From gourmet burgers to fusion street food, Bahrain’s food truck scene has undergone a massive transformation, however, legislators claim that this rapid rise has come at a significant public cost.
According to MPs and municipal officials, mobile vendors are proliferating across key areas in an unregulated and disorderly manner, while meal prices have sharply increased.
They are now calling for urgent government intervention to restore fairness, ensure proper urban planning and bring the fast‑growing sector under control.
MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi has urged authorities to regulate food truck locations across the kingdom, establish properly serviced and designated zones, and closely monitor pricing amid a rise in public complaints.
He alleged that the rapid spread of food trucks in several areas – particularly Sitra and Exhibition Road – has taken place in an unorganised manner, creating pressure on infrastructure.
“All food truck locations must be properly organised and equipped with essential services such as electricity, parking spaces, toilets and other basic facilities,” Mr Al Olaiwi said. “This sector has grown significantly, but regulation has not kept pace with that growth.”
He said Bahrain could benefit from adopting models implemented in other GCC countries and developed nations, where food trucks operate within designated zones supported by municipal services.
“There are successful regional and international experiences that we can learn from,” he said. “Designated, well-prepared locations benefit business owners, consumers and surrounding neighbourhoods alike.”
Mr Al Olaiwi further emphasised the importance of stricter price monitoring for food trucks, accusing certain vendors of selling meals at ‘exaggerated and unjustified’ prices.
The MP further urged authorities to remove long‑abandoned food trucks, saying they mar public spaces and provide no economic value.
“Abandoned and permanently closed trucks should be towed away immediately. They undermine the appearance of public spaces and offer no contribution whatsoever.”
Mr Al Olaiwi said regulation should be viewed as a step forward – not a restriction.
“We want this sector to succeed,” he said. “But success must come with order, fairness and respect for the public interest.”
His remarks were backed by Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan, who agreed that stronger regulation was needed to balance entrepreneurship with urban order.
“Food trucks are an important part of the small business ecosystem, especially for young entrepreneurs,” Dr Al Qattan said.
“However, this activity must be organised within a clear framework that protects public spaces, ensures fairness and maintains reasonable pricing.”
She stressed that proper planning would improve safety, traffic flow and the overall experience for families and visitors.
“Designated zones with clear standards will enhance the attractiveness of these projects,” she said.
The calls come amid ongoing efforts by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to restructure food truck licensing and location planning.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak earlier said that new designated sites are being identified across governorates as part of wider urban development and investment-support initiatives.
The ministry has been working with municipal councils to assess suitable locations that meet safety, traffic and environmental requirements, while also supporting small businesses through regulated commercial spaces. Officials have indicated that future food truck areas will be equipped with essential infrastructure and subject to clearer operational guidelines.
Food trucks have surged in popularity in Bahrain in recent years, becoming a key entry point for entrepreneurs into the food and beverage sector. However, residents have raised concerns about congestion, pricing and lack of regulation in some high-traffic areas.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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