Stay Updated With Our Latest Insights
How to start a restaurant business in Dubai: A complete guide.
Dubai, the crown jewel of the UAE, is not just a haven for luxury and innovation but also a culinary paradise where flavors from around the world meet. The city’s thriving food and beverage industry attracts entrepreneurs eager to tap into one of the most diverse and lucrative markets globally. With its rich blend of over 200 nationalities and a staggering tourist influx of 4.7 million annually, the opportunities for starting a restaurant business in Dubai, UAE are unparalleled.
However, success in Dubai’s restaurant scene requires more than passion—it demands preparation, strategy, and adherence to the city’s legal framework. Before you light up your kitchen, you need to secure a restaurant license in Dubai, navigate zoning laws, and understand the vibrant market. The Emirate’s restaurant business thrives on creativity, a robust business plan, and an understanding of local and global culinary trends. This is where you can rely on Leela International business consultants for all your queries, where we guide you through each step giving your dreams a reality landscape.
Dubai’s reputation as a global food destination makes it a fertile ground for ambitious restaurateurs. The city’s expanding population, combined with its insatiable appetite for diverse cuisines, makes opening a restaurant business in Dubai a potential goldmine. However, with its competitive market, only those who meticulously plan their venture—choosing the right location, menu design, and pricing strategy—can truly make their mark in the bustling food scene of this Middle Eastern metropolis.
If you’ve been dreaming of opening a restaurant in Dubai, this guide is your roadmap to turning that dream into a profitable reality. Let’s dive into the essential steps, challenges, and creative strategies needed to launch your restaurant in one of the world’s most exciting food hubs.
How to start Restaurant Business in Dubai, UAE
- Select a name for the company
- Complete application and submit to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for license.
- Sign the MOA agreement in DED
- Get Approval from Dubai Municipality – Food Control department and Drainage Department.
- Issue visas under the company
- Rent out a suitable restaurant space in a target location and obtain the tenancy contract.
- Meet architectural requirement compiling zoning and building regulation
- Get approval from the Department of tourism and commerce marketing (DTCM).
- Pay the Dubai trade license fees once approved.
- Create a menu that reflects your concept.
- Hire knowledgeable staff.
- Keep in check marketing and promotion.
- Keep in check quality control and financial management.
- Invest in the right technology for seamless operations.
Restaurant licenses in Dubai
You have to obtain mainly two types of licenses in order to open a restaurant in Dubai.
1) Trade License: The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai will provide you a trade license, they issue you a license once the following criteria are maintained.
- Designate a legal status for your enterprise in the UAE
- Select and register a trade name for your company
- Submit an application for initial approval
- Lease a corporate office
- Prepare all the pertinent documents
- Submit a further application to the DED for the final approval.
2) Food License: You will obtain a food license from The food safety department to start a restaurant business in Dubai. You need to provide the following documents to procure the license.
1. Copy of the trade license
2. A blueprint of your restaurant containing the following
* The entry and exit passages
* Space for processing food and storing food
* The windows and ventilation system
* food preparation area
* Dishwashers, and other supportive equipment
3. No objection certificate (NOC) from the planning department. This depends on the zoning law.
4. Food safety training certificate for staff.
5. Food consignment release license
6. Pork permit for handling and serving pork products if you choose to include
7. Vehicle permit for transporting food products
8. Liquor License (if you are planning to serve liquor at your restaurant)
Below are the top locations to open a restaurant in Dubai.
Bur Dubai
Al Quoz
Mall of Emirates
Jumeriah
Emirates hill
Dubai creek
Documents Required to get a restaurant license in Dubai :
- Copy of your trade license
- Copy of Passport and emirates id of the owner
- Visa copy of the investor
- Passport size photographs
- Tenancy contract for the restaurant location
- Food and Safety License from the Dubai Municipality
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the Dubai Municipality
- Health and hygiene certificate for the restaurant premises
- Dubai Civil Defense approval for the restaurant premises
- Certificate of conformity for kitchen equipment
- Detailed blueprint of the restaurant for certain freezone areas.
- Proof of payment of the required fees
- Any additional permits as required by the Dubai Municipality or other authorities.
Embarking on the journey to open a restaurant in Dubai,UAE is akin to crafting a culinary masterpiece; it requires the perfect blend of passion, precision, and adherence to the city’s stringent regulations. Navigating the labyrinth of obtaining a restaurant license in Dubai and ensuring compliance with the UAE’s Food Code can be daunting. This is where Leela International steps in as your trusted sous-chef, guiding you through each step of the process.
Leela International specializes in business setup services in Dubai, offering comprehensive support to aspiring restaurateurs. From securing the necessary trade and food licenses to ensuring your establishment meets all health and safety standards, their expertise transforms the complex process into a seamless experience. Their in-depth knowledge of the local market and regulatory landscape ensures that your restaurant business in Dubai is built on a solid foundation.
By partnering with Leela International, you gain access to a wealth of resources tailored to your specific needs. Their personalized approach ensures that every aspect of your restaurant setup aligns with Dubai’s dynamic culinary scene, setting the stage for your venture to flourish.
In conclusion, while the prospect of launching a restaurant in Dubai is enticing, the path is fraught with regulatory hurdles and compliance requirements. Collaborating with seasoned professionals like Leela International not only simplifies the process but also positions your restaurant for success in this vibrant city. With their guidance, your culinary dreams can become a reality, allowing you to focus on what you do best—delighting your patrons with exceptional dining experiences.
