Are you thinking about starting your very own food truck in Dubai? You’re not the only one! We get tons of questions about how to get a food truck business license in Dubai and across the UAE. That’s why we decided to make this guide super simple, so you can easily understand what to do. So, let’s get started!
Food Truck Concept in Dubai
A food truck is like a mini restaurant on wheels! It’s a mobile kitchen where you can prepare and serve food to customers at different locations. Think of it as a restaurant that can go wherever the crowd is - whether it’s a festival, a busy street, or a community event.
But here’s something important to know: In Dubai, you can’t just park your food truck anywhere and start selling. You need to have a proper license and a permit to operate in a specific location. For non-movable food trucks, you’ll need approval for a fixed spot, like a designated area in a residential community or a private property.
If you want to change the location, you’ll need a new permit or an NOC from the landlord for the new spot. So, it’s not as simple as selling food wherever you like!
Now, how is a food truck different from a regular restaurant? Let’s make it simple:
Mobility:
Restaurants are fixed in one place, but a food truck can move around and set up shop (with permits) in various locations.
Lower Costs:
Food trucks require less investment compared to a full-fledged restaurant. No need to pay for a big space or fancy interiors.
Flexibility:
With a food truck, you can adapt to customer demand and shift to locations where the crowd is. Restaurants don’t have that option.
Outdoor Vibes:
Food trucks bring a fun, casual vibe. Customers love grabbing food outdoors and enjoying it right there or on the go.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting and budget-friendly way to enter the food business, a food truck might be your perfect match! Just make sure you follow the rules given below and get the right permits to get started.
Two Types of Food Truck Permits – Which One Fits You?
First, let’s talk about the two types of food truck license you can get. It’s important to know where your food truck will be and what kind of permit you need:
Event-Based Food Trucks
If you want to set up your food truck at a special event, this is the option for you! Let’s say there’s a concert, festival, or market, and you want to serve food there – you can apply for an event-based food truck permit. But, there’s one thing you need to remember: You must apply for this permit at least 3 working days before the event. Not too hard, right?
Non-Mobile Food Trucks
If you want your food truck to stay in one spot all year round (not moving around), this is the option you’re looking for. You can set up your food truck on private property or public property (if allowed by the Dubai Municipality). A great place to set up your truck is in community residential areas, where there are designated spaces for food trucks. These permits are given out annually, which means you can stay in the same spot for a whole year.
Want to know more about the costs and how to apply? Get in touch with one of our team members today!
Non-Event Food Truck Registration – What’s the Process?
You must be wondering how to register your non-event food truck that will be parked in one place throughout the year. Well, here’s the simple process:
First, you’ll need a business license from Dubai. You’ll also need a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your landlord. This just means that the landlord says it’s okay for you to park your truck on their property.
Get approvals from the Dubai Municipality Planning Department and Drainage Department (if needed).
After that, the permit officers will do a Layout Assessment at Al Kifaf Center, and you’ll need their approval before starting construction or operations.
What Are the Requirements for Non-Movable Food Trucks?
Here’s a quick list of what you need to know for setting up a non-mobile food truck:
1. You’ll need a formal space contract with the owner of the location where your truck will be.
2. Your food truck needs to be registered on FoodWatch.
3. If you’re getting food from another supplier, both the truck and the supplier must be registered separately.
4. If your food truck is part of a bigger food business, it must be registered as a sub-entity under the main business.
5. Your food establishment must have an inspection grade of A, B, or C, with no major violations.
Food Truck License Cost in Dubai Mainland
Wondering how much it costs to get a food truck license? The cost usually ranges between AED 12,000 to AED 15,000, but it depends on things like the market fee, the number of business partners, and what activities you want to include in your license.
Need a breakdown of all the costs, including visa fees? Get in touch with our team for a complete guide!
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Food Truck
Ready to get your food truck business up and running? Here’s a step-by-step guide for registering your food truck in Dubai Mainland: The process is similar of forming any LLC in Dubai, at first you have to register a food establishment in Dubai Mainland and after that you will get food truck permit for specific location from Dubai Municipality. Below are the steps on how to register food establishment in Dubai Mainland.
Decide on Your Business Activity:
First, pick what your food truck will do – sell food, cater events, or both.
Select Your Trade Name:
Choose a fun, catchy name for your food truck that’s easy to remember.
Get Initial Approval:
Get initial approval from Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) for your business.
Get a Lease Contract:
You’ll need a lease contract for the location where your truck will be parked.
Prepare MoA (Memorandum of Association):
If you have partners, make sure to prepare your MoA or AoA to outline how the business will operate.
Pay the License Fee:
Once everything is in place, pay the license fee to get your official business license.
And just like that, your food establishment is ready!
Get Approval from Dubai Municipality for Food Truck
Once your business is set up, you’ll need approval from Dubai Municipality. They’ll make sure everything is in line with the city’s rules for health and safety, so your customers stay safe while enjoying your food.
Register on FoodWatch
Don’t forget to register on FoodWatch. This is where you’ll keep everything about your food truck in check and make sure you’re following all the health and safety standards required in Dubai.
The Food Truck Business Opportunity – Why It’s Better Than a Restaurant!
Starting a food truck is a great opportunity, especially in Dubai! It’s cheaper than opening a full restaurant and gives you the flexibility to move around and join different events. Plus, you won’t have to worry about paying for a big restaurant space, and you can start with a much lower investment. Sounds good, right?
Ready to Start Your Food Truck Journey?
If you’re ready to set up your food truck in Dubai, get in touch with CSPzone today! We’ve helped many businesses get started in the UAE, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today, and let’s make this process easy and stress-free. WhatsApp now +971504655861, or reach by email info@cspzone.com
