Business setup · Hospitality & retail
How to Open a Restaurant or Café in Dubai
Opening a restaurant or café in Dubai is a two-track process: a mainland trade licence with a food activity from the Department of Economy and Tourism, and Dubai Municipality food safety approval of the premises and kitchen layout and Civil Defence fire safety clearance. Staff handling food must hold food safety certificates before opening.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Licence
- DET mainland licence with a food activity
- Food safety
- Dubai Municipality approval of layout and premises
- Fire safety
- Civil Defence clearance
- Tenancy
- Registered Ejari contract
- Staff
- Food handlers need food safety certificates
What do you need to know first?
Food businesses are licensed on two tracks that must both be complete: the DET trade licence and Dubai Municipality’s food safety approvals. The kitchen layout should be approved before fit-out, because changing a built kitchen after inspection is expensive and delays opening.
Because restaurants and cafés serve walk-in customers, a mainland licence is the normal route; free zone licences generally do not suit street-facing hospitality. Premises must have a registered tenancy contract (Ejari), and fire safety must be cleared by Civil Defence.
Your concept also has licensing consequences. Delivery-only kitchens, cafés inside other premises and restaurants with entertainment can each need different approvals. Settle the concept, seating and menu before choosing premises, because the activity code and layout approval depend on them.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Kitchen and service staff need employment visas and food safety certificates. Visa capacity depends on the premises.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Initial approval
Reserve the trade name and get DET initial approval for the food activity.
-
02
Secure premises
Sign the lease and register Ejari.
-
03
Approve the layout
Get Dubai Municipality approval before fit-out.
-
04
Fit-out and inspections
Complete fit-out, Civil Defence and food safety inspections.
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05
Issue licence and train staff
Issue the licence and certify food handlers.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
Choose a location with the right zoning and parking for food service.
- 02
Get the kitchen layout approved before fit-out.
- 03
Book Civil Defence and food safety inspections early.
- 04
Certify every food handler before opening.
- 05
Budget for signage, delivery-platform setup and insurance.
Frequently asked
Questions about restaurant & café in the UAE
Can I open a café with a free zone licence?
Generally no for street-facing cafés serving the public. Walk-in hospitality in Dubai normally needs a mainland DET licence.
When should I get the kitchen layout approved?
Before fit-out. Dubai Municipality’s layout approval should come before construction so you do not rebuild after inspection.
Do my staff need food safety training?
Yes. Food handlers must hold valid food safety certificates, and missing certificates are a common cause of failed inspections.
Is Civil Defence approval required?
Yes. Commercial premises need fire safety clearance from Civil Defence before opening.
Can I run a home kitchen or cloud kitchen in Dubai?
Cloud kitchens are licensed food businesses and still need approved premises and food safety approval. Check the rules for your model before you invest.
How long does it take to open a restaurant in Dubai?
It depends on fit-out and inspections. Getting the layout approved before construction is the biggest factor in avoiding delays.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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