Transport by Refrigerator Trucks
Mainland License — Compare Across 4 UAE Emirates
Cheapest from
AED 600
Ajman
4 emirates available
Government Fee Comparison
Ajman DED — Flat fee
AED 600
Flat AED 600 license fee + ~AED 3,900 mandatory DED fees. Total minimum ~AED 4,5
ADDED — Per-activity fee
AED 1,250
DED fee: AED 1250
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: ROADS & TRANSPORT AUTHORITY, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
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About This Activity
Includes firms transporting fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and other perishable goods by refrigerated trailers.
Our Analysis
AED 1,250 in Abu Dhabi. That's the DED fee for a refrigerated truck transport license — competitive pricing for a logistics activity that serves every supermarket, restaurant, and hotel in the emirate.
Dubai charges roughly AED 8,000 base plus 5% of your warehouse rent. A cold storage facility in Al Quoz at AED 100,000 annual rent means AED 13,000 in government fees. Ajman offers AED 600 flat (AED 4,500 real total after mandatory charges). Sharjah is available but fee-on-application.
Refrigerated transport is mission-critical in the UAE. Temperatures hit 50°C and the cold chain cannot break. Every food import, every dairy delivery, every pharmaceutical shipment needs a licensed reefer operator. Dubai's food import volume alone — feeding 3.6 million residents plus 16 million tourists — keeps this sector busy.
The downside: vehicle costs dwarf the license fee. A single refrigerated truck runs AED 150,000-300,000. Your DED license is a rounding error next to your fleet investment. What matters more is where your routes are.
Dubai-based food distributors need a Dubai license. Period. Abu Dhabi at AED 1,250 makes sense if you're running routes between the capital and Al Ain. Ajman works for Northern Emirates distribution but limits your reach.
100% foreign ownership allowed. No local sponsor. RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) vehicle registration is required on top of the DED license in each emirate.
For cold chain and food trading free zone options, check FreeZoneCompare.com.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks license cost in Ajman?
The government DED fee for a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks license in Ajman is AED 600. This is the cheapest among the 4 emirates where this activity is available. Additional costs may include office rent, visa fees, and external approval charges.
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks license?
Ajman offers the lowest government fee at AED 600. However, total setup costs also depend on office rent, visa requirements, and any external approvals needed for this activity.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Transport by Refrigerator Trucks — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: Trasport, shipping and storage (Dubai), ROADS & TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (Sharjah), Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Transport by Refrigerator Trucks available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Transport by Refrigerator Trucks is available for mainland licensing in 4 emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Transport by Refrigerator Trucks in the UAE?
Transport by Refrigerator Trucks falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
Is it cheaper to get a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks license in Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Ajman offers the lowest fee at AED 600. Dubai's formula-based approach starts at AED 8,000 before rent. Choose based on where your customers are, not just the license fee.
How long does it take to get a Transport by Refrigerator Trucks mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
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