How to Start a Food Truck in Dubai
In recent years, the food truck industry in Dubai has grown into a dynamic and lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. A food truck offers all the appeal of a restaurant — without the high setup costs or staff overheads. It allows you to serve gourmet street food, global cuisines, or innovative dishes anywhere from Kite Beach to business hubs across Dubai.
Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or expanding your culinary concept, this guide covers everything you need to know about starting a food truck business in Dubai, including licensing, costs, and business setup in the UAE.
Starting a food truck in Dubai is a smart, low-cost way to enter the booming F&B scene. From licensing and approvals to choosing your location and branding your truck, here’s a quick guide to help you launch your mobile food business successfully in the UAE
Target cuisine: street food, desserts, fusion, vegan, etc.
Unique Selling Point: What makes your food different?
Target audience: families, tourists, office workers
To proceed with Dubai company registration, submit a solid business plan to the Department of Economic Development (DED). Include:
Concept, location strategy, and target market
Financial projections, startup costs, and ROI
Marketing strategy and pricing model
You’ll need a commercial trade license from the DED or a relevant free zone. Choose “mobile food truck” or “F&B” as your business activity.
✅ KrezKo assists with fast, compliant business setup in Dubai, including name reservation, license application, and MOA drafting.
Submit kitchen layout and vehicle design for HACCP certification
Apply for inspection by Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department
Comply with Dubai Civil Defense standards for fire safety
Apply for a trade licence through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or a relevant free zone authority (if operating within a free zone). Be sure to select the correct business activity code, typically under F&B or mobile food services.
To legally operate, you must obtain two HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certifications:
Central Kitchen Layout Approval – required if food prep occurs off-site.
Food Truck Fit-Out Design Approval – to ensure your truck’s interior is safe and compliant for food preparation and service.
These certifications confirm that your operations meet Dubai’s hygiene and safety standards. Submit them to Dubai Municipality for final clearance.
Apply for a food truck permit via the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department. Your truck and central kitchen will undergo mandatory inspections to ensure full health and safety compliance.
📌 Additional Permits
Liquor Licence (if alcohol is served)
Environmental Permit (based on emissions or water usage)
Event-Based Permits for pop-up locations
Choosing the right name is the first step in building a recognizable and memorable food brand. Pick a unique, catchy name that reflects your concept, cuisine, and target audience.
Once finalized, register your business name with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to begin your Dubai company registration process. Make sure the name follows UAE naming guidelines and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks or brands.
A well-branded food truck name helps in digital marketing, social media visibility, and overall brand recall — critical for success in Dubai’s competitive F&B market.
Complete your Dubai company registration by submitting your documents:
Trade name approval
Initial approval from DED
MOA/LSA agreement (if needed)
Tenancy contract (if using a central kitchen)
Final license issuance
Choosing the right vehicle is one of the most important investments when launching your food truck business in Dubai. The truck must be efficient for cooking, compliant with UAE safety standards, and attractive enough to turn heads on the street.
Start by selecting a truck that suits your kitchen size, cooking needs, and mobility preferences. Consider:
Size and layout
Heat resistance and ventilation
Kitchen equipment compatibility
New vs. used (based on budget and financing)
A commercial-grade vehicle is typically the best choice for long-term performance and easier business setup in Dubai.
9 . Add Open a Business Bank Account
Once your company is registered, open a UAE business bank account to manage transactions, vendor payments, and VAT compliance.
Equip your truck with a fast, mobile POS system (like Square, Clover, or Toast) for smoother sales and inventory management.
You can operate your food truck at:
Events and festivals
Food truck zones (e.g., Last Exit, Kite Beach)
Private parking lots (with landlord permission)
Use Instagram, TikTok, and Google Maps to promote your truck
Post daily locations and food specials
Create loyalty offers and join Dubai food festivals
Running a successful food truck business in Dubai requires more than great food — it demands efficient operations and a skilled team to keep everything running smoothly.
- Food preparation and service flow
Cleaning and sanitization routines
Inventory tracking and restocking
Compliance with Dubai Municipality health standards
Clear procedures improve consistency, reduce waste, and enhance the customer experience.
