Food trucks are becoming a defining feature of Dubai’s vibrant street food culture. From themed food truck parks to high-footfall tourist areas, the food truck business in Dubai is rapidly gaining popularity. Supported by low entry barriers, advanced technology, and a diverse consumer base, Dubai presents a lucrative opportunity for aspiring food entrepreneurs.
While selling street food in Dubai may appear simple, obtaining a food truck license in Dubai involves several regulatory steps. A strong business plan, an approved central kitchen, and clearances from multiple authorities are mandatory. This guide explains everything you need to know to start a food truck business in Dubai successfully.
Benefits of a Food Truck Business in Dubai
Your food truck will be a big truck prepared to cook, serve, and sell food, similar to a mobile restaurant. If a location doesn't benefit your food truck, you can move it to new areas to serve the different clientele. Besides, the benefits of starting a food truck business in Dubai are many.
1. Growing Demand for Dining Out:
According to a survey by Oracle, 62% of consumers said they will eat out every day to several times a week. This shows an increasing commitment to their favorite food brands, presenting a great opportunity for food trucks to tap into this trend.
2. Lower Initial Investment:
Your food truck will require far less capital than a conventional restaurant. Later, you can use the money you save on other aspects like marketing or menu engineering. Also, your food truck is more likely to function with only minor maintenance and repairs over time.
3. Flexibility in Marketing:
You can market your food truck business in several ways. For instance, you can park your food truck near offices in free zone areas or cater to major events. If you set up your food truck business in a free zone, you'll have a better chance of drawing more customers.
4. Advanced Technology Support:
Your food truck should have reliable point-of-sale software. It will keep your data safe and provide detailed information about your inventory and sales. Dubai is one of the most technologically advanced Emirates, so the facilities in Dubai will enable you to access the required solid POS and other tech tools.
5. Full Control and Tax Benefits:
You can have complete control over your food truck business in Dubai. Moreover, profits earned and capital invested will also be repatriated completely. Dubai provides a tax-free environment, so your food truck business will not be required to pay taxes.
Documents Required for Food Truck Business in Dubai
To operate legally, every food truck must obtain a valid Dubai food truck license. The following documents are generally required:
- Passport copies of shareholders
- UAE visa copies (if applicable)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Entry visa and UAE stamp pages
Additional Approvals May Include:
- Dubai Municipality food safety approval
- Central kitchen approval
- Food truck layout and design approval
Shuraa Business Setup experts can help you with the complete list of required and supplemental documents that must be presented to the concerned authorities. In the case of a food truck, you may need additional approvals from the relevant government authorities.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Food Truck License in Dubai
Applying for a Dubai food truck license involves a few steps. The steps given below will help you understand how to apply for a food truck license in Dubai.
1. Decide Your Food Truck’s Name
The name of your food truck will be the first impression you make on potential consumers. So, your food truck's name should represent the personality of your business. As a result, come up with a catchy and appropriate name for your food truck. It will also help you market your business. Apart from this, an appropriate name also won't get you in trouble with the law.
Note.: The authorities have laid down specific rules for naming a business. Shuraa experts can help you with the rules, ensuring your name is relevant and compliant.
2. Submit A Detailed Business Plan
When launching a new food truck business, one of the initial steps is to plan. A comprehensive business plan will be useful for the concerned authorities who want to know if your business is on the correct track and worth approving.
So, create a detailed business plan for your food truck. This plan is submitted to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality.
3. Choose Your Food Truck’s Location
Choose a business location in Dubai depending on the benefits and opportunities you look forward to, along with your budget. You have options of setting up your food truck on the mainland or in a free zone. You can also relocate your food truck as it is a mobile business.
Choose a suitable food truck for your business. Every food truck has its own distinct characteristics and advantages for various mobile food businesses. Besides, you'll also have to think about whether to buy or lease, what meals you'll serve and how to store.
4. Obtain Approval
After you have decided on the food truck’s name, plan and location, you can start collecting the necessary approvals. Get approvals from the Dubai Municipality and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). You may also have to apply for additional permits for your central kitchen and the layout of your food truck.
Shuraa's consultants can assist you in the best way possible to avoid any chaos and delay in seeking approval from these relevant authorities.
5. Get Your Food Truck Licence
You can obtain your food truck license once you’ve successfully concluded all the steps.
What Is the Cost of Getting a Food Truck Licence in Dubai?
The total cost of obtaining a food truck license in Dubai starts from AED 13,000 to 25,000 for a professional license and AED 19,000 to AED 50,000 for a commercial license. The size of your food truck business, the activities you carry out inside and outside the food truck, and other factors are all considered. As a result, presenting an exact figure is impossible. These days, a bank guarantee is no longer required. This makes obtaining a food truck license in Dubai much easier.
The Shuraa India experts will help you comprehend the pricing of a food truck license in Dubai. They will also ensure you do not spend more than what is needed.
Ready to Start Your Food Truck Business in Dubai
The Shuraa India will guide you through the full process of setting up a food truck business in Dubai. Furthermore, your food truck business might have specific needs, such as creativity, interior layout or additional seating space. We can build custom-made business setup packages for you. Get in touch with us to get your food truck business started.
