How to Start a Food Truck Business in Dubai (2025 Guide)
Learn how Dubai’s booming food scene and festivals create perfect opportunities for food trucks. Find out how to turn your idea into a profitable venture.
Dubai Food Truck Business
Dubai doesn’t just eat, it celebrates food.
From late-night shawarma runs on Jumeirah Beach to gourmet sliders at Kite Beach, food has become part of the city’s rhythm. But here’s the new trend that’s redefining how people dine: food trucks.
Over the past few years, food trucks have transformed from novelty to necessity in Dubai’s F&B scene. The idea of a mobile kitchen on wheels fits perfectly into the city’s fast-paced, outdoor, and event-driven lifestyle. People want quick, high-quality food without the sit-down formality.
And entrepreneurs? They want flexibility, low overheads, and a business that can move where the customers are. If you’re planning to start a food truck business in Dubai, you’re entering one of the most dynamic F&B sectors of 2025. With the right concept, approvals and location strategy, you can build a strong brand on wheels.
Learn in this guide how to start a food truck business in Dubai.
Why Food Trucks Are Booming in Dubai
Dubai’s F&B sector continues to expand steadily, driven by tourism, festivals, and lifestyle events. Food trucks, in particular, have emerged as a low-cost entry point for chefs and entrepreneurs looking to test a concept before committing to a full restaurant. With major destinations like Last Exit by Meraas, Global Village, and Dubai Festival City dedicating entire zones to food trucks, demand stays strong all year round.
Several factors make the city especially suited to this business model:
- Tourism & Events All Year: Dubai hosts hundreds of outdoor events from winter markets to music festivals, where food trucks are often the stars of the show.
- Lower Startup Costs: A food truck doesn’t require mall rent, full dining staff, or huge fit-out costs. You can start lean, scale fast, and move where sales are strongest.
- Supportive Government Policies: The Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality (DM) have made the process more structured and transparent, giving entrepreneurs a clear path to licensing and compliance.
- Consumer Curiosity: Dubai’s diverse residents are always ready to try something new: gourmet tacos, fusion burgers, vegan street food, you name it.
- Social Media Power: The food truck experience is Instagram gold. Visual, interactive, and easy to promote organically.
The Real Opportunity
Launching a food truck isn’t just a “fun idea”; it’s a smart business move.
The model lets you:
- Test your concept before committing to a full restaurant.
- Build brand awareness quickly through pop-ups and collaborations.
- Control costs while staying close to customers.
- Tap into Dubai’s growing culture of entrepreneurship and local business ownership.
With the right setup and guidance, you can turn a small truck into a recognizable F&B brand, and EZONE can help you get there legally, quickly, and strategically.
How to Turn a Food Truck Idea Into a Profitable Business in Dubai
Before you start buying grills and wrapping your truck, it’s worth spending time on planning. Dubai has a thriving F&B scene, but it’s also competitive. The trucks that survive (and scale) are the ones that combine great food, solid branding, and business discipline. Here are ….
A) Clarify Your Concept and Market Position
Your concept is your differentiator. Ask:
- What’s missing in Dubai’s current food scene?
- Who am I serving, tourists, residents, office crowds, families?
- What type of food works best for the city’s climate and outdoor events?
Some food truck ideas that perform consistently in Dubai:
- Specialty coffee trucks (popular in business districts and morning events)
- Gourmet burger or slider trucks (crowd favourites at beaches and markets)
- Healthy bowl and smoothie trucks (popular at gyms, marinas, and festivals)
- Dessert trucks (crepes, churros, ice cream, perfect for evening crowds)
- Fusion concepts, e.g., Asian street bites, Mexican wraps, or Arabic BBQ
Keep the menu focused on three to five strong items that you can deliver fast and consistently. This not only simplifies operations but also reduces wastage and training costs.
B) Build a Lean Business Model
Your truck isn’t just a kitchen; it’s a mobile brand. Treat it like a startup. Map your initial investment, forecast your monthly expenses, and estimate when you’ll break even.
