Saudi Arabia is raising the bar for home delivery services, unveiling new rules that mandate professional attire, hygiene standards, and stricter vehicle requirements. Under guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, delivery workers must now wear clean uniforms that reflect professionalism, with each facility ensuring full compliance to continue operations.
The ministry emphasized that businesses engaged in delivery services need a valid municipal license, with the delivery permit tied to the same timeline. Additionally, all vehicles and workers involved must be registered with relevant data on file, including details of any third-party operators engaged in the service.
To maintain service quality, vehicles—including bicycles and cars—used exclusively for deliveries must carry proper licenses and be marked with the facility’s name or trademark. Regular cleaning and sterilization are required to ensure there are no contaminants or unpleasant odors, particularly for food deliveries. Bicycles must come equipped with durable, rust-free boxes, ensuring hot and cold foods remain separated during transport.
For facilities delivering medicines, proper packaging is essential. All medications must be sealed in closed bags to ensure safety and hygiene. The ministry also stressed that packaging materials—whether for food or non-food items—must be non-reactive, tasteless, odorless, and free from contamination. These materials must be new, securely stored, and separated from chemical products to prevent cross-contamination.
Vehicles allowed under the guidelines include private cars, motorcycles, and light transport vehicles, with specifications depending on the type of delivery. Grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and even banquet kitchens must adhere to these transportation rules, ensuring their vehicles are suitable for the specific goods they handle.
Beverages must be stored in tightly sealed containers, with metal cans recommended for drinks. Containers should be sealed using adhesive or heat sealing to prevent tampering. All packaging must include warnings in both Arabic and English, with the establishment’s logo or trademark displayed on either the uniform or delivery boxes.
Workers must also wear face masks and gloves throughout the delivery process and avoid placing food packages on vehicle seats. Hygiene is paramount, with the regulations requiring workers to maintain short nails, wash hands regularly, and avoid smoking or eating while on duty. Ill workers are barred from performing deliveries to prevent contamination risks.
Parking spaces designated for customers cannot be used by delivery personnel, except when actively collecting orders. Furthermore, delivery workers must carry their home delivery permit during each shift to verify their eligibility to perform deliveries. Training in food safety is encouraged to ensure workers understand proper handling techniques.
Through these measures, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance food safety, streamline delivery operations, and set higher standards for the sector.
