New rule: Saudi Arabia bans food trucks in residential areas

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has issued new regulations banning food trucks from operating inside residential neighbourhoods, part of broader efforts to enhance public safety and reduce traffic disruptions nationwide.

The guidelines prohibit mobile food vendors from parking near traffic lights, road intersections, or entrances and exits of main and secondary roads. Trucks are also forbidden from operating in high-traffic areas or within 10 metres of fuel stations.

Rules on noise and smoking

To preserve public order, the ministry has banned the use of loudspeakers and smoking inside food trucks.

Authorities said the regulations aim to better organise the growing mobile food sector while ensuring the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and residents. Food truck operators are now required to comply with designated operating zones and obtain approved permits.

The ministry encouraged businesses to adapt to the new rules, stressing that enforcement will be carried out in cooperation with local municipalities.