Launching a food truck in Dubai is a lot more straightforward than many people expect. Once you’ve got the right approvals in place, your truck certified, and your kitchen fitted out to code, you’re good to go.
And there’s no better place to do it. Dubai isn’t just about skyscrapers and shopping malls; it’s also one of the Middle East’s most exciting food scenes. With its mix of locals, expats from all over the world, and millions of tourists passing through each year, the appetite for something new and different has never been stronger. This is the perfect place to park your food truck.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every stage of starting a food truck business in Dubai – from securing licenses and meeting food safety standards to understanding costs and why this sector is thriving. We’ll also explain how Creative Zone can help you simplify the process, saving you time, effort, and money.
How to start a food truck business in Dubai: Step by step.
You can open a food truck in Dubai by writing a comprehensive business plan, choosing a legal structure for your business, picking a company name, getting initial approval, applying for your trade license, buying and fitting out your food truck, obtaining your RTA certificate, securing a food license, getting location permits, sorting out insurance and compliance approvals, all before launching your food truck.
Step 1: Prepare your business plan
Every successful food truck business begins with a detailed business plan. They’re not just for investors. Dubai’s regulators want to see that you’ve thought through the details. Your plan should set out your food concept, your target audience, your menu, and preferred locations. Include financial projections as well, such as estimated costs and income, to show that your idea can stand on its own two feet. Think of this as both your playbook and your pitch.
Step 2: Choose your business structure
Next, you’ll need to decide how you want to legally set up your company. Most food truck entrepreneurs go for one of two routes: a mainland LLC with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), or a free zone company setup. A mainland company means you have the flexibility to operate anywhere in Dubai, whereas a free zone setup offers 100% foreign ownership and a faster incorporation process. The right choice depends on your long-term plans and where you want to operate.
Step 3: Reserve your trade name
Every business in Dubai needs an approved trade name. For food trucks, this is a straightforward step, but don’t overlook it. Your chosen name has to meet UAE naming rules – nothing offensive, religious, or political – and it must be unique. Once approved, the DET issues a certificate, and you’ll need this document for almost everything else in the setup process.
Step 4: Obtain initial approval
With your trade name in hand, you can apply for initial approval. This is essentially a green light from the DET or your chosen free zone authority that your food truck idea is acceptable. You’ll need to submit shareholder documents and, in some cases, layouts or drawings of the truck. Once this is cleared, you’ve got the green light to continue.
Step 5: Apply for your trade license
Your trade license is the official stamp that transforms your concept into a real business. Issued by the DET or your free zone authority, our trade license sets out what activities you can do. Getting this part right is vital: it defines how and where you’re allowed to operate.
Step 6: Purchase and fit out your food truck
Now comes the fun part: getting your food truck ready. You can either buy a ready-to-use one or retrofit a vehicle to meet the Dubai Municipality’s regulations. And those are strict: stainless steel surfaces, proper ventilation, drainage, pest control, and fire suppression are all needed. A professional fit-out is worth the investment – it keeps inspections simple and avoids the headache of costly rework later.
Step 7: Secure RTA approval
Since your food truck is both a kitchen and a road-going vehicle, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) needs to sign off on it. Inspectors will check roadworthiness, safety features, and any modifications. Without this approval, your truck can’t hit the road or park in approved trading zones.
Step 8: Obtain your food license
Once the truck is fitted out, you’ll apply for a food license from Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department. Inspectors will look at everything: storage, preparation, water supply, waste disposal. You’ll also need to register on the FoodWatch platform, which is how Dubai monitors food safety compliance.
Step 9: Get location permits
Food trucks can’t just set up shop anyplace in Dubai. You’ll need permits for specific areas – beaches, parks, events, or designated food truck zones. In some instances, you’ll also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner or event organizer. This paperwork is non-negotiable.
Step 10: Secure insurance and compliance approvals
Before you start serving, you’ll need to have your insurance sorted out. You need both vehicle insurance and public liability cover. And depending on your setup, you might also need fire or health and safety insurance policies. Authorities often check for proof before giving final approval, and if your coverage lapses, your operations can be suspended on the spot.
