Food Truck License, Dubai, UAE
DET trade licence, Dubai Municipality approval, RTA vehicle permit and location approval, mapped out step by step.
Free, no-obligation consultation on your approval checklist.
A Dubai food truck needs sign-off from several authorities before it can trade legally, a DET trade licence for the business itself, Dubai Municipality food safety approval for the kitchen setup, an RTA vehicle permit confirming the truck's modifications and roadworthiness, and location permission from whoever controls the site, such as Dubai Holding, Meraas, a mall, community or event organiser. Licensing costs covering the trade licence, Dubai Municipality approval and RTA permit vary by setup, contact our team for a tailored quote, excluding the truck and fit-out itself, which is a separate major cost.
Why It Matters
A food truck in Dubai is one of the more affordable ways into the F&B market, but it needs sign-off from several different authorities before it can legally trade, a DET trade licence, Dubai Municipality food safety approval, an RTA vehicle permit for the truck itself, and permission from whoever owns the land or event you want to operate on. Missing any one of these means you cannot legally park and serve, however good your food is.
The Approval Chain
The core business licence covering your food truck activity, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Food safety inspection and sign-off on your kitchen layout, equipment and hygiene practices.
Confirms your truck's structural, gas and electrical modifications meet UAE vehicle safety standards.
Approval from Dubai Holding, Meraas, a mall, community or event owner for where you plan to operate.
Before You Apply
Confirm your truck's kitchen, gas and electrical setup meets both DM and RTA requirements.
Confirm your menu fits within your licensed food truck activity scope.
Identify which locations or events you want to operate at and their approval process.
Arrange food safety training and occupational health cards for your team.
Getting Started
Define your food truck concept and confirm the correct licence activity.
Submit your preferred company name for approval.
File your food truck trade licence application with supporting documents.
Modify your vehicle to meet kitchen, gas, electrical and safety requirements.
Pass food safety inspection and receive municipality sign-off.
Have your truck inspected and approved for roadworthiness.
Apply for permission at your chosen sites or events.
Begin operating once all four approvals are in place.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licensing setup range (excludes truck) | Varies by setup, contact us for a tailored quote |
| Truck purchase and fit-out | Separate major cost, varies widely by size and equipment |
| Required approvals | DET trade licence, Dubai Municipality, RTA vehicle permit, location approval |
| Emirate-specific rules | Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi each run separate approval processes |
| Ongoing costs | Location fees, staff health cards, maintenance and fuel |
No verified price figure is published for the trade licence, Dubai Municipality approval and RTA vehicle permit combined, a custom quote is required, and this excludes the truck and fit-out cost itself. Confirm current pricing directly with our team before budgeting a total.
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