New rule: Saudi Arabia bans food trucks in residential areas

New safety rules restrict locations, ban loudspeakers and smoking

Last updated: November 02, 2025 | 18:15

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

1 MIN READ

Trucks are also forbidden from operating in high-traffic areas or within 10 metres of fuel stations.

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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.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia bans tobacco shops near mosques and schools

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.

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Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.