30 Sep 2025
By Vista CorpDubai has always been known for its luxury dining and world-class restaurants, but in recent years, food trucks have carved out their own space in the city’s food culture. From gourmet burgers at festivals to speciality coffee trucks parked near events, mobile kitchens are thriving. For entrepreneurs, this represents a golden opportunity: lower overhead compared to restaurants, high visibility, and a chance to test unique concepts.
But here’s the truth: starting a food truck in Dubai isn’t as simple as buying a van and cooking food. The city has very clear Dubai food truck license requirements involving multiple authorities, inspections, and approvals. You’ll need licenses from the DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism), health approvals from Dubai Municipality, road permits from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and compliance with safety standards such as HACCP certification for a food truck in Dubai.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from costs, permits, health inspections, the step-by-step process, documents, and regulations, so you won’t have to search anywhere else.
Key Highlights About Food Truck Permits in Dubai
- Two Types of Permits: Dubai offers separate permits for mobile food trucks (event-based or roaming) and non-mobile food trucks (fixed locations with contracts).
- Advance Application for Events: If you plan to join an event, you must apply for your food truck permit at least three working days in advance.
- Eligibility Linked to Existing Licenses: Only licensed food businesses with good municipal inspection grades (A, B, or C) and no major violations are eligible to apply.
- Detailed Layout Plans Required: Applicants must submit a floor plan showing preparation, storage, and waste handling areas to pass food safety checks.
- Multi-Department Approvals Needed: In addition to Dubai Municipality, approvals from planning, drainage, and property owners (via NOC) may also be required.
- Mandatory FoodWatch Registration: All food trucks must be registered on Dubai’s FoodWatch platform, either as a new entity or a sub-entity under an existing one.
- Quick Approvals but Varying Validity: Straightforward permits can be approved within a day, but validity differs: event permits last only for the event, while non-mobile permits may last up to a year.
Why Start a Food Truck in Dubai?
Food trucks are no longer just a passing trend; they’re a smart entry point into Dubai’s ever-evolving food culture. With the city pushing toward innovation and lifestyle-driven experiences in 2025, mobile kitchens are more relevant than ever. Here’s why:
Flexibility and Mobility
Food trucks let you take your brand directly to your customers. With the right food truck parking permit in Dubai, you can position yourself at beaches, business districts, or buzzing festivals. Unlike restaurants tied to a single location, you can move where the demand is strongest.
A Diverse and Growing Customer Base
Dubai’s population is constantly expanding, while tourism remains one of the city’s strongest economic pillars. From office workers on weekday lunch breaks to international visitors at events, the demand for quick, unique, and high-quality food options continues to grow.
Trend-Driven Dining Culture
2025 is shaping Dubai’s food industry around experiences, not just meals. Customers now look for Instagrammable dishes, unique flavours, and fusion concepts. Food trucks can quickly adapt to these trends without the limitations of traditional restaurant setups.
Digital-First Operations
With Dubai’s adoption of cashless payments and smart city initiatives, running a food truck is easier than ever. Mobile ordering apps, QR menus, and seamless delivery integrations allow trucks to serve tech-savvy customers who expect convenience.
Sustainability and Community Appeal
Consumers in 2025 are increasingly drawn to eco-conscious brands. Food trucks have the advantage of smaller footprints, reduced overhead, and the ability to showcase sustainable packaging or locally sourced ingredients, making them relatable to modern values.
Scalable Concept
Many successful brands in Dubai started as food trucks before expanding into cafés, restaurants, or franchises. A truck lets you test your idea, build loyal customers, and scale with confidence.
Dubai Food Truck License Requirements
Before you apply, you need to understand the Dubai food truck regulations. Multiple government bodies are involved:
- DET (Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism): Issues the trade license for a food truck in Dubai, giving your business its legal identity.
- Dubai Municipality: Conducts the Dubai food truck health inspection and issues approvals for hygiene, food handling, and kitchen layout.
- RTA (Roads and Transport Authority): Issues the RTA food truck permit in Dubai, allowing your truck to operate on roads and public spaces.
