Restaurant License in Dubai, UAE
In Dubai, UAE, food and beverage services are highly sought after, just as in any other large metropolis. This need is further increased in Dubai’s situation by the city’s multicultural diversity, which requires access to various cuisines, and its steadily growing population due to the recent inflow of visitors and expats.
Consequently, opening a restaurant in Dubai has a significant chance of making a healthy profit. Due to the ongoing growth of Dubai’s residential areas, there is also a wide range of food-related business types to consider and locations to establish your company.
Any company in Dubai that wants to provide food or drinks to the general public must apply for a restaurant license from the Dubai Municipality or the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Let’s start with an overview of restaurant licenses in Dubai. The requirements and processes for obtaining a license vary depending on factors like location, cuisine, and other variables.
Types of Restaurant Licenses in Dubai
The “Food Code,” a set of rules related to food safety that the government introduced, applies to all enterprises in the United Arab Emirates that deal with food. It applies to all companies in this sector, including food delivery services, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, and even cruise ships.
Each institution and business activity within the food industry has unique requirements. Companies in this sector generally need two different types of licenses from various bodies.
Trade License
The DED has granted you this license, which permits you to conduct business. With a very simple application and approval process, it is the most popular company license.
Food and Safety License
This license, necessary to operate a business involving edible products in the United Arab Emirates, is granted by the Dubai Municipality’s Food and Safety Department (FSD).
Food safety concerns are directly related to health, making obtaining a food and safety license more complex. This process requires additional paperwork, including a trade license and licenses from relevant authorities.
Other types of licenses or permits that are targeted at particular connected activities include:
- Liquor License
- Pork Permit
- Vehicle Permit
- Food Consignment License
- Ramadan Permit
How to Open a Restaurant in Dubai
In Dubai, starting a restaurant requires thorough preparation, following local laws, and an extensive financial investment. Essential things to think about when starting a restaurant in Dubai are as follows:
Research and Planning
Conduct in-depth market research to determine the target market and competitors, as well as the type of food and concept that will be most successful in Dubai.
Your concept, target market, industry trends, financial projections, and marketing approach should all be included in your company plan.
Legal Requirements
Obtain the required restaurant trade license and register your company with the Department of Economic Development (DED). Along with following other local laws, you will also need to register with the Dubai Municipality and get a food and hygiene license.
Location
Pick an ideal site for your restaurant that serves your target client and complies with zoning laws. Take into account elements like local competition, accessibility, and foot traffic.
Menu Development
Make a menu that represents both your concept and the locals’ preferences. While providing foreign options, think about combining regional flavors and ingredients.
Staffing
Employ a skilled and informed group of people, including managers, chefs, kitchen workers, and servers. Make sure that your employees have received training on local laws, food safety, and customer service. Health cards for food handlers are mandatory.
Staffing
Employ a skilled and informed group of people, including managers, chefs, kitchen workers, and servers. Make sure that your employees have received training on local laws, food safety, and customer service. Health cards for food handlers are mandatory.
Design and Décor
Make an investment in a beautiful interior that reflects the concept and theme of your business. It would be wise to hire experts to assist you in designing a unique, pleasant area.
Food Suppliers
To guarantee a steady supply of goods and supplies for your restaurant, build connections with reputable and superior food and beverage suppliers.
Food Suppliers
To guarantee a steady supply of goods and supplies for your restaurant, build connections with reputable and superior food and beverage suppliers.
Marketing and Promotion
Create a marketing strategy to raise awareness of your restaurant. Use local advertising, promotions, and social media to draw clients to your business. You may also use loyalty and discount programs to turn them into frequent visitors.
Quality Control
To guarantee that the food, service, and overall experience live up to the highest standards, strict quality control procedures must be put in place. It is crucial to remember that the best marketing does not pay for poor quality services.
Financial Management
Carefully monitor the financial operations of your restaurant, including cost control procedures, pricing plans, and budgeting. It can be beneficial to have a qualified bookkeeper. You can reduce your supply costs by developing strong relationships with reputable suppliers.
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Architectural Requirements for Opening a New Restaurant
Dubai restaurant licenses and permits are essential, along with space requirements that meet specific specifications. These requirements must also comply with building and zoning laws.
- If the kitchen has a tandoor, the floor area must be between 28 and 35 square meters, or 40% of the restaurant’s overall space.
- The premises must have a sufficient ventilation system, and the chimney must be at least two meters higher than the closest structure.
- The interior’s floors, walls, and roof must be fire-resistant, non-absorbent, and washable.
- Meat, vegetables, and utensils must all be cleaned and washed in different sinks.
- All food varieties must have their own areas for processing and storage, as well as enough room.
- The minimum distance between the drainage pipe and the wall is 5 cm.
