The ministry is currently coordinating with other government agencies to work out all aspects of running a restaurant on wheels.

An MoT official said 'We are planning to announce launch of the programme soon. Currently we are in consultation with other entities like Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.' As the programme is expected to provide significant employment opportunities to the youth in the interiors the ministry is in talks with Riyada (earlier Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development) and Al Raffd Fund to lay down the formalities for those interested in starting the business.

'The concept will be open to Omanis and will cover all of the sultanate' the official said. Food on wheels is a tried and tested concept perfected over decades around the world specially in the US. But the idea has been taken to the next level in the last few years with the successful launch of gourmet buses around Europe and Asia that offer not just regular fast food but high quality gourmet food along with the iconic views of the location where they run.

The ministry feels that the mobile restaurants can make full use of holidays when large number of people travel to tourist hot spots around the sultanate. They can move to cities during off season. It is in the process of setting parameters and requirements regarding the type and quality of buses in addition to gaining international experience from places where such buses have become a successful business model.

One such successful company Gourmet Bus after making a mark in Spain is planning to expand across the globe for prospective partnerships. It launched its service in Dubai last year and according to media reports has plans to expand to other GCC countries including Oman. Gourmet Bus combines haute cuisine with iconic views of the city.

Its coaches use aesthetics of both a fine restaurant and a comfortable bus. Each passenger receives a personal iPad for the tour which highlights the famous sites surrounding them while they dine.