Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) is urging residents and businesses to activate their national address to prepare for a new regulation taking effect in January 2026. The mandate will require a verified national address for all parcel deliveries within the Kingdom. This move aims to streamline logistics and improve the accuracy of delivery services across the country, impacting both consumers and delivery companies.
The TGA announced the upcoming requirement earlier this year, and is now intensifying its communication campaign to ensure widespread compliance before the enforcement date. The regulation applies to all delivery service users, including individuals receiving personal packages and businesses managing supply chains. Failure to have a verified address will result in delivery companies refusing shipments starting in 2026.
The Importance of a National Address for Saudi Parcel Delivery
The implementation of mandatory national addresses is a significant step towards modernizing Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector. According to the TGA, the initiative is designed to address longstanding issues with delivery accuracy, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas and regions with less standardized addressing systems. This will reduce failed delivery attempts and the associated costs for both companies and customers.
Currently, delivery drivers often rely on mobile phone contact and verbal directions to locate recipients, a process that can be time-consuming and prone to error. A standardized national address system eliminates ambiguity and provides a precise location for each delivery. This is particularly crucial as e-commerce continues to grow in popularity throughout the Kingdom.
Benefits for Consumers and Businesses
The TGA anticipates several key benefits from this regulation. Improved delivery accuracy will lead to a better customer experience, reducing frustration and ensuring timely receipt of goods. Furthermore, the system is expected to enhance security by providing a verifiable record of delivery locations.
For businesses, the streamlined process translates to increased efficiency and reduced operational costs. Less time spent on locating deliveries means drivers can complete more routes, and fewer failed deliveries minimize losses. This is especially important for businesses involved in last-mile delivery and those relying on efficient supply chains.
Additionally, the TGA believes the new system will support the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize economic diversification and the development of a world-class infrastructure. Efficient logistics are a critical component of a thriving economy, and this initiative is intended to contribute to that objective.
How to Verify Your National Address
Residents can easily verify or update their national address through several established digital platforms. The TGA has designated Absher, Tawakkalna, Sehhaty, and the Saudi Post’s S+ address system (SPL) as the official channels for this process.
Absher, the Kingdom’s primary e-government portal, allows citizens and residents to manage a wide range of personal and administrative tasks, including address verification. Tawakkalna, initially developed for COVID-19 contact tracing, also provides access to national address information. Sehhaty, the Ministry of Health’s platform, similarly integrates address verification for healthcare services.
The S+ address system offered by Saudi Post provides a more detailed and geographically precise address format. This system is particularly useful for individuals living in areas with less conventional addressing schemes. Using S+ allows for a more accurate pinpoint location for deliveries.
The TGA has emphasized the simplicity of the verification process and encourages all residents to take advantage of these readily available resources. They have also indicated that further guidance and support will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.
The move towards mandatory address verification aligns with international best practices in logistics and e-commerce. Many countries have implemented similar systems to improve delivery efficiency and reduce fraud. This standardization is expected to attract further investment in Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure.
While the primary focus is on parcel delivery, the broader implications of a verified national address system extend to other services, such as government benefits and emergency response. A reliable address database can improve the effectiveness of public services and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. The TGA is working with other government agencies to explore these potential synergies.
The implementation of this regulation is not without potential challenges. Ensuring that all residents, including those in remote areas or with limited digital literacy, have access to and understand the verification process will be crucial. The TGA will likely need to conduct ongoing outreach and provide support to address these concerns.
Looking ahead, the TGA is expected to release more detailed guidelines and technical specifications for delivery companies to ensure they are fully prepared for the January 2026 deadline. Monitoring the adoption rate of the national address system and addressing any emerging issues will be key priorities for the authority. The success of this initiative will depend on the collaborative efforts of the TGA, delivery companies, and the public.
The TGA will also likely focus on integrating the national address system with other relevant databases and platforms to create a more comprehensive and interconnected logistics ecosystem. This will further enhance efficiency and transparency throughout the supply chain. The long-term impact of this regulation on Saudi Arabia’s economic growth and development remains to be seen, but the initial indications are positive.
