How to Start a Food Truck Business in Dubai

The city of Dubai is famous for its vibrant culture, tourism, and love for food. With street food gaining popularity, launching a food truck business in Dubai is a smart and profitable choice for entrepreneurs. Whether you're a chef with a creative recipe or an investor looking for a high-demand business, this guide will walk you through the complete process.

From getting the right approvals to managing operating costs and marketing your brand, we'll cover it all. Plus, you'll discover how Catnyx, Dubai's award-winning setup consultant, helps make the journey smooth and successful.

Why Start a Mobile Food Business in Dubai?

Dubai has transformed its food scene over the past decade. Tourists, residents, and office-goers are now more open to trying diverse cuisines from mobile kitchens. Here's why starting a food truck business in Dubai is a smart idea:

• Low investment compared to restaurants

• High mobility and flexibility in location

• Great profit potential with the right concept

• Popular with millennials, families, and tourists

• Supported by UAE's food safety and SME policies

The government has made food truck licensing easier under certain free zones and authorities. If you follow the correct process, your mobile food dream can become a reality in under a month.

Step-by-Step Process to Open a Food Truck in Dubai

Step 1: Create a Business Plan

Before anything else, define your concept:

• What cuisine will you serve?

• Who is your target audience?

• Will it be gourmet burgers, vegan bowls, Arabic street food, or desserts?

• How much will your startup budget be?

This helps in choosing the right location and preparing for licensing.

Step 2: Register Your Trade Name

You need to register a unique business name with the Department of Economic Development (DED). This name will appear on all official documents.

Step 3: Apply for Initial Approval

Get preliminary approval from:

• DED (for business activity)

• Dubai Municipality (for food safety compliance)

• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (for vehicle design and parking zones)

Step 4: Get the Food Truck License

You need a trade license as a "Mobile Food Vendor" or "Food Truck Operator."

This license is generally issued under:

• Dubai Mainland (via DED)

• Or select Free Zones (for backend kitchen and brand setup)

The license is valid for 1 year and renewable annually.

Step 5: Get Vehicle and Kitchen Approval

Your food truck must meet RTA vehicle specs and Dubai Municipality kitchen safety requirements.

Your vehicle will be inspected for:

• Food storage zones

• Ventilation and smoke outlets

• Wash basin and clean water supply

• Fire extinguisher and safety compliance

You can either:

• Buy a ready-made truck (AED 80,000 – AED 150,000)

• Or convert a custom van (with DM approval)

Step 6: Secure a Parking Spot or Permit

You must operate from an RTA-approved parking area, event, or food zone. Permits may vary depending on:

• Private land use (with owner’s NOC)

• Malls or festivals

• Commercial food zones in business hubs

Step 7: Hire Staff and Ensure Medical Fitness

If you hire cooks or helpers, they must:

• Be on your company visa

• Undergo medical fitness and hygiene training

• Carry valid occupational health cards

Catnyx helps manage the full visa and employee registration process.

Cost Breakdown for a Food Truck Setup in Dubai

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (AED)
Trade License & Registrations	12,000 – 18,000
Food Truck Vehicle	80,000 – 150,000
Kitchen Equipment	20,000 – 35,000
Staff Visa & Health Cards	6,000 – 10,000 (for 2 staff)
Parking/Location Permits	5,000 – 15,000
Marketing & Branding	8,000 – 12,000
Total Startup Investment	130,000 – 240,000

This is a general estimate. Catnyx provides exact cost planning and budgeting tailored to your business model.

Legal Requirements for Operating a Food Truck

Operating a food truck in Dubai comes with safety and legal rules. You must:

• Display your license visibly

• Renew it yearly

• Comply with food hygiene checks

• Ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy

Failure to meet requirements can result in penalties or business closure. Catnyx ensures your operation remains fully compliant at all times.

Where Can You Operate a Food Truck in Dubai?

Approved areas for food truck activity include:

• Kite Beach, JBR, Al Qudra

• Business Bay, Downtown, and Dubai Design District

• Event zones like Global Village, Expo City

You may need additional permission for:

• Private catering

• Events & pop-up locations

• Sharing a spot with other vendors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting a food truck seems easy—but many fail due to:

• Skipping licensing steps

• Choosing poor locations

• Not having food hygiene certification

• Underestimating initial costs

• Failing to market the brand

Catnyx helps you avoid these by offering end-to-end setup and mentorship.

Why Choose Catnyx for Your Food Truck Setup?

At Catnyx, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs launch profitable businesses in Dubai. Whether it’s food trucks, cafes, or restaurants, we understand the licenses, zones, and branding you need to thrive.

We offer:

• Trade name & license registration

• Truck design & layout approval

• Staff visa processing

• Parking permits & zone access

• Menu and pricing consultation

We were honored as the Customer Experience Leader at the Ajman Free Zone Excellence Awards—proof of our dedication to client success.

Conclusion

Launching a food truck business in Dubai is one of the smartest ways to enter the booming food and beverage market. It offers flexibility, brand visibility, and fast return on investment. But success depends on doing it right from day one—getting licensed, setting up your truck, following food rules, and building a strong brand.

Let Catnyx guide you through the process, from dream to delicious reality. 📞 Contact us today and let’s hit the road to your food truck success!

FAQs – Food Truck Business in Dubai

Q1: Can expats open a food truck business in Dubai? Yes, expats can own 100% of the business with a valid license.

Q2: How long does it take to launch a food truck? Typically 3 to 6 weeks with all approvals in place.

Q3: Can I rent a food truck instead of buying? Yes, but rented vehicles must still comply with RTA and DM standards.

Q4: Is food delivery allowed from a truck? Yes, if you partner with apps like Talabat or Deliveroo and have packaging approval.

Q5: Do I need a commissary kitchen? If you're storing or preparing food in bulk, you need a licensed base kitchen.