Dubai, globally recognised for its unique culinary scene, caters to the diverse tastes of both residents and tourists. As per the third annual ‘Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report’, the city’s food and beverage industry witnessed significant growth with almost 1200 new restaurant licenses issued to food entrepreneurs.
Ranging from fine dining restaurants to unique cafeterias, the Emirate is one of the best destinations for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to open a restaurant in Dubai. However, it requires careful planning, securing proper approvals and permits, and a good understanding of the competitive market.
Here, we provide an overview on how to open a restaurant in Dubai, covering requirements, steps, costs, and benefits of choosing the Emirate as your food business destination.
Back to topWhy Choose to Open a Restaurant in Dubai?
The food and beverage industry in UAE has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years. With a culturally diverse audience, it is home to international cuisines and innovative dining concepts, contributing to the booming Dubai restaurant business. Let us see why food entrepreneurs choose Dubai:
Booming Food and Beverage Sector
Dubai is visited by millions of tourists every year leading to a growing demand for diverse dining experiences, ranging from luxury dining to gourmet cafes. The city also has an affluent and cosmopolitan population with diverse tastes and spending power. The city also hosts thousands of restaurants catering to global cuisines, offering entrepreneurs a constantly growing market and opportunities to introduce innovative dining concepts.
High Revenue Potential
With a high demand for fine dining, casual eateries, cloud kitchens, and gourmet cafes around the year, restaurants in Dubai can achieve significant growth and profitability.
Strong Government Support
Robust government initiatives and policies under business setup in UAE simplify licensing, approvals, and compliance, making it easier for food entrepreneurs to establish their ventures in the food and beverage industry.
Tax Incentives
Restaurant business in Dubai free zones and specific business setups offer financial incentives and tax rebates, allowing better capital utilisation.
Strong Hospitality Infrastructure
World-class hotels, high-end malls, and entertainment hubs provide ideal locations to open a restaurant in Dubai and reach a wider audience.
Innovative Dining Concepts
The cosmopolitan residents of Dubai and the tourists are always on the lookout for new dining concepts, themed restaurants, and unique dining experiences, offering opportunities for creativity.
Dubai’s combination of market demand, world-class infrastructure, and pro-business policies makes it one of the best cities to start a Dubai restaurant business.
Back to topStepwise Process to Start a Restaurant Business in Dubai
Setting up a restaurant in Dubai may seem a tedious process at first, but with the help of professionals such as Commitbiz, the process can be streamlined and quick. Below are the required steps to be followed to open a restaurant in Dubai:
Step 1: Define Restaurant Concept and Business Plan
Dubai’s culinary scene is highly competitive and evolving. Therefore, the first step in how to start restaurant business in Dubai is identifying your unique concept that resonates with local people as well as tourists. You have to decide whether it will be fine dining, a casual café, a gourmet restaurant, or a quick-service outlet? Also, create a detailed business plan that defines budget, target customers, types of cuisine, menu design, location, and marketing strategies.
Step 2: Select the Right Location
Location plays an important role in the success of your restaurant. Areas with high footfall, such as Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, or nearby tourist attractions, are ideal for restaurant business. While calculating the cost of opening a restaurant in Dubai, location rental charges or lease cost will often be one of the highest expenses. Therefore, you can choose the right jurisdiction, either mainland or free zone, and secure premises where it's cost-effective.
Step 3: Register Business Name
Now, select a unique name for your restaurant that complies with the UAE naming convention. Commitbiz will help register your restaurant with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority.
Step 4: Initial Approval
In this step, Commitbiz will help submit essential documents and applications with Dubai DED for initial approval.
Step 5: Get Tenancy Contract
Here we will help get your tenancy contract for your restaurant space and then register with Ejari. You can register the contract through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to legalise your rental agreement and ensure compliance with rental laws and safety regulations by the Dubai municipality.
