Food trucks have gained significant popularity in Dubai, transforming the culinary landscape and bringing high-quality cuisine to the streets. The demand for affordable yet delicious food has fueled this trend, resulting in purpose-built parks and street food markets offering diverse cuisine options from around the world.
Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants or cafeterias, setting up a food truck business in Dubai is a more cost-effective and flexible option. It allows entrepreneurs to enter the food industry at a lower initial investment and offers the freedom to explore different locations and markets without being tied to a fixed location.
However, running a food truck requires dedication, hard work, and culinary expertise to stand out in a competitive market. Obtaining a food truck license in Dubai is a meticulous process due to the stringent hygiene and safety standards set by authorities. Compliance with these standards is essential for all food establishments in the UAE.
Fortunately, with the right guidance and support, obtaining a Dubai food truck license can be a manageable process. By working closely with the relevant authorities and following the necessary procedures, entrepreneurs can navigate the requirements and regulations successfully.
By leveraging the growing demand for street food in Dubai, entrepreneurs can tap into a thriving market and showcase their unique culinary creations. With proper planning, a standout menu, and a commitment to quality and safety, entrepreneurs can establish a successful food truck business in Dubai’s dynamic food scene.
How to get your Dubai Food Truck License
Starting a food truck business in the UAE offers advantages such as lower capital requirements compared to opening a traditional restaurant, quicker return on investment, and more flexibility.
To be able to get food truck license and permit, you will need approvals from:
- Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Dubai Municipality
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
1. Get Approval from the DED
The first step is to create a business plan for your Dubai food truck business and submit it to the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. If they approve your business plan, you can move on to the next step.
2. Get Approval from the HACCP for Dubai Food Truck
After the approval from the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, you need to get approval from the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP). These approvals and certifications are required to ensure the health and safety of the kitchen area.
3. Choose a Location
Selecting an ideal location is crucial for the success of your food truck business in Dubai. It can make or break your business. This is because food trucks in Dubai are not allowed to move all around the city. Instead, they need to sell their products at their designated locations. As a result, you need to decide where to set it up.
4. Get Your License
The last step is to obtain your license from the Department of Economic Development in Dubai. After you have received your business trade license, you can start performing your business activities.
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Documents Required to Get a Food Truck License in Dubai
You need to provide a few documents to the officials at the Department of Economic Development in Dubai to get your food truck license. These documents are required for regulatory purposes, and they will help identify you as the owner of the food truck in Dubai. Additionally, these documents are easy to procure so you do not need to worry about them.
Here are the documents required to get a food truck license in Dubai:
- Copies of the passports of all the shareholders of the business.
- Two colored passport-sized pictures of all the shareholders of the business.
- All the certificates and proof of initial and external approvals.
- The completed application forms.
How much does it cost to get a food truck license in Dubai?
- The cost of starting a food truck business in Dubai can vary based on factors such as location, food style, and truck design.
- On average, the total capital required can range from AED 130,000 to AED 140,000.
- This includes approximately AED 35,000 for a food truck and monthly rental costs ranging from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000, depending on the location.
- Additional expenses to consider are the cost of approvals and obtaining a food truck license in Dubai.
- While it is a significant investment, starting a food truck business is generally more cost-effective compared to launching a traditional restaurant.
The mentioned costs typically cover the following aspects:
Company Name: The registration and reservation of your chosen company name.
Trade License: The issuance of the food truck license itself.
Court Sign: The cost associated with displaying the court sign at the food truck.
Stamp: The stamp required for official documentation.
Tasheel Fees: Service fees charged by the Tasheel centers for assistance with the licensing process.
RTA: Fees related to obtaining permits and approvals from the Roads and Transport Authority for the food truck branding and signage.
It’s important to note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances. It is advisable to consult with professionals or relevant government authorities to get accurate and up-to-date information on the specific costs associated with obtaining a food truck license in Dubai.
If you are interested in starting a food truck business in Dubai, it is recommended to reach out to a dedicated team that can assist you with the licensing process and ensure compliance with all necessary approvals from government authorities. Once these approvals are obtained, you will be ready to start operating your food truck business.
Benefits of Starting a Food Truck Business in Dubai
a). Mobility:
With a food truck business, you have the freedom to move and bring your cuisine directly to your customers, capitalizing on high-demand locations.
b). Low Startup Costs:
Compared to traditional restaurants, starting a food truck business requires minimal capital investment. It’s a cost-effective option for aspiring entrepreneurs in the food industry.
c). Reduced Overheads:
Operating a food truck entails fewer overhead expenses. Apart from rent, ingredients, and wages, there are fewer additional costs to consider in the initial stages.
d). Flexibility and Adaptability:
Food trucks offer the flexibility to change locations and adapt to customer preferences. You can easily explore different markets, events, and areas to maximize your business opportunities.
e). Targeted Marketing:
By identifying areas with high demand for your specific style of food, you can strategically target your marketing efforts, increasing the chances of attracting a loyal customer base.
b). Versatility in Menu:
Food trucks allow you to experiment and diversify your menu without the restrictions of a fixed restaurant setup. This flexibility enables you to cater to different tastes and preferences, attracting a broader customer demographic.
g). Engaging Customer Experience:
Interacting with customers directly enhances the overall dining experience. Food trucks provide an opportunity for personal interaction, creating a unique and memorable experience for customers.
h). Test and Validate Concepts:
Food trucks serve as a testing ground for new food concepts and menu items. You can gauge customer feedback and adapt your offerings based on real-time responses, refining your business strategy.
i). Lower Risk:
The relatively lower financial risk associated with a food truck business makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. It allows you to enter the food industry with manageable risks and potentially higher returns on investment.
j). Growing Popularity:
Food trucks have gained significant popularity among customers, leading to increased demand and potential for profitability. The trend of seeking unique and convenient food experiences continues to support the growth of the food truck industry.
Can I start a food truck business in Dubai?
Yes, you can start a food truck business in Dubai. To do so, you need to submit a detailed business plan to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Dubai Municipality. Both authorities must approve your business plan. Though licensing laws are stringent in Dubai, it’s possible to obtain a food truck license and other necessary approvals in as little as 30 days in many cases. With the right approvals, you can set up and grow your food truck business in Dubai.
Are you ready to start your food truck business in Dubai?
If you are looking to set up a food truck business in Dubai then get the food truck license but you do not know where to get started, then you are in the right place. This is because Business Setup Consultants have the necessary experience and expertise to ensure that your food truck business in Dubai is launched as smoothly as possible.
Please note that obtaining a permit from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is necessary for branding your food truck in Dubai. To obtain this permit, you will need to provide specific documents, including a four-sided vehicle advertising design featuring an anthropomorphic design, a copy of the trade license issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), and a copy of the vehicle’s ownership documents.
Additionally, there is an annual fee of AED 250 for advertising on commercial vehicles.
Complying with the RTA’s regulations ensures that your food truck’s branding adheres to the standards set by the authority. By obtaining the necessary permit, you can showcase your business’s branding and attract customers while operating your food truck in Dubai.
To Speak with our Experienced Business Consultants for further information and assistance to know more about Dubai food truck license . call us at +971582595164. Send a WhatsApp Message for Chat Query on +971 582595164 or email us at info@companysetup.ae.
