Looking to start a restaurant, cloud kitchen, or food and beverage (F&B) business in the UAE? The UAE offers fast company formation, F&B business licensing, and supportive regulations for restaurants, catering, and hospitality businesses. Set up your food business in Dubai or any UAE free zone with complete support for food trading licenses, import/export approvals, and full compliance with UAE food safety laws.
The United Arab Emirates’ food and beverage (F&B) sector is a vibrant and rapidly expanding cornerstone of the nation’s economy, propelled by a flourishing tourism industry, a diverse multicultural population, and a strong dining-out culture. The UAE’s foodservice market is projected to reach an astounding USD 43.98 billion by 2029, demonstrating a robust growth trajectory that presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs. Dubai leads this charge, with over 13,000 F&B outlets and nearly 1,200 new restaurant licenses issued in 2024 alone, cementing its status as a global gastronomy capital.
The UAE offers diverse business models in the food & beverage sector. Whether you’re targeting tourists or locals, evaluating your investment, staffing, and risk appetite is key to choosing the right format.
| Business Type | Target Market | Initial Investment (AED) | Staffing Needs | Profit Potential | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual Restaurant | Families, local diners, tourists | 1,000,000 – 2,350,000+ | 15–50+ staff | High | Very High |
| Fine Dining | High-net-worth individuals, tourists | 4,030,000 – 9,150,000+ | 50–100+ staff | Very High | High |
| Cloud Kitchen | Delivery app users | 100,000 – 250,000+ | 2–10 staff | Medium–High | High |
| Food Truck | Event-goers, tourists | 150,000 – 400,000 | 2–5 staff | Medium | High |
| Catering | Corporate clients, event planners | 70,000 – 200,000+ | 5–20+ staff | Medium–High | Medium |
Establishing a food and beverage business in Dubai involves a systematic process with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth setup:
1️⃣ Business & Concept Planning
Before initiating the formal setup process, develop a comprehensive business plan:
– Finalize your F&B concept, brand identity, and menu.
– Identify your target audience and analyze competitor offerings.
– Create detailed financial projections, including startup costs and revenue forecasts.
– Develop a marketing and launch strategy.
2️⃣ Company Registration & Initial Approval
Begin the legal formation of your company:
– Choose a unique trade name for your restaurant or cafe that complies with UAE naming conventions.
– Submit your application and shareholder documents to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
– Obtain the Initial Approval Certificate, which allows you to proceed with other setup activities.
3️⃣ Location Selection & Layout Design
Find a suitable commercial space and prepare the technical designs:
– Secure a location that is zoned for F&B activities and matches your brand concept.
– Engage a certified consultant to create a detailed floor plan and interior design for your kitchen and dining areas.
4️⃣ Food Safety Department Layout Approval (Crucial Step)
This is the most critical approval before any construction begins:
– Submit your proposed kitchen and outlet layout to the Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department for review.
– The layout must strictly comply with all requirements of the Dubai Food Code regarding space, ventilation, drainage, material finishes, and designated areas for food handling.
– Do not begin any fit-out work before this approval is granted.
5️⃣ Secure Lease and Apply for F&B License
Formalize your tenancy and business license:
– Once the layout is approved, sign the tenancy contract and register it with Ejari.
– Submit the Initial Approval, layout approval, and Ejari to the DET.
– Pay the final fees to receive your official Commercial License for your F&B activity.
6️⃣ Fit-Out and Equipment Installation
Construct your outlet according to the approved plans:
– Begin the interior fit-out and construction of the kitchen and dining areas.
– Install all commercial-grade kitchen equipment.
– Ensure critical systems like grease traps and specialized kitchen ventilation (hoods) are installed as per regulations.
7️⃣ Final Inspections
Before you can operate, your premises must be inspected:
– Apply for a final inspection from the Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department. An inspector will visit to ensure the outlet has been built exactly as per the approved plans.
– Arrange for an inspection from the Civil Defense Department to verify fire safety systems.
8️⃣ Hire Staff & Process Visas
Build your team and ensure they are compliant:
– Recruit qualified chefs, service staff, and managers.
– Process employment visas and work permits for all staff.
– Ensure every employee involved in handling food completes the required medical tests and obtains a mandatory Food Handler Health Card.
9️⃣ Obtain Special Permits
Apply for any additional permits required for your specific concept:
– Alcohol License (if applicable, a separate and complex process).
– Pork Permit (for serving pork products).
– Outdoor Seating Permit.
– Food Delivery Permit (for operating your own delivery vehicles).
🔟 Final Preparations & Grand Opening
Prepare for your launch:
– Set up utility accounts (DEWA, gas).
– Finalize contracts with your food and beverage suppliers.
– Develop and implement your launch marketing strategy, including social media presence and opening promotions.
– Plan a grand opening event to attract your first customers.
Compliance with food safety and commercial regulations is paramount and strictly enforced in the UAE’s F&B sector. From obtaining the right trade license to passing inspections by food safety authorities, every step must align with local laws and standards.
✅ Need help with document attestation or food safety compliance? Explore our attestation services or consult our business setup experts for F&B compliance in Dubai and across the UAE.
The success of a Food & Beverage (F&B) business in the UAE hinges on choosing the right location. Whether launching a dine-in restaurant, cloud kitchen, food truck, or café, your outlet’s proximity to your ideal customer, cost-efficiency, and compliance with zoning laws can determine profitability from day one.
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah & RAK |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai, Marina, JBR: Premium dine-in and licensed venues | Corniche, Reem Island: High-income residential and tourist zones | Al Majaz, Al Qasimia (Sharjah): Affordable rents with family footfall |
| Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, City Walk: Luxury and family-focused F&B | Khalidiya, Yas Island: Tourist and resident heavy areas | Muweilah, Al Dhait (RAK): Growing communities ideal for franchises |
| Al Quoz, Al Barsha: Central kitchens and cloud kitchen hubs | Mussafah Industrial: Industrial zone ideal for delivery-only models | RAK Industrial & Airport Road: Great for delivery and production units |
To start a food and beverage business in Dubai, you must secure two primary licenses and meet specific regulatory standards.
Key Requirements for F&B Business Setup in Dubai:
| Our Promise | What You Get |
|---|---|
| ✅ End-to-end F&B setup | Trade license, Food License, tenancy, visas, PRO support |
| ✅ Fast-track approvals | Launch your restaurant or cloud kitchen in 2–4 weeks |
| ✅ UAE-wide coverage | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all major Emirates |
| ✅ Transparent pricing | No hidden charges, clear packages, optional add-ons |
| ✅ 100% regulatory compliance | Full DET, Dubai Municipality, Food Safety & Civil Defense |
Ready to launch your food and beverage business in the UAE? Whether it’s a bustling restaurant in Dubai, a premium café in Abu Dhabi, a cloud kitchen in Sharjah, or a growing venture in Ras Al Khaimah, we handle end-to-end F&B setup across all emirates. Contact us today for expert guidance and hassle-free licensing!
Starting a food truck business in Dubai involves multiple government entities. Here’s a simplified overview:
Yes, it is illegal to sell homemade food without an official license. Home-based sellers must secure approval through:
Dubai Municipality registration is a core part of F&B compliance. The steps are:
Embassies Attestation
