How to Obtain a Restaurant License in Dubai – Things to Know

Investing in Dubai’s restaurants and cafes is a lucrative opportunity for investors. The city’s diverse audience, deep-rooted culture of hospitality, and vibrant lifestyle contribute to the thriving restaurant industry in Dubai. With a global appeal, Dubai’s restaurant scene continues to flourish, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

Cost of Restaurant License in Dubai

To operate a restaurant in Dubai, you need a license from Dubai Economy, which can be registered as an LLC or a single-owner entity. The approximate cost for a restaurant license is AED 25,000 (excluding shop rent and furnishing fees). Cafes and restaurants play a significant role in the social and lifestyle fabric of Dubai. With the increasing number of tourists and business visitors, there is a high demand to cater to this potential audience.

The Rise of Restaurant Business in Dubai

Dubai offers vast potential and lucrative business opportunities in the niche segment of cafes and restaurants. With a plethora of diverse cuisines and an ever-growing number of new concept eateries, the culinary scene in Dubai is thriving.

However, venturing into the restaurant business in Dubai entails navigating through a series of meticulous steps and obtaining necessary approvals. Stringent food security measures are rigorously enforced to ensure public safety and well-being.

How to get a Restaurant License in Dubai?

To obtain a Restaurant License in Dubai and the necessary permits from authorities, there are certain steps that need to be followed. The authorities will conduct thorough assessments, inspections, and issue special approvals to ensure the highest standards of health and safety for consumers in Dubai. It is crucial for restaurants to strictly adhere to policies and guidelines to avoid fines and the risk of license cancellation.

Step-1 Acquiring the Food & Trading License

In order for restaurants in Dubai to sell food items, they must obtain a trade license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and gain approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Additionally, the owner can apply for a Food License through the Food & Safety Department. To expand their services and offer extra items on the menu, as well as provide home delivery, special permits such as delivery permits, liquor permits, Ramadan permits, etc., need to be obtained.

Step-2 Get Required Approvals on Construction Plans

The food and safety department must approve the construction plan as well as issue required permits such as the:

• Food Consignment release license
• Port permit for serving pork products
• Vehicle permit for food transportation

Clearance from Food Safety Department on Architectural Installation

Also, the Food and Safety department must approve the architectural requirements such as:

• Placement of kitchen area & minimum kitchen area size
• Ventilation facility and chimney placement
• Separate basin for washing utensils, cleaning vegetables, and meat products.
• Storage facilities to preserve all types of food
• Draining pipe placement & waste management

After obtaining the necessary approvals and having the plan successfully approved, the owner can proceed to apply for the trade license from DED, along with the submission of other required supporting documents.

Documents required for starting a Restaurant in Dubai

For Obtaining Trade License from DED/ Free Zone

• Passport Copy & Photo of the owner(s)
• Application form with list of activities chosen
• Selected Trade Name
• Shareholder agreement (MoA),
• Local Sponsor Agreement
• Office/ Retail Space and Tenancy Contract

For Approval from the Food & Safety License

• Trading License
• No-Objection Certificate from local municipality of Dubai
• Construction plan & tenancy Contract
• Special Permits, Certifications (ISO 20000, HACCP), etc.
• Approval from the Planning Department (if the restaurant is located outside of the shopping center)

Step-3 Choosing the right location for your Restaurant Business in Dubai

The location of a restaurant plays a pivotal role in its success, alongside an enticing menu. Accessibility, ample parking, and a prime commercial or residential spot are key considerations. Additionally, new or upcoming residential areas can greatly contribute to a cafe’s popularity. Furthermore, when establishing a cafe or restaurant in Dubai, opting for an LLC business setup is highly recommended, given the concentration of residential and commercial hotspots in the mainland.

Street Food Truck License

Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular among the younger generation in Dubai. If you’re looking to operate a food truck in the city, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) following certain guidelines.

Starting a food truck business in Dubai requires pre-approvals from the Road Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), and Dubai Municipality. These approvals are necessary to ensure compliance with regulations and to kickstart your food truck venture in Dubai.

Pre-Approval for Food Truck License

To ensure the safety of your food truck and central kitchen, obtaining HACCP approval is crucial. This not only enhances the credibility of your brand but also guarantees that your operations meet the highest standards. Remember, before obtaining your food truck license, it is necessary to submit the HACCP certificates to the appropriate government authority for approval.

Moreover, securing approvals from various entities like Dubai Municipality, Road and Transport Authority, Dubai Electricity, and Water Authority is essential. To kickstart the process, submit your detailed business plan to both the DED and Dubai Municipality. Once your plan is approved by these authorities, you can proceed to obtain the remaining approvals.

By following these steps, you will establish a solid foundation for your food truck venture while ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations.

Food Truck License in Dubai & Regulations

• The Food Truck is allowed only to prepare ready-meals (Burgers, Sausages, French Fries) and fried items, barbeques.
• The kitchen area of the truck must be equipped with safety standards and must be suitable for the permitted activities.
• The interiors must be fire-proof, light-colored, smooth material, and easy to clean up.
• The Food truck must also have appropriate ventilation and lighting.
• The food safety standards in Dubai are very high and the food truck must maintain the hygiene and serve of food with utmost care for the safety of their customer.
• You must make arrangements for storing, and packaging, and preparation of food in a separate kitchen. It is not allowed to prepare raw materials in the mobile truck.
• The containers and items required for food preparation should be kept safely in the truck. Any contamination in food will draw penalties from the concerned authorities.

Just like traditional restaurants and cafes, the success of food trucks also hinges on location. In Dubai, the government only permits food trucks to operate in limited areas. To maximize profitability, it’s crucial to choose a favorite spot that attracts a steady flow of tourists, travelers, and visitors. If you want to learn more about restaurant business, café operations, food truck licenses, or foodstuff trading licenses, our experts are here to help! Reach out to us for further information.