If you’ve got a passion for food and like whipping up amazing Middle Eastern cuisine or trendy fusion tacos, and you’re eyeing Dubai as the spot to launch your next restaurant, this article is for you. Dubai’s restaurant business is booming with tourists and locals who are craving everything from casual bites to fine dining. However, let me tell you, starting a restaurant here isn’t just about the good food; it takes planning, paperwork, and an expert to navigate the rules.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to open a restaurant business in Dubai, get started, the best areas to set up a diner, some legal hurdles to watch out for, and some important things to make your restaurant business a reality.
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Plan Your Restaurant Idea
Before you do anything, nail down your concept. What kind of food will you serve? Who are your customers? Are you targeting only the tourists, or are you looking to expand your family restaurant business with that secret recipe? One thing you need to remember is that Dubai’s market is diverse; to be honest, it has over 11 million people, including lots of tourists. In such a large population, you need something that is tangible and can appeal to a large audience.
I would suggest you do some homework: Study what’s hot, like healthy eats or international flavours, and check out competitors. For example, if you’re thinking of a casual cafe, look at how places in busy spots or near offices succeed by offering affordable meals under AED 50. Keep some ground rules, and make a simple business plan. Include your budget, menu ideas, and how you’ll stand out.
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What are the Best Regions to open a restaurant?
Dubai is a huge place; if you pick wrong, you might not get enough customers. So, what is the best region to open a restaurant? Well, it depends on every style, traffic, rent, and crowd. However, here are some locations that should be in your checklist.
Downtown Dubai:
Downton is the perfect location for upscale or global cuisine, such as a fine dining restaurant. It’s packed with tourists near Burj Khalifa, so expect high footfall, but rents for such places would be high.
Dubai Marina:
Marina is a High-end area with waterfront views. This will be an ideal location for modern spots like seafood or fusion, tourists and locals often look for breathtaking sea views with a delicious meal.
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Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR):
Jumeirah Beach is for casual vibe restaurants. It is a perfect location that suits family-friendly cafes or quick eats, with tourists and locals strolling by.
Business Bay:
Business Bay is the area where there is a majority of offices, and the business crowd means demand for fast lunches. It is good for quick-service spots near offices.
I would suggest you choose a restaurant location based on your target: Upscale? Go Downtown. Casual? Try JBR.
What are the licenses required for opening a restaurant?
Here’s a complete list of the key business licenses that you would require for opening a restaurant business in Dubai. These apply whether you’re opening a small cafe or a fine dining restaurant. By default, you’ll need these licenses to get your restaurant up and running legally.
Trade License:
This is your main one, issued by DED for mainland spots or free zone authorities. It specifies your restaurant type, like a coffee shop or floating eatery, and the costs depend on the category you select. Example: For a casual burger joint, you’d apply under “Restaurant and Coffee Shops” activity code 552001, which covers serving food and drinks on-site.
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Trade Name Registration:
Before the trade license, register your restaurant’s name (e.g., “Tasty Bites Dubai”) to ensure it’s unique. You need to make sure that there are no offensive words in your trade name. Universus Consulting can easily help you set up a business in Dubai at an affordable cost.
Food License (or Food Establishment License):
Handled by Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department, a food license is mandatory for any food business, which approves your layout and ensures hygiene standards. You need it after the trade license and submit documents like blueprints of the restaurant showing the kitchen setup and entry/exit paths.
Food Handling Permits:
This is another mandatory license that you’ll need. For staff who touch food, this license certifies training in hygiene and safety, including courses on avoiding contamination. Example: Your chefs might need this to prove they know how to store ingredients properly.
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Non-veg Permit:
If your menu includes pork, meat, or chicken (like in some international spots), get this special approval from the authorities to handle and serve it legally.
Food Truck or Vehicle Permit:
This permit is only required if you’re doing deliveries or operating a mobile unit, ensuring safe transport.
Health and Safety Certificate:
Approved by the Dubai Municipality, the health and safety certificate confirms your space meets hygiene rules, like proper ventilation and waste disposal. It’s part of the food license process, but might need separate checks.
Fire Safety Certificate:
This license is issued by Dubai Civil Defence, which verifies fire exits, extinguishers, and zoning (no restaurants in residential buildings). Example: For a beachside spot in JBR, you’d need this to handle kitchen flames safely.
Waste Management and Disposal Permits:
Ensures eco-friendly handling of trash and recycling, required by the municipality.
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Alcohol License (or Liquor License):
Not every restaurant will need this, but if you’re serving drinks, you’ll need this license. This license can get a little bit tricky, and you need to apply through the police or the relevant department. For serving, strict rules apply, like age checks and no sales during Ramadan. It also adds a 30% tax on sales and renewal fees. E
Other licenses:
Now, in a normal setting, you’ll not need these, but if you’re planning for a full-fledged restaurant, you need these licenses.
- Music and Entertainment License: For live bands or DJs, get this to play tunes legally without noise complaints.
- Outdoor Seating Permit: If you want tables outside (great for Marina views), this approves the space from the municipality.
- Signboard License: For your restaurant’s signage, ensure it fits local ad rules.
- Ramadan License: In some cases, for adjusted hours or menus during the holy month.
Universus Consulting can help you set up your restaurant business in Mainland Dubai or different zones, such as a restaurant business setup in DMCC. Call us now.
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