Special
Free
Start Your
Special
Free
Start Your
Special
Free
Start Your
+971 56 408 6728
WhatsApp
As Dubai gains recognition all around the globe for its food experience due to its wide range of gastronomic experiences which are not limited to luxury restaurants but also the availability of food trucks in Dubai, the food truck business has become a thriving and bustling entrepreneurial dream for many. To make matters easy, here we have curated How to Get a Food Truck License in Dubai for those entrepreneurs who wish to set up a food truck business in Dubai.
The rise in popularity of the food truck industry is the growing demand within the United Arab Emirates for great food at affordable prices. Getting set up with a food truck is a low-cost business setup in UAE since you do not need a fixed premises cafeteria or restaurant.
Opening a food truck business is a flexible option that helps you to build and grow rather than committing to expensive long-term leases.
However, when it comes to obtaining a food truck license, it’s not easy. You have to meet high standards when it comes to hygiene and safety standards, and your application must be approved by the four independent bodies before you begin to trade.
Also read How to Start a Food and Beverage Business in Dubai.
Getting a Food Truck License in Dubai
Setting up Your Food Truck
Setting up a food truck business in the UAE requires lesser capital when compared to opening a full-fledged restaurant in Dubai. You can either lease or own a truck of your own. When it comes to the rent, it is also cheaper when compared to renting a place.
You must also choose a company name, keeping in mind the strict naming conventions in the UAE. Avoid using offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid abbreviations and names of other well-known organizations.
After this, you can start obtaining the approvals needed for you to start trading. For you to be able to get a food truck license, you will need approvals from all the four independent bodies listed below:
- Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Dubai Municipality
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Submit a Compelling Business Plan
Next, you have to submit a business plan to both the Dubai Municipality and the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Before you dive and plan on buying a food truck or preparing the menu, you need to have a strong and compelling business model to submit in writing to the Dubai Municipality and the DED (Department of Economic Development).
Your business model must showcase your idea, plan of action, and financial outlays. It should be convincing for the government entities to believe that your business idea will work.
Include details like how you will fund your startup, how you are planning to manage it, and how you plan on scaling it up. Remember to consider the market and regulatory risks and other variables that can adversely affect your business. You must also have a plan for reserving cash, in case you face a problem with cash flow.
In the United Arab Emirates, business plans must be thoroughly researched before submission if you want to set up your business for success.
You also need to get approvals from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). After securing all these approvals, you can apply to the DED. You will need:
- Completed application form
- Two colored passport-size photos
- Passport copy of the proposed owner/owners
- Proof of approval and certifications
Get Approval From HACCP for Your Food Truck
To operate food trucks in Dubai and the UAE, you must obtain the two most important health and safety certifications.
First and foremost, you have to obtain Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification which is given for the layout of the central kitchen. This document is an important certification for food truck owners if any cuisine prep happens on site. You also need to get a certificate for the blueprint of your design and the fit-out of your food truck.
The HACCP certificate provides safety assurance on the consumption of the products that you intend to sell. This is based on the identification, control, and elimination of the risky and hazardous factors that can adversely affect your products.
Once the HACCP certificate is obtained, it must be approved by the government. Only after these government approvals can you start your trade.
Cost of Food Truck License
You can either get a commercial or professional license based on your requirements. The approximate cost of a food truck license is AED 13,000 for a professional license and AED 19,000 for a commercial food truck license.
This cost includes the following:
- Company name
- Court sign
- License
- Stamp
- RTA
- Tasheel fees
If you are planning to open a food truck business in Dubai, you need all these certifications and approvals for you to start trading.
Also, read how business setup consultants in Dubai can help you.
Are You Ready to Open Your Food Truck Business?
Hopefully, it is clear from the above lines How to Get a Food Truck License in Dubai. With the right knowledge, you can have your business truck approved in a matter of time.
If your application is complete at the time of submission and free of errors, it becomes easy for you to get approval. However, if it isn’t like that, it can be quite problematic.
To ensure that your application process goes smooth and straightforward, seek the help of business setup consultants in Dubai. A&A Associate in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates is the best business setup consultant in Dubai. We can help and guide you in setting up a business in Dubai. We provide a whole range of services like auditing, legal, accounting, and management consulting solutions to make your business journey smooth.
Contact us to get our help and guidance with your business endeavors in Dubai.
