Dubai’s food and beverage industry is booming, with new restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and food trucks opening every day. Whether you’re dreaming of launching a fine-dining restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road or a cozy coffee shop in Jumeirah, getting the right restaurant license in Dubai is your first step.
This article covers everything—from choosing your concept to acquiring the correct food and beverage business license in Dubai. If you’re planning to enter the vibrant hospitality industry in the UAE, this guide is your complete roadmap.
Why Start a Restaurant or Café Business in Dubai?
Dubai offers a vibrant food scene, diverse customer base, and a tax-free business environment, making it ideal for launching a restaurant or café. With strong tourism, high consumer spending, and support for entrepreneurs, it’s the perfect place to turn your food passion into a profitable and long-term business.
The Booming F&B Sector in Dubai
Dubai has one of the most diverse and dynamic food markets in the region. With a global population, strong tourism, and year-round events, the demand for new dining experiences keeps growing. From Emirati cuisine to international fast food chains, there’s room for every niche.
Appealing Business Climate for Food Entrepreneurs
The city’s modern infrastructure, tax-free earnings, and support for investors make it one of the best places to start a restaurant or café business. Whether you’re a chef, entrepreneur, or investor, Dubai offers the ideal platform to grow your brand.
Types of Food and Beverage Licenses in Dubai
To open a food business in Dubai, you need to choose the correct type of license based on your concept and business model.
Mainland Restaurant License
Issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), a mainland license allows you to open your restaurant or café anywhere in Dubai, including high-traffic areas and shopping districts.
Free Zone Food and Beverage License
Free Zones like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) or Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) offer licenses for food-related businesses, though with some restrictions on operating directly in the mainland. Ideal for delivery-only kitchens, catering services, or central kitchens.
Different Business Models for Restaurants and Cafés in Dubai
Dubai’s food industry supports various business models to suit every budget and vision. You can open a fine-dining restaurant, fast food outlet, coffee shop, food truck, or cloud kitchen. Each model has unique setup needs, allowing entrepreneurs to choose what fits their concept, investment size, and target market best.
Full-Service Restaurants
These include dine-in restaurants offering fine dining, family dining, or ethnic cuisine. You’ll need ample seating, qualified chefs, and a well-trained staff.
Quick-Service Restaurants (QSR)
Perfect for fast food, takeaways, and delivery-based models. QSRs have simpler operations and lower initial costs.
Coffee Shops and Cafés
Focused on beverages, desserts, and light meals. Coffee shops have high demand in malls, co-working spaces, and residential areas.
Food Trucks and Kiosks
Mobile dining units ideal for events, parks, or beaches. They require specific permits but are lower cost to launch.
Cloud Kitchens
Also called ghost kitchens, these operate without a storefront and focus purely on online orders and deliveries. Great for entrepreneurs starting small.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Restaurant or Café License in Dubai
Getting a restaurant or café license in Dubai involves several steps. You’ll choose your business activity, decide on a location, reserve your trade name, and get initial approvals. Then, lease a shop, secure food safety clearances, and submit all documents. Once approved, you’ll receive your trade license to start operations.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity
Decide the type of food outlet you want to open—restaurant, café, coffee shop, or bakery. Each has a unique activity code under Dubai’s business regulations.
Step 2: Decide on the Location
Choose between mainland or a Free Zone depending on where you plan to operate and who your target audience is.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Select a business name that reflects your brand and complies with naming guidelines. Avoid using religious words or references to political entities.
Step 4: Get Initial Approval
Submit your application to the Department of Economy and Tourism or relevant Free Zone authority. This approval confirms that your business model is allowed.
Step 5: Lease a Commercial Space
You need a physical location for your restaurant or café. It should meet all food safety, ventilation, and fire safety standards.
Step 6: Obtain Approvals from Food Control Department
The layout and fit-out must be approved by Dubai Municipality. They ensure your kitchen and food prep areas meet hygiene regulations.
Step 7: Apply for Food and Safety Permits
You’ll need:
- Food handler certification
- Pest control contract
- Kitchen inspection certificate
Step 8: Submit Documents and Finalize License
Once all documents are ready, submit them for final review and payment. Upon approval, you receive your restaurant or café trade license.
Documents Required to Open a Restaurant in Dubai
- Passport copies of the owner and partners
- UAE visa or entry stamp
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Lease agreement (Ejari)
- Approval from the Food Control Department
- Site layout and kitchen design
- NOC from landlord (if needed)
Costs Involved in Opening a Restaurant or Café in Dubai
Starting a restaurant or café in Dubai involves several costs. You’ll need to budget for the trade license, shop rental, kitchen setup, staff visas, and interior design. Expenses vary based on location and concept, but it’s smart to plan for at least AED 100,000 to AED 500,000 to start strong.
Restaurant License Cost in Dubai
The license cost can vary depending on the business activity, location, and type of operation.
- Trade license fee: AED 10,000 – AED 15,000
- Ejari rental (shop space): AED 30,000 – AED 250,000+
- Food safety and kitchen inspection: AED 2,000 – AED 5,000
- Staff visa and labor card: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per visa
- Interior fit-out and branding: AED 50,000 – AED 300,000+
Total estimated startup cost: AED 100,000 to AED 500,000+
Choosing the Right Location for Your Food Business in Dubai
Location plays a vital role in the success of your restaurant or café in Dubai. Choose areas with high foot traffic, target audience proximity, and strong commercial activity. Popular spots include Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Marina, and Jumeirah. A strategic location boosts visibility, customer flow, and long-term profitability.