Step 6: Secure the Restaurant License
To legally operate, you will need a restaurant license in Dubai, which involves approvals from multiple authorities, including the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Dubai Municipality. Commitbiz will help apply for the licenses and secure it for you.
Key approvals include:
Trade license: This license is your core business license and legally permits you to conduct business activities in the region.
Food safety license: This license is issued by the Dubai Municipality's Food Safety Department. It ensures that your restaurant is following the local food safety and hygiene regulations.
Special permits: Depending on the type of restaurant, you might need additional permits such as alcohol license, outdoor dining, delivery operations, to name a few.
These approvals are essential requirements to open a restaurant in Dubai, and missing any step can delay your launch.
Step 7: Meet Additional Requirements
The emirate has strict regulations to ensure safety, hygiene, and compliance. We will ensure you have met additional requirements such as:
- Layout approval: Submit a restaurant design plan to Dubai Municipality.
- Food safety compliance: Install proper ventilation, fire safety systems, and storage facilities.
- Health regulations: Kitchens must meet hygiene standards with approved waste disposal systems.
Step 8: Hire Qualified Staff
When planning to open a restaurant in Dubai, ensure you hire a certified chef or culinary head, an exceptional service team, and a management team with good experience. Also, ensure to register employees with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and compliance with labour laws and visa processes.
Step 9: Marketing and Branding
A strong marketing and advertising strategy is essential to create awareness and attract customers. From social media campaigns to influencer engagement to collaborations with food delivery apps, you must invest in promotion. It will help create buzz around your restaurant and build a strong customer base.
Back to topCost of Opening a Restaurant in Dubai
The cost of a business setup in Dubai in the restaurant sector can vary depending on size, location, and concept. The major expenses might include:
- Licensing and approvals
- Rent and security deposits
- Interior design
- Kitchen equipment and supplies
- Insurance
- Staff recruitment and training
- Marketing and promotions
With the help of experts at Commitbiz, you can choose to launch your restaurant at great prices starting from AED 15,500. The prices might vary depending on your requirements. Our professionals will help plan your financing strategies and provide you the best packages to avoid any unexpected hurdles.
Back to topDocuments Required to Open a Restaurant in Dubai
Commitbiz experts will help arrange all your documents. Below are some essential documents that you need to submit to avail your restaurant license:
- Copy of trade license
- Copy of passport and Emirates ID of the owner
- Passport size photographs
- Copy of tenancy contract and Ejari registration
- Copy of food safety license from Dubai Municipality
- Copy of approval from Dubai Civil Defense for restaurant premises
- Initial approval letter from Dubai DED
- Detailed business plan
- Proof of payment of required fees
- Copy of additional permits, if any
Why Partner with Commitbiz?
Dubai’s dynamic food culture, strong infrastructure, and supportive business environment make it one of the most promising places for aspiring food entrepreneurs. The journey to open a restaurant in Dubai can be exciting and highly rewarding. However, every step requires strategic planning and execution. Also, navigating approvals, compliance, and setup can be overwhelming. That’s where expert guidance from Commitbiz can make all the difference. We simplify the restaurant setup process by assisting you with licenses, approvals, and business structuring. Contact us to ensure your business journey is smooth, compliant, and ready for success in Dubai’s food and beverage market.
Back to topCan foreigners open a restaurant in Dubai?
Yes, foreigners can open a restaurant in Dubai. Depending on the business setup structure, they can opt for 100 percent ownership in free zones or mainland companies with local sponsorship.
Do I need to hire only local staff for my Dubai restaurant?
No, you can hire both local and international staff, provided they have valid visas and health cards, as required under UAE laws.
Which authority issues the ‘No Objection’ certificate (NOC) for a Dubai restaurant setup?
The Dubai Municipality issues the NOC for a Dubai restaurant setup.
What is the Dubai Municipality Food Code?
In Dubai, Food Code refers to a comprehensive guideline issued by the Dubai Municipality Food Control Department that outlines food safety standards, hygiene practices, and operational requirements for all food establishments.
