KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: Kuwait’s once-thriving food truck scene is now battling for survival, as nearly 30% of food truck operators have been forced to shut down amid mounting obstacles, restrictive regulations, and dwindling revenues. In a series of candid interviews with Al-Seyassah / Arab Times, frustrated vendors painted a grim picture of a sector under siege — with many warning that mobile business projects are on the brink of extinction.

At the heart of their complaints is a ban on operating in vital locations such as bustling markets, tourist hubs, and investment zones. Instead, vendors are pushed into remote areas with little footfall, leaving them unable to cover costs, let alone turn a profit.

"I barely make 800 dinars a month," said Hamad Al-Anzi, who owns one such cart. "The biggest hurdle is the lack of space in active areas. Without customers, what’s the point?"

Others echoed the same concerns. Hamdan Al-Abdullah described the current climate as a “death sentence” for the industry, blaming the seasonal absence of customers, Kuwait’s lack of year-round tourism, and growing hostility from citizens who object to mobile carts in residential zones.

“Even official agencies won’t let us park in front of their buildings,” he lamented. “Look at the youth trying to run mobile printing carts—completely sidelined.”

Operators say the cost of entry into the mobile food business is deceptively high, with many investing up to KD 30,000 for fully equipped vehicles, only to be told they cannot serve coffee alongside food — a regulation they find baffling.

"We meet all health and environmental standards, but we're still not allowed into profitable areas," said Haitham Al-Mutairi. “There are over 3,000 food trucks in Kuwait, but fewer than 300 usable parking spots—and most don’t bring in enough to survive.”

To make matters worse, restrictions on transferring cart ownership, coupled with limited licensing flexibility, have turned this small business venture into a bureaucratic nightmare for young Kuwaitis. Some have even frozen operations entirely due to mounting debt, after taking loans from national funding programs.

One anonymous cart owner put it bluntly:

“We’re drowning in rules. We took loans, we hustled—and now, we’re being punished for trying to be independent. Out of 340 designated locations, only 40 are truly viable.”

Khaled Al-Majdami added:

“We’re trying to contribute to the economy and ease the burden on public employment. Yet, we’re being shut out of the very areas where customers are.”

In response, a source at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry pushed back against accusations of obstruction. Speaking to Al-Seyassah / Arab Times, the official insisted that licenses are still being granted and 300 designated parking spots have been made available.

“We’re not against food trucks," the source said. "But applicants must be over 21, not employed by the government, and meet clear conditions.”

The Ministry insists it is upholding environmental and public safety standards, and that projects must avoid disrupting traffic or inconveniencing residents. Complaints from citizens about noise and crowding in residential areas have forced inspectors to take action.

Among the ministry's conditions:

“It’s not logical to expect a license without following legal steps,” the official added. “This is a business—subject to supply and demand.”

But for many young entrepreneurs hoping to make their mark, that logic rings hollow.

“We’re not asking for handouts,” one vendor said. “We’re just asking for the freedom to park, serve, and survive.”

By Najih Bilal
Al Seyassah / Arab Times