Best Areas for Cafés and Restaurants
- Downtown Dubai – Luxury dining and tourists
- Jumeirah & Umm Suqeim – Beachfront restaurants and family cafés
- Business Bay & DIFC – Corporate lunches, fine dining
- Deira & Bur Dubai – Budget dining, ethnic cuisines
- Dubai Marina & JLT – Trendy cafés, waterfront dining
- Mall Food Courts – QSR chains and fast food
Location determines footfall, rent, and competition—so choose wisely.
Food Safety and Hygiene Standards in Dubai
The Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department has strict regulations. You must:
- Maintain proper kitchen layout
- Use food-grade materials and fittings
- Install exhaust systems and grease traps
- Follow cold chain transport for perishables
- Train your staff in food handling
Failing inspections can lead to fines or license suspension.
Hiring Staff for Your Restaurant or Café
You can recruit:
- Chefs and cooks
- Waiters and baristas
- Cashiers and supervisors
- Cleaning and support staff
All staff must have:
- Valid employment visas
- Medical fitness tests
- Food safety training certifications
You can also outsource staffing through approved agencies.
Interior Design and Fit-Out Approvals for Food Outlets
Before launching, you’ll need:
- Kitchen plan approvals
- Ventilation and gas system clearance
- Interior permits from Dubai Municipality or Free Zone authority
- Approval from Civil Defense for safety measures
Hiring an approved contractor ensures smoother approvals.
Promoting Your Restaurant or Café in Dubai
Effective promotion is key to attracting customers in Dubai’s competitive food scene. Use social media marketing, influencer collaborations, Google listings, and food delivery apps to increase visibility. Hosting launch events, offering loyalty rewards, and engaging with local communities can help build a strong customer base and drive consistent foot traffic.
Effective Marketing Strategies
- Google My Business listing
- Social media promotions on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
- Food influencer collaborations
- Launch events and tasting nights
- Loyalty programs and mobile apps
- Delivery partnerships with Talabat, Zomato, and Careem
Good marketing ensures your outlet gets visibility from day one.
How to Get a Café License in Dubai
The process is similar to a restaurant license but tailored for:
- Smaller spaces
- Coffee and beverage-focused menu
- Limited cooking or reheating appliances
You’ll still need food safety approval, a trade license, and a commercial space with an Ejari contract.
Can You Sell Food Online With This License?
Yes. If your license includes e-commerce or delivery, you can:
- Build a website or app
- Partner with delivery platforms
- Offer click-and-collect services
- Operate from a central kitchen or cloud kitchen
Make sure your trade license covers online food selling activity.
Franchise Options for Restaurants and Cafés in Dubai
Dubai offers excellent opportunities for food franchise businesses. Entrepreneurs can partner with popular international or regional brands to open restaurants or cafés. Franchise models provide a proven concept, brand recognition, and operational support—making it easier to enter the competitive F&B market while reducing startup risks and accelerating business growth.
Popular Food Franchises
- Coffee chains
- Burger brands
- Healthy food and smoothie concepts
- International casual dining outlets
Franchisees must:
- Sign a franchise agreement
- Obtain a trade license
- Use franchisor’s layout and branding
- Follow strict quality control standards
License Renewal and Ongoing Compliance
Your trade license must be renewed yearly. Other renewals include:
- Ejari contract
- Municipality food permits
- Pest control and waste management contracts
- Staff visa renewals
- Insurance and public liability policies
Stay up to date to avoid fines or operational shutdowns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in F&B Business Setup
- Choosing the wrong license activity
- Leasing a non-compliant kitchen
- Delaying safety approvals
- Underestimating costs and competition
- Hiring untrained staff
- Ignoring hygiene standards
Plan carefully and consult professionals for a smooth launch.
Conclusion
Starting a restaurant or café in Dubai, UAE is a rewarding venture with massive growth potential. From choosing your business activity to acquiring your food and beverage license, every step matters. The key lies in selecting the right model, meeting regulatory standards, and offering a unique customer experience.
With the right planning, budget, and guidance, you can build a successful and profitable food business in this thriving city. For smooth setup, it’s always best to partner with experienced consultants who understand the process, paperwork, and approvals. Choose a trusted team when applying for your Business license in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of license do I need to open a restaurant in Dubai?
You need a commercial trade license under the activity “Restaurant” or “Café,” issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or Free Zone authority.
Can I own 100% of my food business in Dubai?
Yes. You can have full ownership whether you set up in a Free Zone or mainland. The local sponsor model is no longer mandatory for many activities.
How long does it take to get a restaurant license?
The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on document readiness and approval times.
Do I need food safety approval before opening?
Yes. The Dubai Municipality must inspect and approve your kitchen layout, ventilation, and hygiene measures.
What is the cost to start a small café in Dubai?
You can expect to invest AED 100,000 to AED 200,000 for a small coffee shop or café setup, including license, rent, and interior.
Can I run a delivery-only food business in Dubai?
Yes, using a cloud kitchen or central kitchen model with the right license and safety approvals.
Can I sell baked goods or desserts from home?
No. Home-based food selling is not allowed. You must operate from a licensed, approved commercial kitchen.
