A new proposal – the ‘Food Truck - Bahrain’ project – has emerged as a potentially innovative model blending entrepreneurship, tourism and culture, as Bahrain accelerates efforts to enhance tourism and stimulate its local economy.
Inspired by successful regional ventures such as Last Exit in Dubai, the initiative envisions transforming designated government or private land into a modern, fully equipped destination for food trucks, offering visitors a safe, clean and family-friendly experience.
The proposal, spearheaded by Ahmed Al Salloom, president of the Strategic Thinking Bloc and chairman of Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee, has been formally submitted to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam.
It seeks to establish organised spaces across Bahrain where food trucks can operate under unified safety and hygiene regulations, supported by the private sector and monitored by the relevant authorities.
“This project represents a forward-looking step in diversifying Bahrain’s economic and tourism landscape,” said Mr Al Salloom, who is also a Bahrain Chamber board member and Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society chairman.
“By providing properly equipped and regulated spaces, we can support Bahraini entrepreneurs – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – while offering citizens and visitors a vibrant new destination that reflects our national identity.”
The Food Truck - Bahrain concept focuses on utilising prepared land plots equipped with all essential services, including electricity, water, sewage, and smart waste-sorting containers.
The sites would also feature lighting, security systems, seating areas, plus a space for events.
A public-private partnership model is at the core of the initiative: the government would provide land and basic infrastructure, while the private sector would handle operations, management and investment in facilities. Food truck owners would, in turn, pay nominal fees for access and services.
The Capital Trustees Board has endorsed its own version of the proposal presented by technical committee chairman Mubarak Al Nuaimi. However, its chairman Saleh Tarradah believes that Mr Al Salloom’s concept was broader and the board’s proposal could enrich it.
“The goal is to bring order and quality to the food truck sector,” explained Mr Al Nuaimi. “We aim to create well-managed areas that comply with strict hygiene and safety standards, supported by camera surveillance and co-ordination with Civil Defence for fire and emergency response.”
Mr Al Nuaimi emphasised that the project’s design would highlight Bahraini culture and aesthetics, incorporating traditional architectural themes, handicraft markets and family-friendly spaces.
“This is not just about food trucks – it’s about creating an authentic Bahraini experience that promotes our heritage while embracing modern lifestyle trends,” he added. “Such destinations have proven to attract youth, families and tourists, and we believe Bahrain can offer its own distinctive version.”
The proposal has already gained strong support from municipal leaders, including the Southern Municipal Council, which has formally endorsed the initiative. Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif described the project as a ‘strategic opportunity’ that aligns with Bahrain’s broader goals for economic diversification and urban development.
“The ‘Food Truck - Bahrain’ project embodies the spirit of innovation and partnership,” Mr Abdullatif said. “It will create new job opportunities for young Bahrainis, generate income for both the public and private sectors, and contribute to a cleaner, safer and more organised food service environment.”
Mr Abdullatif added that the council supports allocating suitable spaces in the Southern Governorate to pilot the concept, noting that its success could serve as a model for other parts of the country.
“We envision these sites becoming lively community hubs that bring people together while supporting local business,” he said. “It’s a win-win for the economy, tourism and the community.”
If approved, he added, the Food Truck - Bahrain project is expected to regulate a growing sector that has seen increased popularity among young entrepreneurs and visitors in recent years.
Proponents say it could also help position Bahrain as a modern, culturally rich destination in the Gulf, combining economic opportunity with national pride.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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