WANT TO START A FOOD TRUCK BUSINESS IN DUBAI - UAE?
Food Truck License Dubai: Dubai, which is a tourism and business hub of the Middle East, is a food haven as well! Food trucks are setting a new trend in the food industry in Dubai. People here nowadays are attracted to the idea of eating from a street-side food truck. The affluent people in Dubai live a rich lifestyle, and eating in expensive restaurants and hotels is common. Today, these very people are willing to explore the street food revolution happening here. Food Truck license cost in Dubai.
The food truck business had first hit the US and European markets before it became popular in the Dubai market. The licensing for food trucks at first started in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and it has become one of the most successful business setups in Dubai now. As per investors, the food truck business is successful only if you have something new and different to offer! The concept of the first floating food truck in Dubai, The Aqua Pod, has become viral amongst the jet skiers, yachters, and other aquatic adventure lovers in the Dubai Palm Lagoon, Al Sufouh, and Kite Beach of Dubai’s Jumeirah region. BSS can help you in step by step Food Truck license registration in Dubai.
Why has a Food Truck business become successful in Dubai?
The food truck business needs less capital investment and is less risky. Food trucks are mobile and can reach most of the markets, like parks, beaches, streets, and picnic areas. You can reach more customers than a normal fixed location. Get Food Truck license in Dubai.
Food Truck License in Dubai – a guide
Getting a food truck license in Dubai is a complicated process! Dubai’s government has set up strict licensing procedures.
The approval of 4 entities are required before you start your Food Truck business:
- Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Dubai Municipality
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
Check out the step-by-step procedure to acquire a food truck license in Dubai:
- At first, submit your business plan to the DED for approval of the same.
- Your food truck needs the backing of a central kitchen or a catering license. Submit a certificate of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) kitchen layout for approval.
- Choose a location for your food truck business. The success of your business will depend on the type of locality you are targeting in Dubai. Select the most effective and potential location for your food truck.
- The design and fit-out of the truck are key factors for success. Create a blueprint of your truck, submit it, and get approval from the government authority.
- The next step is to purchase a truck and customise it in accordance with the authorities’ approved fit-out.The truck should support your kitchen and be capable of handling the heat. Proper ventilation facilities should also be available in the truck.
- After completing all these procedures, you are now ready to get a license for your food truck and start your own food truck business.
This might sound like a complex procedure for anyone who is trying to get a food truck license in Dubai for the first time. But with proper guidance from the Black Swan BSS consultants, it is quite easy! BSS will help in Food Truck license application process.
Food Truck Business in Dubai
- Local Sponsor Fee
- Labour and Immigration Fee
- Trade License Fee
- Cost involved in obtaining a food license
- Costs involved in Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a food truck license in Dubai?
A DET/DTCM permit allowing mobile food service with Dubai Municipality food-safety approvals,commissary kitchen,location permits and compliant vehicle fit-out.
How much does a Dubai food truck license cost?
Budget license,approvals,vehicle conversion,kitchen equipment,generator,insurance,staff visas;many startups allocate AED 120,000–400,000+ excluding commissary rent and marketing.
Who approves food truck operations in Dubai?
DET license,Dubai Municipality Food Control,Civil Defense fire safety;DTCM event permits and venue NOCs for festivals,plus RTA permissions for specific parking zones.
What documents are needed for a food truck license?
Trade name,shareholder passports,vehicle papers,layout drawings,HACCP plan,commissary agreement,insurance, staff health cards,lease/NOC for trading locations and corporate formation documents.
Why is a commissary kitchen required in Dubai?
A licensed central kitchen for storage,prep and cleaning;required for food trucks to ensure hygiene,waste management,potable water and temperature control.
Where can a food truck operate in Dubai?
Operate at approved locations:events,beaches,parks,business districts—subject to venue NOC,DTCM permits,RTA rules and municipality zoning/time restrictions.
What vehicle and equipment standards apply?
Stainless steel countertops,floors that don’t slip,a handwash sink,a three-compartment sink,a grease trap,an extractor hood,fire suppression,calibrated thermometers,safe installation of LPG and generators and storage that keeps pests out.
Can Dubai food trucks sell online and deliver?
Yes—add e-commerce activity if needed,integrate ordering apps,maintain hot/cold holding during delivery, tamper-evident packaging and clear refund/allergen information.
What taxes and accounting apply to food trucks?
Register for VAT at threshold;maintain POS sales,inventory logs,supplier invoices;corporate tax 9% on eligible profits;keep cash handling SOPs.
How do I renew a food truck license in Dubai?
Renew annually:update DET license,municipality permits,vehicle inspection,insurance,staff health cards, commissary contract and pay fines/fees before operating schedules.