Cooks and prep staff with F&B experience
Cashiers or servers who can multitask
Staff trained in food safety and hygiene
With the right team in place, your food truck will operate efficiently and deliver a high-quality dining experience—essential for growth and reputation in Dubai’s competitive street food scene.
Ensure full compliance with Dubai Municipality food safety regulations by maintaining strict hygiene standards.
Follow proper food handling and temperature controls
Schedule daily cleaning and sanitization
Train staff in certified food safety practices
Starting a food truck business in Dubai is a promising venture, but it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. Below is a breakdown of key costs to help you plan your business setup in the UAE effectively.
Your food truck is the foundation of your mobile business. Whether you choose to buy or lease, this decision will significantly impact your startup costs and operational flexibility.
New Food Truck: Offers modern features, longer lifespan, and fewer repairs — ideal if you plan long-term operations.
Used Food Truck: A budget-friendly option, though it may require modifications or maintenance. Always inspect for compliance with Dubai’s safety and kitchen fit-out standards.
Leasing Option: Good for short-term ventures or testing the market before full investment.
🔧 Keep in mind: You’ll need space for refrigeration units, cooking stations, ventilation, and POS systems — so the truck’s size and internal layout must match your menu requirements.
Estimated Cost: AED 100,000 – AED 300,000 (based on condition, size, and kitchen setup)
Installing kitchen equipment (grills, fridges, vents)
Interior layout for food prep and storage
Exterior branding with signage, colors, and logo
Water supply, drainage, and power setup
Estimated Cost: AED 50,000–AED 150,000
Ensure designs meet HACCP and Dubai Municipality standards for smooth approvals.
Securing the right licences is essential for operating a food truck business in Dubai legally and smoothly. Depending on your business model, you can choose between a professional or commercial trade licence.
Professional Licence: ~AED 13,000
Commercial Licence: ~AED 19,000
Company name reservation
Trade licence issuance
Court signage
Official stamp duties
Tasheel service fees
RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) processing fees
To legally operate a food truck business in Dubai, obtaining a HACCP certification (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) is mandatory. This certification ensures your kitchen layout and operations meet the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
Required by Dubai Municipality for both central kitchens and food trucks
Protects consumer health by minimizing contamination risks
Needed for final approvals and trade licence clearance
ISO 22000 FSMS Certification: Around AED 10,000
Actual costs may vary depending on:
Your business size
Operational complexity
Scope of your food prep activities
Vehicle Insurance – Covers damage, theft, and accidents involving your food truck
Third-Party Liability – Protects against claims if someone is injured or harmed by your operations
Workers’ Compensation – Mandatory coverage for staff injuries or workplace accidents
Involuntary Loss of Employment Insurance (ILOE) – Recommended for owners/founders to safeguard income in case of business disruption
Estimated Annual Cost: AED 5,000 – AED 10,000
Kitchen Equipment & Initial Inventory
Outfitting your food truck with essential kitchen appliances and stocking up on ingredients is crucial to getting started. Costs vary based on your menu and cuisine type.
💸 Starting Cost: From AED 30,000
Additional expenses like POS systems, staff uniforms, and special event permits can add AED 10,000–20,000 to your setup budget.
💡 Total Initial Investment: AED 188,200 – AED 430,000
With smart planning, Dubai’s booming food truck market offers strong potential returns for new entrepreneurs.
Lower Startup Costs than restaurants
High-Footfall Locations for quick returns
Easy Business Setup in UAE with KrezKo
Flexibility & Mobility
Perfect for Food Startups and culinary creatives
Starting a food truck business in Dubai is a golden opportunity to tap into a fast-growing market. With the right concept and location, your mobile eatery can thrive and expand into new areas or services, including catering and events.
However, navigating trade licences, HACCP approvals, and permits can be overwhelming—especially for first-time entrepreneurs. That’s where KrezKo comes in.
At KrezKo, we specialize in business setup in the UAE, including Dubai company registration, trade licence processing, and regulatory compliance. Our experts handle the entire setup process so you can focus on growing your brand and serving amazing food.