Introduction
Food is one of the most lucrative industries in Dubai, driven by millions of tourists and a large expat population seeking affordable, high-quality meals. Food trucks play a vital role in this culinary landscape, offering mobility and cost-effective business models. However, starting a food truck business requires effort, long hours, and compliance with strict regulations.
Why Start a Food Truck Business in Dubai?
Dubai’s food truck industry is booming for several reasons:
- Cost-Effective Setup: Lower infrastructure costs compared to traditional restaurants.
- Flexibility: Ability to move to areas with higher demand.
- Unique Offerings: Many food trucks serve regional specialties unavailable in restaurants.
- Supportive Regulations: Authorities allow parking in high-traffic areas, making it easier to attract customers.
Key Steps to Start a Food Truck Business
1. Present your business plan.
Submission of your business proposal to the Department of Economic Development is the first step to establishing a food truck company. The plan must be comprehensive and well-structured. It should contain your action plan, budget, and concept. Authorities will be convinced that you can successfully operate your food business in a cutthroat market by your business plan.
2. Get the Certification in HACCP
Getting a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point(HACCP), certificate is the next stage. This is a health and safety certificate. HACCP is divided into two groups. The layout of your central kitchen is approved by the first one. The second is the blueprint, which details your food truck’s layout. These certifications guarantee the complete safety of your food truck and kitchen for both customers and goods.
3. Choose a Proper Location
Selecting and obtaining approval for your preferred location is the next stage. Food trucks are mobile businesses, but that doesn’t mean you can set up shop wherever in Dubai and sell food. Any location where you plan to conduct business requires a permit. Both private and public sites can obtain permits. Public space permits are issued by RTA. But if it’s a private location, you’ll need a rental agreement with the space’s owner.
4. Choose and Purchase the Ideal Truck
Now you have to get a truck that meets your demands. You will need to get your truck approved by the relevant authorities. The design of your vehicle should fit your kitchen and have enough ventilation to manage heat.
5. Start a Food Truck Company in Dubai
You can begin running your food truck business in Dubai after DED grants you a license following clearance!
Important Considerations
- It’s crucial to remember that the legislation prohibits food trucks from being used for food preparation if you wish to start up your business in the United Arab Emirates. This implies that the food you plan to serve needs to be prepared in a different kitchen that complies with HACCP standards.
- You can heat, plate, and serve in the area the food truck provides. Remember that for your main food preparation procedures, you will probably need to rent a non-mobile kitchen space.
- Make sure that all external kitchen management and expenses are covered by the business setup fee before registering your food truck and opening for business in the United Arab Emirates.
- You will have to pay rent, which varies, if you choose to operate your business in a private area like a mall.
How Much Does a Dubai Food Truck Business License Cost?
Several factors will determine the exact amount of capital required to start a food truck business in Dubai. Your preferred location, the cuisine you want to offer, and the design and layout of the truck will all affect the price. Nonetheless, the sector as a whole agrees that paying license fees and starting your business with a properly equipped car costs about AED 220,000.
Although it’s not a small amount, it’s a lot less than what it would cost to operate a typical restaurant. The good news is that ROI is typically instantaneous, even though early costs may be high. Many food truck owners in Dubai assert that they began turning a profit about six months after starting their businesses.
Unicorn Global Solutions streamlines the process of getting a food truck business in Dubai by providing clear insights into the attainment of all necessary licenses, the associated costs, and the step-by-step processes that are required. Given the popularity of unique food ideas in Dubai, we also help young entrepreneurs with legal requirements; trade license application, food safety permit, and vehicle permit. Our step-by-step approach will ensure that you don’t have a hassle in setting up and saves you precious time and effort while keeping you in compliance with the regulations of Dubai. Get in touch today on WhatsApp or by phone for one-to-one help in launching your food truck business successfully.