Step 11: Launch your business
Now you can get started. Get your truck stocked, hire and train staff, and line up your suppliers. This is where marketing comes in: in Dubai, food trucks live and die by their social media presence. Customers often find their next meal on Instagram, so invest in photos, promotions, and a story that makes you stand out. A good launch creates buzz and builds the momentum you’ll need to thrive long-term.
Why the food truck business is profitable in Dubai
Food trucks are profitable in Dubai thanks to several factors: growing tourist and local demand, lower costs compared with restaurants, flexibility of movement, supportive government policies, and a thriving street food culture.
- High tourist and resident demand: Over 18 million tourists come to Dubai every year, and the city’s ever-growing expat community is always hungry for new ideas.
- Lower overheads than restaurants: Food trucks skip the big costs of restaurants – no sky-high rent or steep utility bills – which means they have less pressure on their bottom line.
- Flexibility of movement: Trucks can move just about wherever the demand is, from beaches to festivals, which helps keep sales steady.
- Supportive regulatory environment: Dubai has clear rules for food trucks, which makes it easier to set one up compared with many other cities.
- Growing street food culture: Casual dining is booming, and customers love quick, innovative meals that food trucks are perfectly placed to deliver.
Benefits of starting a food truck in Dubai
Starting a food truck in Dubai has many pros, including lower startup costs, mobility, niche potential, a scalable business model, and built-in branding.
1. Lower investment costs
Setting up a food truck is much cheaper than opening a restaurant. You don’t have to spend AED 500,000 or more to get started; food trucks usually cost AED 150,000 to AED 300,000. That smaller investment means it’s easier for first-time entrepreneurs to get into the market, and gives you more flexibility to pivot if needed.
2. Mobility and adaptability
Unlike a restaurant, a food truck isn’t tied to one location. You can move to areas with high demand – such as beaches, tourist attractions, business districts, or events – maximising your visibility and revenue potential. In the cooler winter months, for example, food trucks thrive outdoors at festivals and events; in summer, you can reposition near malls, business districts, or evening markets. This adaptability allows you to follow your customers and keep sales steady year-round.
3. Creativity and niche potential
Food trucks are great testing grounds for new concepts. You can experiment with menus, flavors, and styles quickly without committing to large-scale inventory or signing a long-term lease. Dubai’s multicultural mix of residents and visitors means there’s always demand for something fresh, giving creative entrepreneurs the perfect platform to carve out niche markets. If one idea doesn’t work out, you can tweak your offering and relaunch with minimal cost.
4. Scalable business model
A food truck can be the first step in building a larger brand. In fact, many of Dubai’s most recognizable food and beverage brands started small – most as food trucks. Once you build a loyal following and prove your concept, it’s easy to add more vehicles, expand to other Emirates, or even move into a bricks-and-mortar restaurant. This offers flexibility to grow at your own pace.
5. Built-in marketing value
A food truck is more than simply a moving kitchen; it’s a business and a billboard rolled into one. A bold design and clever branding can catch attention on the road and online. That way, customers are more likely to take photos, share them online, and spread the word. In Dubai, where social media presence plays a huge role in F&B success, this built-in marketing advantage gives food trucks an edge over more traditional setups. Combined with clever digital campaigns and influencer collaborations, a food truck can quickly become a talked-about brand.
Documents required to open a food truck business in Dubai
To set up a food truck, you’ll need the following paperwork:
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- UAE residence visa copies
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval from the DET or your relevant free zone
- Detailed business plan and truck layout drawings
- Food Safety and Hygiene approvals (known as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points or HACCP)
- Registration on the FoodWatch platform
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) vehicle approval
- No objections certificate (NOC) from landowners or event organizers
- Insurance documents
- Location permits
- Health cards for staff
Cost of food truck license and setup in Dubai
The cost of opening a food truck varies depending on several factors, including approvals, location permits, branding, trade license, and food truck purchase and fit-out. A ballpark figure for you to work on ranges between AED 150,000 and AED 300,000.
- License and permit fees: AED 13,000 to AED 19,000 for a trade license; AED 3,000 for an annual operating permit; AED 160 per event permit; AED 250+ for RTA branding.