Smoke detectors, a waste disposal system, pest control, enough room for kitchen appliances and utensils, separate restrooms, etc. are additional typical requirements.
Please note that to receive the Food and Safety License, the FSD must receive the comprehensive layout plan for the new restaurant.
Restaurant License Costs in Dubai
Depending on the type of business and the area, restaurant license prices in Dubai can differ. But generally speaking, a trade license for a restaurant in Dubai can cost anything between AED 12,000–25,000. The application fee, government fees, and other administrative costs may be included.
Building a new restaurant in Dubai involves several fees, which can vary depending on factors like size, type of facility, rent, and employee pay. These fees include the actual restaurant license. The approximate list of expenses to take into account is as follows:
1. Location and Rent
The setup’s location, size, and quality can all significantly impact the price of renting or leasing a commercial space for a restaurant. A typical restaurant space can cost between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000 annually in high-demand locations. On the other hand, renting in more affordable areas may cost AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 annually.
2. Interior Design and Renovations
The costs of remodeling, interior design, and décor to provide a welcoming dining space.
3. Kitchen Equipment
Costs for stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and other essential appliances used in commercial kitchens.
4. Permits and Approvals
Expenses associated with acquiring licenses, safety and health certifications, and other regulatory approvals.
5. Staffing and Payroll
Funds for recurring payroll expenses as well as for recruiting and training employees.
6. Food and Beverage Supplies
Food, drink, and other supplies required to begin operations are included in the initial inventory costs.
7. Marketing and Promotion
Spend money on marketing, promotion, and advertising to draw clients.
8. Insurance
Expenses related to acquiring liability insurance, company insurance, and other essential insurance types.
9.Utilities and Operational Expenses
Allocate funds for ongoing costs, including gas, water, electricity, and other utilities.
How to Get a Restaurant License in Dubai
The general procedures for obtaining a restaurant license in Dubai are as follows:
Business Activities and Establishment Type:
First, you must decide what kind of business you want to run, such as serving food and beverages, taking orders, or delivering food. You also need to choose whether you want to open a cafeteria, fast-food restaurant, casual dining restaurant, or a different sort of restaurant.
Business Plan and Documentation:
Create a comprehensive business plan for your restaurant that covers the management team, menu, financial predictions, and other relevant details.
Trade Name and Initial Approval:
You must get the DED’s initial permission and register a unique trade name for your restaurant.
Location and Permits:
After deciding on a location for your restaurant, you must get the required Dubai Municipality approvals.
Trade License Application and Fees:
You can apply for a Trade License license and pay the applicable fees to the DED if you have all the required paperwork.
Health and Safety Requirements:
The FSD has established health and safety rules. These rules include getting a food handling permit and maintaining hygienic standards.
Food and Safety License:
Apply for the Food and Safety License with the FSD. After obtaining the trade license and other required licenses, submit all the necessary paperwork, including an extensive site plan.
Inspections and Final Approval:
The Dubai Municipality will check your restaurant once you submit the application to make sure it satisfies the requirements. You will obtain the restaurant license and final approval after fulfilling all conditions.
It is crucial to remember that getting a restaurant license in Dubai can be a complicated process. To ensure you fulfill all the requirements and regulations, it is best to seek the help of a qualified business consultant or legal adviser.
Required Documents for a Restaurant License in Dubai
- Application form for a trade license
- A copy of the owner’s or partners’ Emirates ID and passport
- A passport-sized picture of the proprietor or partners
- Proof of the restaurant’s ownership or tenancy agreement
- License for Food and Safety issued by the Dubai Municipality
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the Dubai Municipality
- The restaurant’s health and hygiene certificate
- Prices and the restaurant’s menu
- The Civil Defense of Dubai has approved the restaurant’s location.
- Certification of compliance for kitchen appliances
- The restaurant’s floor plan and detailed layout, together with proof the necessary costs were paid
- Any additional information that the Dubai Municipality or other authorities may require in the form of paperwork.
Conclusion
Dubai offers restaurant owners ideal conditions and a high chance of success and profit. However, opening a restaurant in Dubai can be costly, and the licensing procedure requires extra measures to ensure compliance with the UAE’s Food Code.
However, actions have to be taken to guarantee that the nation’s food sector and associated services are highly calibrated. When applying for a restaurant license and launching a food-related business, get advice and direction from the appropriate authorities or local experts to prevent unnecessary problems.
Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to get started.
FAQs
Applications are submitted via the Dubai Department of Economic Development or the relevant free zone authority.
The licensing process usually takes between 2 to 6 weeks.
Yes, foreign investors can apply through local sponsorship or by setting up a free zone.
Absolutely, compliance with Dubai Municipality's food safety and hygiene standards is mandatory.
License transfers are possible with regulatory approval and adherence to legal procedures.
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