New regulatory controls for the mobile vehicle sector
The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has announced the issuance of a new municipal regulation aimed at organizing mobile food truck operations within its cities, scheduled to take effect in 1447 AH (2026 CE). This step comes as part of the Commission's ongoing efforts to develop the business environment, raise food quality and safety standards, and enhance the urban landscape of the two leading industrial cities.
General context: Supporting entrepreneurship within Vision 2030
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed remarkable growth in the mobile food truck sector, which has become a key avenue for entrepreneurship among Saudi youth and a source of diverse and innovative food options. This trend aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, the new regulations are not intended to restrict this sector, but rather to organize and guide it towards more professional and sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of both consumers and business owners.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
The cities of Jubail and Yanbu are among the world's most important industrial centers, and the Royal Commission places paramount importance on the quality of life in these cities. These new regulations are expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Locally, they will contribute to improved hygiene and public health, reduce random disturbances, and provide a better experience for residents and visitors. Economically, they will encourage fair competition among operators and incentivize investment in high-quality vehicles, thereby enhancing the value of emerging Saudi brands in this sector.
Key features of the new regulations
The regulatory document detailed a set of precise requirements covering all aspects of operation, most notably:
- Working Hours and Locations: The regulations prohibit any activity after midnight except with a special permit for participation in official events. They also specify permitted parking areas, including public parks, the Corniche, and event venues, and prohibit activity in residential areas or near gas stations and major intersections to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.
- Technical and engineering specifications: The regulations stipulated specific dimensions for the vehicles, with a maximum height of 4.5 meters and a width of 2.6 meters, while obligating investors to place a unified electronic code (QR Code) that allows regulatory authorities and consumers to easily access the licensing data.
- Health and safety requirements: The instructions stressed the need to equip the vehicles with stainless steel washing basins, tightly sealed drainage tanks, and non-slip floors, while providing adequate ventilation and covering the openings with metal mesh to prevent insects from entering.
- Food safety: The regulations require operators to comply with the requirements of the General Authority for Food and Drug, including keeping food at safe temperatures (chilled between 0-4 degrees Celsius, and frozen below -18 degrees), and applying the “first in, first out” policy to prevent stock spoilage.
Strict standards to ensure quality
The regulations did not overlook aspects related to security and daily operations, as they imposed clear requirements to enhance customer experience and maintain safety:
- Safety requirements: Gas usage is regulated so that the total cylinder capacity does not exceed 91 kg, and they must be installed outside the vehicle. Fire extinguishers and a suitable fire blanket must also be provided.
- Payment methods and transparency: The authority mandated the provision of electronic payment methods and prohibited their rejection, while obligating owners to display menus clearly that include details of ingredients, allergens, and meat sources.
- Waste management: The document stressed the importance of controlling waste through the use of touchless containers and the proper disposal of oils and coal residues in designated containers.
The authority indicated that those who violate these requirements will be subject to municipal penalties and fines, while guaranteeing the right to appeal to the competent committees, in a step aimed at establishing an organized and stimulating framework for the mobile vehicle sector in its cities.