- Food truck purchase and fit-out: AED 100,000 to AED 300,000 depending on the design and equipment.
- Staffing and operational expenses: Salaries, visas, fuel, and supplies typically cost AED 30,000+ per month.
- Insurance and compliance: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 annually for insurance; HACCP certification is AED 10,000+ annually.
- Location and branding: AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 monthly for prime locations; AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 for signage and marketing.
For an accurate quote, please reach out to our specialists at Creative Zone’s offices.
Things to remember when running a food truck in Dubai
You need to consider a few things when operating a food truck in Dubai, including managing regulations, logistics, operating costs, marketing, and being adaptable.
1. Food trucks can only operate in approved zones
Dubai has clear rules regarding where food trucks are allowed to park and set up shop. You can’t just park in a busy area and start serving customers. You need location permits for designated areas such as beaches, parks, and events. Popular locations like Kite Beach, Last Exit, and seasonal events such as Global Village draw large crowds, but they need to get permission ahead of time and sometimes even NOCs from landlords or event organizers. Ignoring these rules can result in hefty fines or even lose your license.
2. Strict hygiene and food safety inspections
Dubai Municipality has some of the strictest food safety standards in the region. Expect regular inspections of your truck, covering everything from food storage temperatures and water supply to pest control, staff hygiene, and waste disposal. Your staff also needs to undergo mandatory food safety training, and you’ll need to sign up your food truck on the FoodWatch platform for digital compliance tracking. Hygiene is a non-negotiable in Dubai.
3. Operating costs add up quickly
Startup costs are lower than those for opening a restaurant, but day-to-day expenses can run high. Salaries, visas, fuel, maintenance, and ingredients all add up. Sales are also affected by the seasons: winter is usually busier, and summer months see lower foot traffic around the city. Make careful budgeting and financial plans so that you can maintain a steady cash flow and profitability throughout the year.
4. Strong branding and marketing are essential
Branding can make the difference between being forgotten and being unforgettable. A distinctive truck design, creative menu names, and a strong social media presence can all help make you stand out. Word of mouth and Instagram-worthy dishes are powerful in Dubai’s food scene: that’s where most people see new food trucks before visiting them in person. A consistent brand voice and marketing plan are just as important as what’s on the menu.
5. Always have a backup plan
Running a food truck brings unique challenges. Trucks break down, events get cancelled, and sudden weather changes – like sandstorms or summer heat – can scupper even the best laid plans. Having a contingency plan is vital: backup vehicles or suppliers, alternative locations, or emergency funds to cover unexpected downtime. It’s best to build flexibility into your business operations so that even when obstacles arise, your business can adapt and continue serving sumptuous dishes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a food truck in Dubai?
Between AED 150,000 and AED 350,000, depending on truck size, equipment, and permits.
How much does a food truck make in Dubai?
Profit depends on location and concept. Many achieve net margins of 10–20%.
Can foreigners run a food truck business in Dubai?
Yes. Foreigners can own food truck businesses, with structures available for 100% foreign ownership.
Where can food trucks operate in Dubai?
Only in designated zones, beaches, parks, or event spaces with permits.
Do I buy a food truck first or get a license first?
Always secure initial approvals and your license before purchasing or fitting out a truck.
What is the typical profit margin for a food truck in Dubai?
Margins are usually 10–20% after all costs, depending on efficiency and demand.
Why choose Creative Zone for your food truck business setup
Starting a food truck in Dubai involves multiple approvals, from the DET to RTA to Dubai Municipality. Creative Zone makes the process fast, smooth, and stress-free.
- Expert guidance: We handle every approval, license, and permit.
- End-to-end support: From trade name to location permits, insurance, and visas.
- Local knowledge: We know which locations and events offer the best opportunities.
- Cost-effective setup: Our strong relationships with regulators save you money.
- Ongoing assistance: We support renewals, compliance, and growth long after launch.
Creative Zone has helped over 75,000 entrepreneurs start their businesses in Dubai since 2010. With our guidance, your food truck journey will start on the strongest possible foundation.
Ready to launch your food truck in Dubai? Contact Creative Zone today, and let’s make it happen.
