Bahrain’s fast-growing food truck scene is set for a major transformation, after the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry formally approved a comprehensive proposal to establish designated, fully-serviced zones across the kingdom.
The initiative – known as the ‘Food Truck - Bahrain’ project – aims to blend entrepreneurship, tourism and cultural identity by turning government or private land into professionally managed, family-friendly destinations similar to Dubai’s popular Last Exit model.
The ministry’s approval was conveyed in an official letter from Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to the Capital Trustees Board, confirming that the project has now moved into the implementation phase.
Mr Al Mubarak
“The ministry supports this initiative and has no objection to its objectives. It represents a positive step that will stimulate commercial activity and support Bahraini small businesses,” Mr Al Mubarak stated in the letter, noting that the executive branch has prioritised the matter in co-ordination with the ministerial committee for development projects and infrastructure.
He added that an initial framework for regulating food trucks has already been prepared, including identifying fixed sites in all governorates and developing an electronic system that will allow food-truck owners to easily apply for site reservations and licensing.
“We are currently co-ordinating with all relevant authorities to finalise the requirements, and the mechanism will be announced once procedures are complete,” the minister said.
The proposal was spearheaded by MP Ahmed Al Salloom, president of the Strategic Thinking Bloc and chairman of Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee. His concept expands the traditional idea of food trucks by integrating tourism, community recreation and national branding.
“This project is a forward-looking step in diversifying Bahrain’s economic and tourism landscape,” Mr Al Salloom said. “By offering properly-equipped and regulated spaces, we can empower Bahraini entrepreneurs – particularly small-to-medium enterprises – while creating vibrant destinations that celebrate our national identity.”
The proposed sites would be developed as ‘full-service hubs’ offering electricity, water, sewage access, lighting, CCTV security, seating areas, smart waste-sorting containers and dedicated event spaces.
At the core of the project is a public-private partnership (PPP) structure:
- The government provides land and essential infrastructure.
- Private operators manage and invest in the facilities.
- Food truck owners pay nominal fees in return for access to services.
The Capital Trustees Board has put forward its own version of the scheme, developed by technical committee chairman Mubarak Al Nuaimi, and welcomed the broader proposal submitted by Mr Al Salloom.
Mr Al Salloom
Board vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan highlighted the initiative’s value for both citizens, residents and the economy.
“Designated food truck zones will raise safety, hygiene and organisational standards while offering families and visitors new destinations to enjoy,” Ms Al Qattan said. “This supports young Bahrainis who are investing in food ventures and gives them a stable, well-regulated environment to grow.”
She added that organised zones would also reduce random truck activity in neighbourhoods, enhance aesthetics and strengthen municipal oversight.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the two proposals – the parliamentary model and the board’s version – complement each other, adding that combining them would create an integrated national scheme.
At the meeting are, from left, board member Huda Sultan, Ms Al Qattan and Mr Tarradah
“With the ministry’s green light, work is now underway to prepare the required infrastructure and co-ordination mechanisms,” he said.
“Once the electronic platform for reservations and licensing is finalised, food truck owners across Bahrain will be able to apply for designated spots in their preferred locations.”
“The project is expected to spur entrepreneurship, create jobs and expand Bahrain’s tourism offerings – marking a new chapter for the kingdom’s thriving mobile-food industry.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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