Food trucks are the fastest growing F&B model in Dubai, highly popular among tourists, street food lovers and for outdoor events.
It’s good news for those who are passionate about F&B in Dubai, UAE but the question that obstructs – How to start a food truck business in Dubai UAE?
Here in this blog, you will get to learn about the procedures, documentations and cost requirements.
Despite rising fuels and the parking fees, the food truck trend is high on demand among the population in Dubai for its flexible scaling, brand visibility and strong margins.
Let’s explore the food truck business in Dubai, UAE.
Understand the Basics of Food Truck Business
A proper business plan is all about developing the business with expert guidance that ensures suppliers, kitchen contracts, menu design and target locations.
Currently, the standard food truck business in Dubai UAE costs around AED 135,000 whereas smaller custom units cost around AED 35000 – 60,000 in terms of UAE manufacturers.
Furthermore, event spots or rental parking comes with a cost of AED 15,000 to 25,000. It is a clear guidance that only reheating is favored and no cooking is allowed in the food trucks.
Licensing, regulations and compliance for food truck business in Dubai UAE
Food trucks are a new trend and come with a compliance that ensures licensing and regulatory needs to make sure the business goes for economic development and people’s welfare.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
|
Requirement Area |
Details (2025 – 2026) |
| Core approvals | DED license, RTA Vehicles compliance for safe mobility and Dubai Municipality Food Permit. |
| Truck standards | Stainless steel interior, approved generator, roadway compliance and first-safety system. |
| Custom Builders | Food Truck Kings, Bespoke Trailers, Truckalicious and The Food Truck Co. |
| HACCP Certification | For hygiene and food safety and HACCP certification for central kitchen layout. |
| Operational Zones |
Beach accessibility, expo city, residential hubs and business districts after approval. |
Best locations for Food Truck business in Dubai UAE
It’s important to note that food trucks in Dubai are not allowed to move around as much as many business owners think. They need to have a site that is deemed to be their “official location”.
Now is the time to find a perfect place for the best location for food truck business in Dubai UAE.
| Location | Importance |
| Kite beach | Families, high footfall, Tourists, strong evening demand. |
| JBR | Premium spenders, heavy tourist approach. |
| Dubai Harbour | Cruise passenger, scenic dining and events. |
| Expo City Dubai | Concerts, large crowds and constant exhibitions. |
| Dubai Hills Park | Family hotspot and growing residential community. |
| Business Bay | Weekend visitors and office workers. |
| La Mer / J1 Beach | Outdoor dining and beach crowds. |
Cost requirement for the food truck business in Dubai
Cost is the major source factor for business setup and when it is about food truck business setup in Dubai – you must count it smartly. Here is a better cost description with current estimation.
| Cost Category | Description | Est. Cost |
| Business License | Name reservation + food trading approval | 12,000 to 18,000. |
| Food truck Unit | Standard personalized food truck unit | 135,000 to 180,000. |
| Small truck / trailer option | Limited menus unit. | 35,000 to 60,000. |
| Central kitchen contract | Required storage for cooking. | 4,000 to 12,000. |
| Event rent and parking | Festivals, malls, private zones and beaches. | 15,000 to 25,000 / month. |
| HACCP Certification | Truck fit-out + kitchen. | 5,000 to 8,000. |
| RTA / DM Approvals | Food safety and vehicle compliance. | 2,000 to 5,000 |
| Staff and visa costs | 1 to 3 staff. | 6,000 to 15,000 |
Get a consultation with us for your best customized package and a ready-to-operate food truck business in Dubai UAE.
Speak to the Experts and Test the Market
The relatively low barriers to entry have caused a massive surge in food trucks. Some jurisdictions have reduced the number of permits to reduce the glut in the market.
Conducting proper research and speaking to a seasoned consultant has become more important than ever.
The food truck business is not just about passion for food. It’s a combination of business acumen, time management, marketing and making people happy.
Conduct thorough research in advance via customer panels to receive feedback on your food products. And don’t wait until you have launched your business.
Your experience in the food truck business could become the catalyst for a full-fledged restaurant. Equally, a successful business could yield into multiple food trucks across the UAE. The key element on your pathway to success is a proper start. A free consultation from the experts will help along the way.
With just a Click you can Connect with Us.
FAQs
Q1. Is there any special license required for Food truck business in Dubai?
A. RTA approvals, DED mobile food trading license and Dubai Municipality permission are necessary for food truck business in Dubai.
Q2. Is it permissible to cook food within a food truck?
A. No, only reheating is permitted and certified central kitchen needs to be allocated elsewhere but not in the food truck.
Q3. How much is the cost for an average food truck business setup in Dubai?
A. AED 180,000 to 280,000 comprising license, kitchen, HACCP and rentals is an expected cost currently for food truck business in Dubai.
Q4. Is HACCP certification necessary for Food truck business in Dubai, UAE?
A. Yes, HACCP certification is important for food truck design and centralized kitchen layout approval.
Q5. Where can a Food truck business legally operate in Dubai?
A. Approved areas are JBR, Expo City, Business Bay, Kite Beach and event zones.
Do you need help in business setup or looking to start a business in Dubai? Here you will find all the information and business ideas you need for starting your own company in Dubai.
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