Below is an approximate financial overview (in AED):
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence & company setup | 10,000 – 25,000 | Issued by Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| Truck purchase or conversion | 80,000 – 200,000 | Depends on vehicle type, kitchen equipment, and branding |
| Kitchen equipment & fit-out | 30,000 – 80,000 | Includes cooking appliances, ventilation, and fire suppression |
| Food safety permits & training | 5,000 – 10,000 | FoodWatch registration, layout approval, PIC & staff training |
| Initial inventory & supplies | 8,000 – 15,000 | Opening stock, packaging, and disposables |
| Branding & signage | 5,000 – 12,000 | Vehicle wrapping, logo, menus, uniforms |
| Marketing & launch events | 3,000 – 10,000 | Social media, influencers, promo events |
| Miscellaneous / contingency | 5,000 – 8,000 | Unexpected costs (repairs, renewals, etc.) |
Total Initial Investment: AED 150,000 to AED 300,000+ (depending on concept and truck type)
C) Monthly Operating Costs (Average Ranges)
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (AED) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Raw materials/ingredients | 10,000 – 25,000 | Varies by menu & sales volume |
| Staff salaries (2–3 employees) | 8,000 – 15,000 | Cook, barista, cashier/attendant |
| Fuel & maintenance | 2,000 – 4,000 | For truck operation & power generator |
| Event/location rent | 3,000 – 10,000 | Depending on the site or festival |
| Marketing & social media | 1,000 – 3,000 | Paid ads, content creation |
| Licences & renewals | 500 – 1,000 | Annual renewal cost |
| Miscellaneous | 1,000 – 2,000 | Utilities, cleaning, repairs |
Estimated Monthly Operating Cost: ~AED 25,000 to 50,000
D) Profitability & ROI Projections
Realistic income potential based on Dubai’s food truck market averages:
| Concept Type | Average Daily Sales | Monthly Revenue | Gross Profit Margin | Breakeven Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Truck | AED 1,500 – 3,000 | AED 45,000 – 90,000 | 60% – 65% | 8 – 12 months |
| Burger / Street Food Truck | AED 2,500 – 5,000 | AED 75,000 – 150,000 | 55% – 60% | 6 – 9 months |
| Dessert Truck | AED 1,800 – 3,500 | AED 54,000 – 105,000 | 50% – 55% | 9 – 12 months |
| Fusion / Premium Cuisine Truck | AED 3,000 – 6,000 | AED 90,000 – 180,000 | 60% – 65% | 6 – 8 months |
These numbers assume:
- You operate 6 days a week (lunch & evening hours).
- Prime event participation during weekends and festivals.
- Stable location contracts (office parks, beach zones, or night markets).
Most food truck owners in Dubai break even within 8–12 months if they manage location partnerships and event calendars smartly. A strong brand presence and recurring clients can push profit margins to 25–35% after Year 1.
E) Choose the Right Legal Structure
Now that you’ve got your financial plan, decide how you’ll register your company.
Mainland Company
The most common choice for food trucks in Dubai. You can operate across all emirates, join events, and partner with private venues. Licensing and regulation fall under Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET). Perfect if you want to grow your brand or open multiple trucks later.
Free Zone Company
For free zone companies, registration is done under the Dubai free zone business setup and requires external permits (from DET and Dubai Municipality) to trade in public areas.
This jurisdiction is best for entrepreneurs who want to:
- Manage operations centrally,
- Own intellectual property rights, or
- Expand into catering, manufacturing, or franchising later.
EZONE can help you evaluate both structures and choose the one that best fits your business model and long-term goals.
F) Create a Business Plan for Licensing & Bank Accounts
A simple but professional business plan will:
- Help you open a corporate bank account.
- Support your visa and staff sponsorships.
- Make your approval process faster with DET.
Your plan should include:
- Executive summary of your food concept.
- Target market and location strategy.
- Menu overview and food safety outline.
- Financial forecast (1-year cash flow + profit projection).
- Marketing and growth plan.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Food Truck Licence in Dubai
Setting up a food truck in Dubai isn’t complicated once you know who’s involved. You’ll be dealing mainly with three authorities:
- Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) – your business licence.
- Dubai Municipality (DM) – food safety, layout approvals, and FoodWatch.
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) – vehicle activity permits.
Each plays a different role in getting your business street-ready. Let’s go step-by-step.
A) The Three-Stage Approval Process
Stage One – Business Licence
Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) handles your commercial registration and trade licence. This is your legal gateway to operate.
Process overview:
- Reserve trade name
- Choose activity
- Submit initial approval
- Secure vehicle concept approval
- Final licence issuance
Stage Two – Food Safety & Permits
The Dubai Municipality oversees all food-related businesses to ensure public health and hygiene compliance. You’ll be following the Dubai Food Code and registering on FoodWatch, its digital compliance system.
Key steps:
- Food Truck Layout Assessment
- Submit scaled drawings of your truck showing cooking line, sinks, storage, ventilation, and waste systems.
- DM engineers review for compliance with the Food Code before you fabricate or import the truck.
- FoodWatch Registration
- Register your establishment, menu, and locations on www.foodwatch.ae.
- Event applications and inspections are tracked here.
- Food Establishment Permit (Mobile Truck)
- Once your truck passes layout approval and inspection, apply for your food establishment permit.
- You’ll receive a permit number linked to your FoodWatch profile.
- Training & Food Safety Officer (Person in Charge)
- At least one certified Person-in-Charge (PIC) must be on duty at all times.
- Staff must complete DM-approved food-handling training.
