The food truck business in Dubai is growing each day. It offers a unique and lower-cost alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants in Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene. Instead of dining in a 4 wall luxury restaurant, you can have dinner in a specially equipped truck. However, to dive into this rising business industry, you must also get a food truck license in Dubai. 

Want to know?

Don’t worry; here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you get a food truck license in Dubai. 

5 Steps to Get a Food Truck License in Dubai:

Create your business plan

Your business plan is your roadmap to success. It’s your first impression of the Department of Economic Development (DED), so it needs to be clear, concise, and packed with information. 

So, just make sure to;

1. Clearly define what makes your food truck special. 
2. What kind of cuisine will you offer?
3. Who are your target customers, and how will you compete with other food trucks and restaurants?
4. It should also include your business budget concept with an action plan. 

The clearer the business plan is, the higher the chances of license approval.

Choose location

Now is the time to select the location where your food truck business will operate. However, you must know that there are only designated zones in Dubai where food trucks can operate. That’s why finding the perfect one is crucial for the success of your business. 

 Here’s a quick guide for how to choose your ideal location:

1. Consider areas with high foot traffic and a good fit for your target audience. For instance, places like popular tourist destinations and office areas could be a good choice it. 
2. Dubai has regulations on parking duration, proximity to other food establishments, and any required permits for specific locations. Make sure you understand these restrictions before settling on a spot.
3. Look for areas with access to utilities like water and electricity, which are especially important for cleaning and food preparation. 
4. To maintain clean and hygienic operations, we also suggest choosing a food truck location with an easy waste disposal option. 

Select your food truck

Once done, you can move forward toward your next step of choosing your food truck. It is a critical step to perform as your food truck is your kitchen on wheels, so choosing the right one is vital. 

You must ensure that the truck has enough space for food preparation, storage, and serving, all while complying with food safety regulations. There should be adequate space for refrigerators, cooking equipment, and proper ventilation.

You can opt for a van or truck that can be easily modified to accommodate your equipment and meet RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) standards.

Name your food truck business

The next important step in getting a food truck license in Dubai is to name your business. So, you must make sure your business name is catchy, memorable, and reflects the essence of your cuisine.

Once you have this, you can move to the next step of getting your approval and business license. 

Get the HACCP certification

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. It’s an internationally recognized certification that ensures food safety in your operation. To get HACCP certified, you’ll need to contact a HACCP consultant. They’ll guide you through the process, develop a HACCP plan specific to your food truck’s operation, and ensure it meets Dubai’s regulations. 

This plan will identify potential food safety hazards, establish critical control points like cooking temperatures and storage procedures, and outline monitoring procedures to ensure everything runs smoothly. Once you’ve implemented your HACCP plan, an accredited certification body will audit your food truck to verify compliance.

Get a License

Once you have completed the above steps, it’s time to apply for your official food truck trade license. The DED is the primary licensing authority in Dubai. You can apply online or in person at their service centers. 

For a hassle-free process, you should gather all the necessary documents beforehand. This typically includes your business plan, HACCP certificate, and proof of approvals from DED, RTA, and DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority).

Open a Bank Account

Remember, having a separate bank account for your food truck business is essential for organizing your finances. This will help you track your income and expenses, simplify tax filing, and build a business credit history.

Here’s what you’ll typically need to open a business bank account in Dubai:

• Trade license
• Passport copies of all business owners and authorized signatories
• Proof of address for your business

Once done, you can start operating your food truck business in Dubai. 

What is the Cost of a Food Truck License in Dubai?

The cost of a food truck license in Dubai can vary depending on the type of license you choose but generally falls within the range of AED 13,000 to AED 19,000 (which is roughly equivalent to USD 3,500 to USD 5,200). 

Here’s a general breakdown of setting up your food truck business in Dubai, including licenses and other costs.

However, the total initial cost of a food truck business can be around AED 188,200 to over AED 430,000.

When is the Right Time To Start Your Food Truck License Business in Dubai?

There’s no single “right time” for everyone, but Dubai’s food truck scene is currently booming, making it a generally good time to consider starting a food truck business there. 

It is because, the previous year, only 65 food truck licenses were issued in UAE which means a huge market gap is still there that you can cover. 

Additionally, Dubai is known for its supportive environment, and the food market is in high demand. 

How can Ignite Zone Help you Secure your Food Truck License?

For a newbie, getting a food truck license in Dubai might be a daunting task. That’s why Ignite Zone is here to help you with their expert services. 

We respect your finances and ensure every dirham counts with work transparency. 

With our services, you can streamline your license process and ensure a smooth and hassle-free approval.