Dubai is a city where dreams can become reality. It is the place where delicious global flavors meet. People travel from all over the world to Dubai to taste its mouthwatering cuisine. This attracts entrepreneurs looking to open a restaurant.

Are you someone who has always wanted to open a restaurant business in Dubai?

Then, you are in a perfect spot In this blog, we will give a complete guide on how to get a restaurant license in Dubai.

Let us dive in.

Before getting into the process, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the types of restaurant licenses available in Dubai.

Types of restaurant license in Dubai, UAE

  • Licenses for Restaurants and Coffee Shops

To open a restaurant in Dubai, one must obtain a professional license. But, your restaurant must have the necessary facilities to prepare and serve meals. Moreover, the authorities permit the sale of liquid refreshments for immediate consumption.

  •  Mini Store and Restaurant License

For this, you need a commercial license. With this license, you have the flexibility to make and serve food and snacks. Additionally, you can use this license to sell consumer items like dairy, bread, and other products, as well as freshly canned and preserved food.

  • Floating Restaurant License

Meanwhile, a commercial license is necessary for opening restaurants on ships, boats, or yachts.

Steps to opening a restaurant in Dubai

 

1. Obtain food and restaurant license

Getting the necessary licenses for restaurant and food operations is a crucial first step in setting up a restaurant in Dubai. This licensing process involves coordinating with the Department of Food. Other than that, one has to communicate with the Department of Economic Development (DED, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). A copy of the trade license, food consignment license, vehicle permit license, liquor license,  and interior decor plan is needed to get the food license.

 2.  Choose a suitable location

The success of your business is greatly affected by the location you choose. Because of that, it’s essential to choose a location wisely that suits the requirements of the business, taking into factors like accessibility, customer base, supplier availability, and visibility. In Dubai, the location of your restaurant may be on the mainland, in a free zone, or offshore.

 3. Create the business plan

The next stage is to create a thorough business plan. This strategy must be carefully planned out, including all important details. Moreover, the business plan should include a marketing strategy, backup plans for unexpected occurrences, thorough market research, and financial estimates.

 4. Estimate the business costs

In the end, you must create an effective financial plan for careful spending. This budget should cover a range of costs, such as those related to the restaurant, hiring staff, purchasing equipment, Dubai restaurant license costs, and other expenses.

  • Local sponsor fee – approximately AED10,000/year 
  • Trade license fee – approximately AED10, 000 to AED 12,000 
  • Labor and Immigration registration fee – up to AED 8,000 
  • Restaurant premises rent – AED 60, 000 and above 
5. Architectural requirements
  • The kitchen should be at least 300 to 380 square feet in size or 40 percent of the restaurant’s overall space.
  • The chimney should be 2 meters higher than the closest building. 
  • A good ventilation system.
  • The restaurant’s walls should all be completely fireproof and washable. The ceiling and floor follow the same rules.
  • A sink where the dishes can be cleaned.
  • Storage space for several kinds of food products.
  • A separate sink for cleaning the meat and another for the fruits and vegetables. 
  • Maintain a minimum distance of two inches between the drainage pipe and the walls. 
6. Documents Required for opening a restaurant in Dubai 
  • Trading License. 
  • Food and Safety License. 
  • Passport-size photo
  • Passport Copy
7. NOC from the Municipality of Dubai
  • Ramadan Permit 
  • Liquor Permit Pork Permit 
  • Delivery Permit

Conclusion 

Now that you know the basic rules for open a restaurant in Dubai, and may seem simple. Once we step into it, we will face many difficulties. So, it is better to seek assistance from an experienced company setup in Dubai. 

Having an experienced partner, like Millennium Business Solutions can significantly improve your chances of success in the restaurant business. So, if you’re thinking about opening this business, turn to Millennium Business Solutions for guidance.