- Transportation Permit
- If food is prepared elsewhere and transported to the truck, your transport vehicle needs a separate permit under the 2024 Food Transportation Guidelines.
Stage Three – Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
RTA regulates the activity by vehicle aspect, meaning any business selling goods or services from a moving vehicle.
You’ll need to:
- Apply for a Commercial Activity by Vehicle Permit.
- Provide your trade licence copy and vehicle registration details.
- Submit truck specifications (engine type, exhaust system, length, parking plan).
- Display your permit and ID inside the vehicle.
The RTA permit ensures your operations comply with safety, zoning, and mobility standards.
B) Document Checklist for Each Authority
| Authority | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) | – Passport copies of shareholders – Emirates ID (if resident) – Trade name reservation – Initial approval form – Business activity selection – Tenancy contract/vehicle details |
| Dubai Municipality (DM) | – Food Truck layout drawings – Equipment list & photos – FoodWatch registration details – PIC and staff training certificates – Vehicle details (for inspection) – Central kitchen NOC (if applicable) |
| Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) | – Trade licence copy – Vehicle registration – Vehicle dimensions/specifications – Parking plan/location permissions – Staff IDs & photos |
| Other Supporting Docs | – Fire Safety Certificate (from Civil Defence) – Generator specifications – Waste management plan |
Why Costs Matter More Than Creativity
Many entrepreneurs focus on branding and food before they understand operations. But in a city like Dubai, where event seasons, permits, and fuel prices fluctuate, cost control is your survival strategy.
Unlike a traditional restaurant, your truck can move. That flexibility is your edge. But it also means your success depends on managing variable costs like event fees, ingredients, and maintenance.
Location Strategy in Dubai
Your location determines your visibility and revenue. Here are the five most profitable types of locations for food trucks in Dubai:
- Event Venues: Festivals, markets, concerts, and exhibitions are the heart of Dubai’s food truck culture.
- Examples: Global Village, Truckers UAE events, Emirates Airline Festival, Winter Garden.
- Permits: FoodWatch-linked event approvals via Dubai Municipality + organizer’s permission.
- Tip: Apply early. Prime event spaces are often booked months ahead.
- Beaches & Parks: Kite Beach, JBR Walk, and Al Qudra Lake are high-traffic leisure zones ideal for food trucks.
- Permits: RTA + Dubai Municipality + site operator approval.
- Best for: Ice cream, juices, coffee, and quick snacks.
- Office & Business Districts: Busy office clusters like Business Bay, DIFC, and Dubai Internet City are great weekday hubs.
- Permits: DET + landlord or facility management approvals.
- Best for: Coffee, breakfast, or lunch trucks targeting professionals.
- Private Venues: Malls, private campuses, universities, and hospitals often host rotating food trucks for variety.
- Permits: Private landlord agreement and Dubai Municipality inspection.
- Tip: These spots provide stable weekday income.
- Pop-Ups & Collaborations: Partnering with event planners, gyms, or lifestyle brands helps you reach specific audiences.
- Best for: Brand awareness and testing new menu items.
Legal & Operational Compliance
Once you’re running, compliance is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. At EZONE (as one of the best business setup services companies in Dubai), we help ensure your food truck stays fully aligned with Dubai’s regulatory standards by guiding you to:
- Renew your DET trade licence annually.
- Update FoodWatch with any staff or menu changes.
- Maintain daily food-temperature logs and cleaning schedules.
- Ensure your PIC certificate and food-handler training are current.
- Keep the RTA permit displayed and renew it before expiry.
- Prepare for random DM inspections. Inspectors may check temperature probes, pest control records, and staff certifications.
In Conclusion
Starting a food truck business in Dubai is one of the most exciting ways to enter the city’s food industry.
You get the thrill of serving diverse crowds, testing new flavours, and building a mobile brand without the huge cost of a restaurant.
But success on wheels needs more than great food. It takes strategy, structure, and the right guidance from people who understand Dubai’s business setup.
Contact EZONE experts today and get your mobile business rolling in just a few weeks.
FAQ’s about Food Truck Business in Dubai
Yes. Every food truck operates as its own unit, which means each vehicle requires a separate trade licence, technical inspection, and permit. However, you can register all trucks under one parent company to simplify ownership, accounting, and management.
Spaces at major events fill up fast, so early registration is essential. You’ll need to apply through FoodWatch and follow the application guidelines set by each event organizer. Some events also require menu approval, past performance references, and proof of hygiene compliance.
Yes, you can own the business under a free zone company structure, but the actual truck cannot operate publicly without mainland approvals. You must still obtain DET permits, Dubai Municipality food safety clearance, and location/event permissions.
No. Alcohol sales are strictly limited to licensed venues like hotels, bars, and specific outlets. Mobile food vendors cannot apply for alcohol permits, regardless of business structure or event location.
