Conditions for obtaining a license to sell flowers in Saudi Arabia via the Nama platform
In a strategic move aimed at regulating the agricultural sector and boosting related commercial activities within urban areas, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture the launch of a new electronic service enabling the issuance of wholesale and retail flower sales licenses within cities. This initiative, accessible through the unified digital services portal "Nama," represents a significant leap forward in automating procedures and facilitating business operations for investors and entrepreneurs in this vital sector.
The context of digital transformation and the importance of regulation
This announcement comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which focuses on the complete digital transformation of government services and improving the investment environment. The "Nama" platform is the Ministry's digital arm, aiming to streamline the user journey and reduce the time and effort required to obtain licenses. Regulating the flower trade is part of the urban landscape improvement initiatives and the "Quality of Life" program, as formalizing these activities contributes to eliminating haphazard practices and ensuring the quality of agricultural products marketed within cities.
Service details and objectives
The new service enables business owners and investors to obtain official licenses to purchase flowers from approved sources (farms and nurseries) and resell them, either wholesale or retail, within urban areas. This step aims to:
- Documenting sales and purchase transactions and ensuring their legality.
- Providing an accurate database and detailed reports on market size and licensing activity.
- Supporting agricultural supply chains from farms to the end consumer.
Application process and issuance steps
The ministry explained that the beneficiary's journey to obtain the license is characterized by ease and clarity through the following steps:
- Access the "Nama" electronic platform by logging in with the unified national access.
- Add the establishment's data using the unified commercial registration number.
- Fill out the license application form accurately and attach supporting documents (lease agreement or title deed).
- Applications are subject to review and audit by the National Agriculture Company.
- If the conditions are met, the application is approved by the Department of Agricultural Licensing and Records and the license is issued for a period of three years .
If there are deficiencies, the application is returned to the beneficiary with an explanation of the reasons for correcting them and resubmitting.
Key technical terms and conditions
The ministry has set a number of technical and construction standards to ensure service quality, and among the most prominent conditions that have been disclosed are:
- Area and frontage: The area of the shop must not be less than 24 square meters, and the length of the frontage must not be less than 4 meters.
- Proof of ownership: Submit a title deed or a valid lease agreement for a period of no less than 6 months.
- Municipal licenses: Possession of a valid municipal license for the activity.
- Location: Compliance with the specific requirements for shops located within commercial or mixed-use buildings.
Expected economic impact
This regulation is expected to revitalize the Kingdom's flower and ornamental plant market, a sector experiencing increasing growth thanks to events, celebrations, and a growing interest in indoor landscaping. The license will also protect legitimate investors from unfair competition, boost consumer confidence in licensed retailers, support the local economy, and open new opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Those wishing to benefit from the service can visit the Nama electronic platform via the official link mewa.gov.sa , or contact the ministry’s official channels to obtain support and assistance.
