
Dubai is a city that thrives on taste, luxury, and experience. From summer heat to year-round indulgence, ice cream parlours and dessert shops in Dubai are always in demand. If you’re planning to open a gelato shop, frozen yogurt outlet, or a dessert café, the first thing you need is a valid Ice Cream and Dessert Parlour License in Dubai.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get started, what approvals you need, what it costs, and how to build a successful dessert business in the UAE’s most dynamic city.
What Is an Ice Cream or Dessert Parlour License in Dubai?
An ice cream parlour license or dessert shop license is a type of food and beverage license that allows you to legally operate a business selling:
- Ice creams
- Gelato
- Frozen yogurt
- Pastries
- Cakes
- Desserts
- Milkshakes and smoothies
- Waffles, pancakes, and sweet beverages
This license is issued by:
- The Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland dessert businesses
- Or a Free Zone authority if you’re setting up in a Free Zone (for cloud kitchens or dessert production units)
You may also need approval from:
- Dubai Municipality – Food Safety Department
- Dubai Civil Defense (fire safety)
- Health & Safety Authority
Why Start an Ice Cream or Dessert Business in Dubai?
Dubai has a growing café culture. Locals, expats, and tourists all enjoy indulging in sweets and cold treats—especially in hot weather. Starting a dessert parlour in Dubai offers you a profitable business with steady footfall.
Benefits of Opening a Dessert or Ice Cream Shop in Dubai
- High foot traffic in malls, tourist areas, and family zones
- Year-round demand due to hot climate
- Large audience of children, families, and sweet-lovers
- Ability to combine takeaway, dine-in, and delivery
- Scope to franchise or scale to multiple outlets
- Sell online via food delivery platforms
Whether it’s a niche gelato store, a fancy dessert bar, or a quirky ice cream truck, the opportunities are plenty.
Types of Ice Cream and Dessert Businesses You Can Open
Before applying for the license, choose your concept. Dubai’s market supports a variety of formats:
Ice Cream Parlour
Serve traditional scoops, cones, cups, and sundaes. Include local and international flavours.
Gelato Bar
Specialize in Italian-style gelato with fresh ingredients and custom mix-ins.
Frozen Yogurt Outlet
Offer low-fat yogurt options with toppings, fruit, and sauces. Great for malls and health-conscious customers.
Dessert Café
Serve cakes, waffles, milkshakes, donuts, and coffee in a cozy café-style setup.
Takeaway Kiosk
Open a dessert counter or kiosk in a mall or event venue for quick grab-and-go sales.
Dessert Food Truck
Take your sweets on the road. Sell soft serves, pancakes, or baked goods at events or markets.
Cloud Dessert Kitchen
Focus on online orders and deliveries with no dine-in setup.
Mainland vs Free Zone Dessert Business Setup
When applying for a dessert shop license, you must choose where to register your business:
Mainland License (DED Dubai)
- You can open a retail dessert shop anywhere in Dubai
- Best for high-traffic locations like malls, beachside walkways, or main roads
- Required if you plan to serve dine-in customers
- You can partner with delivery apps like Talabat, Zomato, Deliveroo
Free Zone License
- Ideal for cloud kitchens or dessert manufacturing
- Setup is easier and more affordable
- 100% foreign ownership
- Cannot open directly to the public in mainland without a delivery/distributor agreement
How to Get an Ice Cream and Dessert Parlour License in Dubai
Let’s walk through the complete process:
Step 1 – Finalize Your Business Model
Do you want a dine-in café, a dessert counter, or a delivery-based kitchen? Your business type will affect:
- Location
- Licensing authority
- Space requirements
- Setup costs
Step 2 – Choose a Legal Structure
You can register your business as:
- Sole Proprietorship – Single owner
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Preferred option for scalability
- Free Zone Company – Suitable for cloud or e-commerce models
Step 3 – Select Business Activities
Choose relevant activities such as:
- Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Shop
- Cakes and Pastries Trading
- Coffee & Beverage Service
- Takeaway Kiosk
- Confectionery Retail
All of these should be listed under your license based on your product range.
