Cafeteria License in Dubai, UAE, in 2025
One of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Dubai is a major player in this transformation. UAE F&B market projected to reach $23.21B in 2025 (17.84% CAGR), with cloud kitchens holding 34% market share.
After all, businesses in the Emirate of Dubai have collaborated closely with investors worldwide to keep their market share. When business plans are broken down, the restaurant industry has grown the most in recent years.
Dubai’s popularity among travelers from around the world is one of the factors contributing to its amazing growth. Numerous people now use the city as a vacation spot, greatly expanding economic prospects.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) must provide you with the necessary trade license if you intend to open a cafeteria business in Dubai. To legally open a cafeteria in Dubai, obtaining specific food and safety approvals from the Dubai Municipality is essential.
Thus, here is all the information you require regarding opening a cafeteria in Dubai, including the steps involved, the cost of a cafeteria license in Dubai, the advantages, and more.
Why Start a Cafeteria Business in Dubai?
Dubai is a great place to start a cafeteria business because of its thriving economy and diversified population. Here’s why:
Thriving F&B Industry
The food and beverage (F&B) sector is a key driver of Dubai’s thriving economy. The city is a popular tourist destination worldwide and draws a large number of residents with extra money, which boosts the number of customers for restaurants.
Business-Friendly Environment
The Dubai government has a simplified business establishment process and aggressively promotes foreign investment. Compared to other places, this makes it simpler for business owners to get started.
High Profit Potential
Dubai may have significant earnings in the food and beverage sector due to its expanding economy and large pool of prospective clients. Compared to full-service restaurants, cafeterias usually have reduced operating costs, which can increase your profit margins.
Diverse Clientele
The diverse population of Dubai embraces a wide range of culinary styles. There is a market for each type of food you serve, including healthy options, foreign comfort food, and local Emirati cuisine.
High Demand
Dubai residents rely on eating out due to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. There is a constant need for cafeterias that provide quick and reasonably priced meals.
Types of Licenses in Dubai
Before delving into establishing a cafeteria in Dubai, it is essential to understand the variety of licenses available.
- Commercial License: A business or an individual that plans to engage in trading activities is granted this kind of license.
- Industrial License: It is crucial to first obtain an industrial license before engaging in manufacturing activity.
- Professional License: Service providers, artists, and/or craftspeople are granted this kind of license. The professional license includes the café license.
Requirements for Opening a Cafeteria in Dubai
Food Safety Requirements
In order to guarantee food safety, your cafeteria needs to obtain:
- All food businesses must now register through Dubai Municipality’s Foodwatch Portal (foodwatch.dm.gov.ae) for digital inspections and permit tracking
- A license for the consignment release of food
- Every vehicle that will be used to transport food items needs a permit.
- A permit to handle and serve pork or any of its byproducts
Location Requirements
The following criteria should be fulfilled by the location selected to open a cafeteria:
- Have enough room to store all of the necessary equipment.
- Provide for waste disposal and install a smoke control system.
- Maintain separate areas for storage and restrooms.
- Ensure your roof, floors, and walls are fireproof, washable, and non-absorbent.
- Avoid having pests around.
- Provide distinct basins for cleaning meat, vegetables, and utensils.
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Documents Required to Obtain a Cafeteria License in Dubai
You must submit several pieces of paperwork to the Department of Economic Development (DED) and possibly other departments to get a cafeteria license in Dubai.
Blueprints of various aspects of the cafeteria, such as:
- Food processing and storage space
- Windows and ventilation system
- Entry and exit ways
- Sanitary spaces such as washrooms
- Location of washing areas
- Location of equipment used to prepare the food
For food safety department-approved food license:
- The Department of Economic Development’s (DED) initial agreement
- The layout of the building
- Approval from the planning division if the cafeteria will be situated outside of a complex
For trade license approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing:
- An application signed by the management of the company
- A Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Attested company name approval letter from the DED
- Passport copies of all the business partners
How to Open a Cafeteria in Dubai?
Establishing a successful cafeteria business in Dubai requires several actions to guarantee adherence to regional laws.
Take these actions to set up a cafeteria in Dubai:
Market Research and Business Plan
To fully understand the demand for cafeteria services in Dubai, conduct in-depth market research on target demographics, rivals, and trends.
Choose a Company Name
Your name may be used as the company’s trade name, but it must be used in its entirety rather than just your last name or initials.
The company name must follow the naming regulations of the United Arab Emirates, which prohibit the use of derogatory or vulgar language, as well as any references to Islam or Allah.
Choose the Company's Legal Structure
A cafeteria license is necessary for all cafeteria enterprises in Dubai to operate legally. Since a cafeteria license is under the category of restaurants and coffee shops, it needs a professional license.
Legal requirements set down by the UAE government for this kind of business necessitate a local sponsor to collaborate with a foreign investor or entrepreneur. Mainland Dubai requires 51% UAE national ownership, while free zones like DMCC and DIFC allow 100% foreign ownership.
Apply for Initial Approvals
To conduct business in Dubai, you must obtain permission certifications from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Food and Safety Authority and Planning Department of the Dubai Municipality.
Choose a Business Location
For your cafeteria in Dubai, location is crucial. You must submit the lease agreement along with the other paperwork needed for your cafeteria license application.
Apply for Your Visa
You can open your business bank account and apply for your visa after obtaining your cafeteria license in Dubai. 7-10 day visa processing is available through DED’s Golden Business Hub program.
Cafeteria License Cost in Dubai
- Mainland: AED 24,500-35,000 (includes new AED 2,500 sustainability certification)
- Free Zones: AED 18,900-27,300
The precise cost of launching a cafeteria business in Dubai is difficult to determine. The location, license type, business structure, rent, and other factors all affect this process.
Applying for the several permits and approvals needed to open your own cafe in Dubai depends on several factors, including location and size.
New 2025 Requirements
All F&B licenses now require:
- Carbon footprint audit (AED 3,500)
- Plastic-free packaging compliance
- Monthly food waste reporting (Effective January 2025 per DED Circular 284)
Conclusion
JSB Incorporation has created unique company setup packages that account for all of the significant costs that you will face when launching your cafeteria business in Dubai.
In addition to covering all expenses associated with your trade license, our all-inclusive and reasonably priced packages will include extra services like investor visa renewals.
Simplify Your Business Setup in the UAE! Let JSB Incorporation handle the complexities while you focus on growth. Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to get started.
FAQs
You need a trade license, food safety approvals, and a suitable commercial space.
Yes, several free zones in Dubai offer cafeteria licenses, but they have location restrictions.
No, but knowledge of food safety and business operations is recommended.
The process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on approvals from relevant authorities.
You can apply for investor and employee visas under your business license.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office No 20, 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 27614.
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com