Food Truck License in Dubai, UAE
Many streets in Dubai are lined with food trucks. Popular locations in Dubai have seen an increase in themed food truck parks. This suggests that food trucks are starting to gain popularity in Dubai. It is an attractive proposition due to favorable circumstances like minimal barriers to entry and developments in technology.
Selling street food to Dubai’s multicultural population could be a simple business venture. In Dubai, however, getting a food truck license isn’t always simple. It takes a strong business plan, a central kitchen that complies with regulations, and the necessary approvals to obtain a food truck license.
Well, in this article, let’s explore the key steps, legal requirements for getting a food truck license in Dubai, and essential tips for launching a successful food truck.
Benefits of Starting a Food Truck Business in Dubai
Low Initial Investment
The initial expenditure required for food trucks is substantially smaller than that of standard brick-and-mortar businesses. Entrepreneurs can enter the food industry thanks to this accessibility without having to pay the high startup costs associated with opening a physical location.
Flexible and Mobile
Food trucks’ natural mobility enables you to visit numerous marketplaces and venues throughout Dubai, serving a range of occasions, celebrations, and busy regions. This flexibility may result in a broader range of clients and income sources.
Gateway to Gastronomic Innovation
The diversified population of Dubai is constantly searching for fresh and fascinating dining experiences. Attracting adventurous customers and foodies, food trucks provide the ideal setting for experimenting with innovative culinary concepts, fusion meals, and specialty cuisines.
Streamlined Operations
Compared to a sit-down restaurant, operating a food truck has fewer administrative and operational needs. From hiring to day-to-day operations, this simplified method makes administration more manageable and allows for a greater emphasis on efficiency and quality.
Marketing and Branding Opportunities
A food truck is a moving advertisement, as is a mobile kitchen. Your vehicle can be a powerful marketing tool. It can attract clients with its eye-catching styling and clever branding.
Documents Required for Food Truck Business in Dubai
In Dubai, every food truck company that makes money from its products needs to have a food truck license. It will turn your company into a law-abiding organization committed to moral business practices.
A few documents must be submitted in order to obtain the license. They have to be true and legitimate. This is to guarantee the quickest possible application procedure. The necessary documents are as follows:
- Copies of passports and visas
- Two passport-size photographs
- Entry visa and stamp pages
- Non-objection certificate (NOC) from the landlord
- FoodWatch registration (Dubai Municipality’s platform)
- Four-sided vehicle design for RTA branding permit (AED 250/year)
JSB Incorporation can provide you with the complete list of necessary and additional documents that need to be submitted to the relevant authorities.
You could want extra permissions from the appropriate government agencies if you are operating a food truck.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office No 20, 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 27614.
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com
Send Your Inquiry
Step-by-step Process to Get a Food Truck License in Dubai
There are a few processes involved in applying for a Dubai food truck license. You may learn how to apply for a food truck license in Dubai by following the instructions below.
Decide Your Food Truck's Name
The first thing potential consumers will notice about your food truck is its name. Therefore, the name of your food truck should reflect the core values of your company.
Thus, choose a name for your food truck that is fitting and memorable. Additionally, it will aid in business marketing. In addition, having a suitable name won’t land you in legal trouble.
Submit A Detailed Business Plan
Planning is one of the first things to do when starting a new food truck business. The relevant authorities will find a comprehensive business plan helpful in determining whether your company is headed in the right direction and deserving of approval.
Make an extensive business plan for your food truck, then. The Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) must receive your comprehensive business plan.
Choose Your Food Truck's Location
Depending on your budget and the customers you expect, pick a company location in Dubai. You can choose to set up your food truck in a free zone or on the mainland. Since your food truck is mobile, you can also move it.
Select a food truck that is appropriate for your company. Each food truck has unique features and benefits for different types of mobile food companies. In addition, you’ll need to consider what meals you’ll offer, how to keep them, and whether to buy or lease.
Obtain Approval
You can begin obtaining the necessary licenses once you have chosen the food truck’s name, strategy, and location. Obtain approvals from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Dubai Municipality. For your food truck’s layout and central kitchen, you might also need to apply for extra permits.
To prevent any confusion and delays in obtaining approval from various relevant organizations, JSB Incorporation specialists can help you in the best manner possible.
Get Your Food Truck Licence
After completing each stage successfully, you can get your food truck license.
Dubai's 2025 Food Truck Licensing Framework
| Cost Type | Amount (AED) | Authority/Source | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trade License (Professional)
|
13,000
|
Dubai DED
|
Mandatory for service-based operations; includes registration & approvals
|
|
Trade License (Commercial)
|
19,000
|
Dubai DED
|
Required for food sales/retail activities
|
|
Base Food Truck Permit
|
160 |
Dubai Municipality
|
One-time event permit (valid 1-7 days)
|
|
Annual Food Truck Permit
|
3,000
|
Dubai Municipality
|
Required for year-round operations
|
|
RTA Branding Permit
|
250 (annual)
|
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
|
Mandatory for vehicle advertising
|
|
HACCP Certification
|
10,000
|
Dubai Municipality
|
Food safety compliance (required for license approval)
|
|
Vehicle Registration
|
5,000–8,000
|
RTA |
Includes mandatory safety inspections
|
|
Public Liability Insurance
|
5,000–10,000 (annual)
|
UAE Insurance Authority
|
Minimum legal requirement
|
Conclusion
When starting a food truck business in Dubai, JSB Incorporation will walk you through every step of the procedure.
Additionally, your food truck business may require certain things, including extra sitting space, creative interior design, or other things. We are able to provide unique business setup solutions for you.
Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to get started.
FAQs
No, you must operate in designated zones approved by the authorities.
The process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on approvals.
Yes, you must prepare food in a licensed central kitchen or commissary.
Yes, but they need a local sponsor or a free zone setup.
No, all food must be prepared in a licensed facility that meets health and safety regulations.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office No 20, 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 27614.
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com