Step 4 – Reserve Trade Name
Pick a name for your brand. Make sure it’s:
- Unique
- Not offensive or religious
- Available in both English and Arabic
- Approved by the licensing authority
Step 5 – Secure a Location
Rent a store, unit, or counter depending on your business type. The space must:
- Be Ejari-registered (for mainland)
- Meet food safety standards
- Have proper ventilation, drainage, and waste disposal
- Have designated storage, serving, and cleaning areas
Step 6 – Get Approvals from Government Departments
Apply for approvals from:
- Dubai Municipality – Food Safety Department
- Dubai Civil Defense
- Dubai Health & Safety
If your location and layout follow the rules, you’ll receive clearance.
Step 7 – Submit Final Documents & Get Your License
Documents include:
- Passport copy of owner(s)
- Visa or entry stamp copy
- Trade name certificate
- Initial approval
- Ejari tenancy contract
- Approvals from Municipality
Once everything is reviewed, you’ll receive your official dessert parlour license.
Cost of Opening an Ice Cream or Dessert Shop in Dubai
Setup costs vary depending on your shop’s location, size, and equipment needs.
Expense | Estimated Cost (AED) |
Trade License Fee | 10,000 – 15,000 |
Municipality Approvals | 3,000 – 7,000 |
Tenancy Contract + Ejari | 15,000 – 50,000+ |
Shop Fit-Out & Design | 20,000 – 80,000+ |
Kitchen Equipment (freezers, etc) | 15,000 – 40,000+ |
Raw Material & Packaging | 5,000 – 15,000 |
Staff Hiring & Uniforms | 8,000 – 15,000 |
Website + Online Ordering Setup | 3,000 – 10,000 |
Total Cost Range: AED 80,000 to 250,000+
Popular Products You Can Sell
With your license, you can offer a variety of desserts and beverages, such as:
- Ice cream cones, cups, and tubs
- Soft serve and sundaes
- Waffles, crepes, pancakes
- Milkshakes and smoothies
- Cakes, pastries, brownies
- Frozen yogurt and gelato
- Fruit-based sorbets
- Vegan and sugar-free options
Tips to Grow Your Ice Cream & Dessert Brand
Build a Unique Menu
Experiment with:
- Seasonal flavors
- Local tastes like saffron or pistachio
- Instagrammable toppings and colors
- Limited-time combos
Offer Delivery & Online Ordering
List your shop on:
- Talabat
- Zomato
- Deliveroo
- Your own website with payment gateway
Promote on Social Media
Post visually rich content. Focus on:
- Product close-ups
- Customer experiences
- Behind-the-scenes videos
- Giveaways and taste tests
Loyalty Programs
Encourage return customers with:
- Points per purchase
- Free item after certain visits
- Birthday discounts
License Renewal and Compliance
Your dessert shop license must be renewed annually. Keep up with:
- Ejari renewal
- Health card renewals for staff
- Food safety inspections
- Fire and pest control records
Failing to renew on time can lead to fines or suspension.
Conclusion
Opening an ice cream or dessert parlour in Dubai is a sweet business idea with high demand and strong potential. Whether you’re offering scoops of happiness or layered cakes and shakes, Dubai’s diverse food scene is ready for your brand. But it all begins with securing a proper Ice Cream and Dessert Parlour License in Dubai.
Choose your model wisely—be it retail, takeaway, or delivery—and focus on creating a menu and experience that keeps customers coming back. If you’re unsure where to begin, seek help from experts who offer full business setup services in Dubai, UAE to handle licensing, location, and legalities.
FAQs
What type of license do I need to sell ice cream in Dubai?
You need a food and beverage trade license with an activity listed as ice cream parlour, dessert shop, or frozen dessert business.
Can I sell desserts from home in Dubai?
No. You need a commercial kitchen or cloud kitchen space that is licensed and inspected by Dubai Municipality.
How long does it take to get a dessert shop license in Dubai?
If all documents are ready, it usually takes 7–14 working days for approval.
Can I sell desserts and ice cream online?
Yes. You must include e-commerce activity in your license and list on delivery platforms.
What is the cost to open a dessert business in Dubai?
Depending on your setup, expect to invest between AED 80,000 to AED 250,000 or more.
Is staff training required for a dessert café?
Yes. All food handlers must complete food safety training and obtain a valid health card.