- Food Control Department: Provides a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for your food concept.
- HACCP Certification: A mandatory certification ensuring your food preparation and storage process meets global safety standards.
In addition, you must comply with food truck safety standards in Dubai. These cover everything from ventilation systems to LPG tank placement and fire safety equipment. The city takes public health seriously, and failure to comply can result in fines or closure.
In short, you’ll need a trade license, health permits, HACCP certification, RTA approvals, and a parking permit before you can operate legally.
Preparing Your Business Plan
One of the most overlooked parts of the process is the business plan. Authorities, such as the DET and Dubai Municipality, often require you to submit a plan before granting approvals. This is not just a formality; it’s your chance to demonstrate that your food truck is viable, safe, and contributes to Dubai’s culinary scene.
Concept and Cuisine
Define your idea clearly. Are you offering gourmet burgers, authentic shawarma, vegan bowls, speciality coffee, or desserts? Your Dubai mobile kitchen license application will be stronger if your concept is unique and matches current food trends. Remember, Dubai’s customer base is diverse, so highlight how your food will appeal to locals, tourists, and professionals alike.
Menu Structure
Include a sample menu with details about ingredients, cooking methods, and preparation times. This shows authorities you’ve considered hygiene, efficiency, and customer demand. For example, dishes that can be prepared quickly work better for high-traffic events. The menu is also important for HACCP certification of food trucks in Dubai, since inspectors evaluate how food is stored and prepared.
Truck Layout
Provide a detailed floor plan of your food truck. This should show cooking zones, refrigeration units, storage areas, and serving counters. A well-designed layout is essential for passing the Dubai food truck health inspection, as it proves you can handle food safely and avoid cross-contamination.
Location Strategy
Explain where you plan to operate. Will you focus on beaches, family-friendly parks, business districts, or seasonal festivals? Mention how you’ll secure a food truck parking permit in Dubai and how your mobility will help you reach different audiences.
Financials
Instead of fixed numbers, outline your financial strategy: expected setup expenses, ongoing operating costs (staff salaries, fuel, ingredients), and projected ROI. Highlight factors that affect costs, such as truck size, kitchen equipment, and permits like the RTA food truck permit in Dubai. This shows you’ve thought about the financial sustainability of your business.
Example: If you want to start a gourmet burger truck, include details about sourcing meat, refrigeration methods, kitchen equipment, and customer service approach. The more detailed your plan, the smoother your approval process will be.
Dubai Food Truck License Step-by-Step
Here’s a Dubai food truck license step-by-step process:
Step 1: Decide on Your Business Structure
The first step in starting a food truck business is choosing the right business structure. You’ll need to decide whether to register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or company.
Another key decision is whether to operate in Mainland Dubai or in a Free Zone. Each option has different rules, benefits, and licensing requirements. Mainland Dubai gives you more flexibility in where you can operate, while some free zones may offer cost advantages but limit where your truck can serve.
Step 2: Apply for a Food Truck Permit
Next, apply for a food truck permit in Dubai through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). This permit establishes your business as a legal entity and ensures compliance with local regulations. Your application will include essential details such as your trade name, business activities, and intended business location.
Step 3: Meet Health and Safety Standards
Before your food truck can operate, it must comply with the Dubai Municipality food truck license requirements. This involves passing inspections related to food handling, storage, and hygiene. Authorities will check whether your truck layout, equipment, and preparation methods meet approved safety standards designed to protect customers’ health.
Step 4: Obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC)
The Food Control Department under Dubai Municipality requires a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). This confirms that your food truck complies with all food safety and hygiene regulations. Without this certificate, you cannot proceed to obtain your food truck license in the UAE.
Step 5: Secure a Trade License
Once your initial approvals are in place, you can apply for your official Dubai food truck trade license from the DET. This license formally registers your business and gives you the legal right to operate across Dubai. The DET will issue the license after reviewing your application, activity classification, and compliance with local laws.
