The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has adopted the designation “Mobile Vendor” as a replacement for “Street Vendors,” as part of a package of updated requirements aimed at regulating the activity, empowering its practitioners, and improving the urban landscape in Saudi cities.
The Ministry explained that this update comes within the framework of its efforts to develop the regulatory environment for self-employment, through raising the level of compliance, curbing unregulated practices, and providing an organized environment that supports micro-investment, in a way that positively reflects on quality of life.
The Ministry stated that the new requirements were issued following a comprehensive comparative analysis, which showed a clear transition from the previous regulatory framework to a more integrated model, as it included developing the definitions, expanding the scope of activities, and linking licenses to the vendor himself rather than to the location, in addition to strengthening the operational and technical requirements, including safety, cleanliness, electronic payment, and improving the experience of beneficiaries.
It affirmed that the development of the requirements and the adoption of the new designation came as a result of integrated work led by a specialized team, which drew on a comprehensive analysis and a comparative study of the previous and proposed requirements, and on the input of the regional and local municipalities and the relevant authorities, which contributed to building a more precise and flexible regulatory framework that addresses existing challenges, keeps pace with market needs, and raises the efficiency of regulating the activity in a way that enhances its economic, regulatory, and urban impact.
For her part, Her Royal Highness Princess Nojoud bint Hathloul Al Saud, the General Supervisor of the Team for the Support, Development, and Empowerment of the “Mobile Vendor,” explained that the adoption of the new designation reflects a shift in the view of this activity, from a traditional concept previously associated with disorganization, to an organized economic activity that carries a professional and investment dimension, and contributes to empowering individuals and enhancing their participation in the urban economy. She added that this approach grants the activity a more professional identity, enhances the community’s confidence in it, and keeps pace with the objectives of improving the urban landscape and elevating the quality of services in cities.
The adoption of the “Mobile Vendor” designation is considered a strategic step that reflects a qualitative shift in regulating this sector, from a limited traditional activity to an active element in the local economy that contributes to supporting entrepreneurs, energizing urban spaces, and achieving a balance between economic opportunities and regulatory discipline.
