As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia has begun enforcing a new regulation requiring all food and non-food establishments to obtain a “home delivery permit.” This initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, aims to organize delivery operations, uphold consumer protection, and improve the quality and safety of services across the Kingdom.
Purpose of the New Regulations
The mandatory permit system is designed to:
- Regulate delivery activities within cities
- Ensure compliance with health and technical requirements
- Improve service quality and consumer satisfaction
- Reduce risks associated with informal and unregulated deliveries
Key Requirements for Food Delivery Services
Establishments involved in food delivery must meet the following conditions:
- Health certificates must be obtained for all delivery personnel handling food
- Workers must wear clean, standardized uniforms
- Delivery vehicles must be equipped for hygienic and thermal food transport
Technical Standards for Delivery Motorcycles
The updated regulations specify that delivery motorcycles must:
- Be technically sound and specially designed for delivery purposes
- Include thermal containers to maintain appropriate food temperatures during transit
- Clearly display the name of the commercial entity
- Be operated by businesses that are officially registered
Enforcement and Inspections
Municipalities and local offices will carry out routine inspections to ensure:
- Delivery businesses have valid home delivery permits
- Delivery workers and vehicles comply with health and technical standards
- Non-compliant applications or violators will be rejected or penalized
Conclusion
This mandatory permit system marks a significant step in improving safety, professionalism, and transparency in Saudi Arabia’s home delivery sector. All businesses involved in delivery operations are urged to comply with the regulations promptly to avoid fines or service disruptions.
For updates and permit application details, establishments should consult the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing’s official channels.