Step 6: Vehicle Inspection by RTA
Your food truck must pass an inspection by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Inspectors will check whether the vehicle meets transport and safety requirements for mobile kitchens. This includes food storage capacity, ventilation, fire safety, and overall roadworthiness. Approval from RTA is critical to completing the Dubai mobile food license process.
Step 7: Choose and Approve Your Operating Location
Food trucks in Dubai cannot operate just anywhere. You’ll need to choose an approved location, such as designated food truck zones, events, or private spaces with landlord approval. In many cases, this also means applying for a food truck parking permit in Dubai. Always confirm location-specific requirements before setting up.
Step 8: Get Business Insurance
It’s strongly recommended to secure business insurance, especially liability insurance, to protect your operations. Insurance helps cover risks such as accidents, damages, or unforeseen incidents involving your food truck, staff, or customers.
Step 9: Launch and Start Operations
Once you’ve completed all the above steps, permits, inspections, approvals, and trade license, you’re ready to launch. With your Dubai food truck operating permit in hand, you can begin serving customers. Just remember to stay compliant with Dubai food truck regulations, renew your permits on time, and maintain strict safety standards to ensure smooth operations.
Health Approvals & HACCP Certification
Food safety is at the heart of Dubai’s food truck ecosystem. Before you can operate, you’ll need to secure HACCP certification for a food truck in Dubai. HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is an internationally recognised system that ensures food is handled, stored, and prepared safely.
The certification process involves:
- A detailed inspection of your mobile kitchen license layout.
- Verification of food storage, refrigeration, and preparation zones.
- Training for staff on hygiene and safety practices.
- Issuance of HACCP certificates for both your central kitchen (if used) and the truck itself.
In addition, you must pass the Dubai food truck health inspection. Inspectors will check flooring, water supply, waste disposal, ventilation, fire safety equipment, and overall cleanliness.
Without HACCP and health approvals, your Dubai Municipality food truck license cannot be issued.
RTA Approval & Parking Permits
Because food trucks operate on roads and public spaces, the RTA food truck permit in Dubai is mandatory. The RTA ensures your vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and suitable for food service.
The RTA process includes:
- Vehicle Inspection: Modified trucks must pass road safety and design checks.
- Branding Approval: Since food trucks are mobile advertisements, RTA must approve your logo and design.
- Parking Permit: You cannot park your truck anywhere. A food truck parking permit in Dubai specifies designated zones and events where you’re allowed to operate.
Examples of permitted areas include beaches, parks, business districts, and major events like food festivals. Parking outside approved zones or blocking roads can lead to fines.
The RTA permit ties directly into your Dubai mobile food license process. Without it, your truck will not be allowed to serve customers on public property.
Documents Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive list of documents required when applying for the Dubai food truck permit:
- Passport copies of shareholders.
- Visa and Emirates ID (if applicable).
- Trade name reservation certificate.
- Business plan with truck layout.
- NOC from the Food Control Department.
- HACCP certification documents.
- Vehicle registration certificate.
- Insurance documents (vehicle + liability).
- Lease contract (if operating from a fixed location).
- Approval from Dubai Municipality for health standards.
- RTA branding approval.
Each authority may request additional paperwork. A missing or incomplete document is the most common reason for delays, so it’s best to double-check the requirements with DET, Municipality, and RTA before submitting.
Dubai Food Truck Regulations & Safety Standards
Operating a food truck in Dubai means strict compliance with regulations. Key rules include:
- Food Truck Safety Standards in Dubai: Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, non-slip flooring, and proper LPG tank installation.
- Hygiene Standards: Clean uniforms, gloves, masks, and regular pest control.
- Operating Zones: You can only operate in areas specified in your Dubai food truck operating permit.
- Branding Rules: All logos and designs must be RTA-approved.
- License Renewals: Both your Dubai food truck trade license and permits must be renewed annually.
Penalties for non-compliance include heavy fines, suspension, or even cancellation of licenses. Dubai authorities are very strict about food safety, so compliance is non-negotiable.
Your Food Truck Starter Pack: Inventory & Equipment You’ll Need
Getting the license is exciting, but let’s be honest, you can’t serve shawarma from the back of an empty van. You’ll need to stock up your truck with the right gear before you roll out.
