kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. It marks a historic shift in Saudi Arabia’s economic and social policies, with projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project symbolizing its ambitious goals.