If you’ve driven to Dubai from Abu Dhabi on Sheikh Zayed Road lately, you’ve probably noticed a new off-ramp along the way. People are lining up to get a taste of Last Exit – a new food-truck park in Jebel Ali.
Opened in the hot summer months, this innovative outdoor food park is a colourful concept that leaves you feeling a bit like you have stepped onto the set of an animated Disney/Pixar movie – most obviously Cars. Brought to Dubai by Meraas, the same company behind Citywalk, The Beach and Boxpark, Last Exit is a first-of-its-kind concept in the country.
The multicoloured Airstream trailers are neatly lined up within the park. It is decidedly motor-themed with innovative uses of automotive parts throughout – from practical purposes, such as seating, to decor that enhances the auto-mobile vibe.
The concept of Last Exit is simple: conveniently located just off of SZR, hungry motorists can simply pull off at the exit and grab a bite without ever having to leave their cars.
See more: 10 bites to try at Last Exit in Dubai
Most of the trucks in the park offer drive-through services, but there is an area where guests can park, order and grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables.
This is not bland – or cheap – fast food. Last Exit is a gourmet pit stop with something to please every palate – from falafel and Mexican cuisine to seafood and burgers.
“I like the set-up,” says Dubai resident Rony Bou Nehme, a first-time visitor to the park. “It’s a nice, new idea. There’s diversity of food, which is nice.”
BouNehme had Canadian poutine from Big Smoke Burger’s food truck during his visit.
“It’s the first time I have had poutine,” he says. “It was nice. I’d definitely have it again.”
Another first-time guest, George Saloum, who drives from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back every day for work, says Last Exit offers a welcome convenience.
“It’s a nice park,” he says. “I like it. Every day, I will try a new food truck. I have to try all of them.”
Perhaps the best feature of the 1,500-square-metre park is that the trucks are open for business 24 hours a day, serving options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There is even a convenience store housed in one of the Airstream trailers. There is also a small, indoor, air-conditioned seating area – don’t miss the booza (Arabic ice cream) inside.
In addition to the food trucks – there are currently about a dozen set up – the park also has a kids’ play area, restrooms with attendants, prayer rooms, charge-up boxes and ATMs.
• Last Exit is in Jebel Ali after interchange 11 on Sheikh Zayed Road as you are heading to Dubai from Abu Dhabi. For more details, visit www.lastexit.ae
sjohnson@thenational.ae