Kitchen Gear (Your Truck’s Superpowers)
- Grills, fryers, or ovens (because cold burgers won’t cut it).
- Refrigerators & freezers to keep your food fresh.
- Hot-holding units to serve piping-hot meals.
- Ventilation systems so your truck smells like food heaven, not a smoke machine.
Prep & Storage (The Unsung Heroes)
- Stainless steel counters (easy to clean, looks pro).
- Shelves and sealed containers for all the secret sauces and spices.
- Water tanks & sinks because “wash your hands” isn’t optional in Dubai.
Serving Essentials (Customer-Ready Mode)
- Eco-friendly plates, cups, and cutlery (Dubai loves sustainability).
- POS system for cashless payments (because no one carries coins in 2025).
- Menu board or digital screen to show off your creations.
Safety & Hygiene (Because Rules are Rules)
- Fire extinguisher (mandatory and smart).
- First aid kit for minor oops moments.
- Gloves, uniforms, and hairnets (stylish? Not really. Necessary? Absolutely).
- Waste bins with lids because overflowing trash is not a vibe.
Pro Tip: Inspectors from Dubai Municipality and RTA will check all this, so make sure your setup looks more “professional kitchen” than “weekend camping trip.
Final Takeaway
Starting a food truck in Dubai is an exciting business opportunity, but it requires more than a truck and a recipe. To succeed, you must navigate a process that includes a DET trade license, HACCP certification, Dubai Municipality food truck license, and RTA permits. Each step ensures safety, hygiene, and proper operation, protecting both customers and business owners.
With compliance in place, the food truck industry offers high returns, flexibility, and a chance to make your mark on Dubai’s dynamic food scene.
How Vista Business Setup Can Help You
Starting a food truck in Dubai is exciting, but navigating the approvals, permits, and inspections can feel overwhelming. That’s where Vista Business Setup comes in.
From securing your trade license for a food truck in Dubai to handling Dubai Municipality health approvals, HACCP certification, and RTA food truck permits, our team ensures every step is done smoothly and on time. We don’t just help you with paperwork; we guide you through location selection, compliance with regulations, and even business strategy so your food truck is ready to launch without delays.
With years of experience in helping entrepreneurs succeed in Dubai, Vista Business Setup takes the complexity out of the process so you can focus on what matters most: creating amazing food and building your brand.
Ready to turn your food truck idea into reality? Contact Vista Business Setup today and let us help you hit the road with confidence.
FAQs About Food Truck License in Dubai
Q1. How to get a food truck license in Dubai?
To get a license, follow the Dubai mobile food license process: apply for a DET trade license, secure HACCP certification, pass Municipality health inspection, obtain RTA permits, and finally get your food truck parking permit.
Q2. What is the cost of a food truck license in Dubai?
The food truck license cost in Dubai varies based on different variables. The total cost to set up (including the truck itself, branding, fit-out, equipment, kitchen, permits, approvals, and initial working capital) is usually AED 150,000–300,000 or more, depending on quality, modifications, and location.
Q3. What is a Dubai mobile kitchen license?
It’s another term for a food truck license. It allows you to operate a mobile kitchen on wheels, provided you meet safety and health standards.
Q4. Do I need HACCP certification for my food truck?
Yes, HACCP certification is mandatory for both central kitchens and food trucks in Dubai. It ensures your food handling process is safe.
Q5. Can I park my food truck anywhere in Dubai?
No. You must have a valid food truck parking permit in Dubai, which specifies where you can operate legally.
Q6. How long does the Dubai mobile food license process take?
If your documents are in order, approvals can take 2–4 weeks. Delays happen if documents are incomplete or if your truck fails health/RTA inspections.
Q7. What happens if I violate Dubai food truck regulations?
Violations such as poor hygiene, parking in unauthorised zones, or unsafe equipment can result in fines, suspension, or cancellation of your Dubai food truck operating permit. Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional business, legal, or financial advice. The business regulations in Dubai and the UAE are subject to change. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific situation. Any action you take based on this information is at your own risk.
