The food-service market of the United Arab Emirate is booming, thanks to the growing arrival of the foreigners. So, this is the best time to open your own small café or a coffee shop in the UAE. Get your cafeteria license in Dubai to tantalize the taste buds of the Emirati nationals and expatriates.
UAE’s economic diversification plans after the Expo 2020 have overall grown the food and beverage industry. Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) department of DED reveals that two restaurants and one coffee shop open daily in Dubai. Nearly 500 outlets (operational restaurants and cafes) did open during the first three months of 2019 alone.
These statistics instill the UAE investors have a great business opportunity to capitalize on, to open a cafeteria in Dubai. It is no surprise that food & beverage café scene is flourishing in Dubai and across the UAE. Due to entry of new hotels, shopping malls, theme parks and other infrastructure projects, entrepreneurs are setting up coffee shops there.
Key takeaways and insights of the UAE cafeteria sector
These are the notable findings and statistics showing the growing café (F&B) sector in Dubai, UAE.
- The UAE food market is forecast to reach $51.41 billion by 2030 from $39.75 billion in 2025 at 5.28% CAGR.
- Confectionery and snacks is the biggest segment of the UAE’s F&B sector, with a market revenue of $8.54 billion in 2025.
- Analyzing consumer behavior is key in Dubai’s F&B industry, due to diverse preferences and a desire for unique dining experiences.
- Dubai classifies the restaurants and cafeterias under the same activity group “Restaurants and Coffee Shops”.
- Investors aiming to open a café and a restaurant can do so under the same trade license.
- To run successful cafeteria business in the UAE, recruit professional staff, offer competitive salaries/benefits and conduct comprehensive training programs.
- Creating unique cafe brand identity, implementing customer retention programs, marketing on digital platforms, and diversifying income streams is helpful.
Process to start a cafeteria business in Dubai
This guide explains the 8 steps to secure a cafeteria license in Dubai.
- Step 1: Secure food and trade licenses
- Step 2: Get approval on construction plans
- Step 3: Choose your best location
- Step 4: Sign tenancy contract with the landlord
- Step 5: Select a local sponsor
- Step 6: Submit documents to the regulators
- Step 7: Acquire an NOC for food safety
- Step 8: Register with Ministry of Labor and Immigration
Now, we briefly look upon the step-by-step procedure of getting cafeteria license in Dubai for starting a small food-service business.
Step 1: Secure food and trade licenses
The first step in starting your café business in Dubai is securing food and trade licenses. You can acquire the food license through the Food and Safety department in Dubai. Whereas, the trade license is given by the DED and Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
In case, you plan to offer some extra options in your menu other than the normal food-service items. Then, there is a number of special licenses you can apply for in Dubai. For example, Ramadan permit, delivery permit, animal slaughter permit, liquor permit, etc.
Step 2: Get approval on construction plans
Be thorough with the requirements of food and safety department and get approval on construction plans.
- Food consignment release license
- Meat handling permit for handling and serving food products
- Vehicle permit for transporting food products
Step 3: Choose your best location
Location is everything when you are starting a restaurant or cafeteria business in Dubai. Apart from your menu, location will spot the difference between your cafe success and your doom.
Go for an accessible area for your cafeteria with plenty of parking space and high footfall. Visibility is the key. Take time to choose the right location for your cafeteria. Check whether the location is near commercial and residential places. Does it attract crowds, does it suit your budget and does it provide your business the potential for growth? These factors are crucial which need to be taken under serious consideration when selecting your business space.
The best option for your café location would be to go for business setup in Dubai mainland.
Step 4: Sign tenancy contract with the landlord
Negotiating for a realistic rent and occupancy cost matters a lot. Signing a tenancy contract with your landlord serves as a supporting document to secure the cafeteria license in Dubai.
Step 5: Select a local sponsor
You may appoint a UAE national as a local sponsor for your cafeteria in Dubai mainland. This local Emirati sponsor can act as a sleeping partner for your company, or can serve as a public liaison. Sign an agreement with your local partner at notary public court.
Step 6: Submit documents to the regulators
The last step for you application for obtaining cafeteria license in Dubai is submission of required documents to Department of Economic Development (DED). After getting the required approvals, hold back for a while and let DED and Dubai Municipality work on getting you a license within a week.
Step 7: Acquire an NOC for food safety
Apply for a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) on food product establishment trade license from the Food Safety Department in Dubai.
Step 8: Register with Ministry of Labor and Immigration
Once you have acquired your license, you can register it with the Ministry of Labor and the Immigration Department in order to apply for visas for workers who are required to run your cafeteria.
For a smooth start of your cafeteria business, read more on Dubai Company formation Guide.
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Necessary documents to register a cafeteria in Dubai
These are the compulsory legal documents for registering a cafeteria setup in Dubai.
- Documents for cafeteria blueprints
- Paperwork for Dubai Municipality’s food permit
- Documents for trade license from DTCM
Next, we take a look on the essential legal documentation for cafeteria registration in Dubai.
Documents for cafeteria blueprints
These are the documents for the blueprints of a cafeteria in Dubai.
- Food processing and storage space
- Sanitary spaces such as restrooms
- Windows and ventilation system
- Location of the equipment used to process the food
- Entry and exit passages
- Location of the washing machines
Paperwork for Dubai Municipality’s food permit
This is the legal paperwork for food permit approval from the Food Safety Department (FSD) of Dubai Municipality (DM).
- Initial approval issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Layout of the cafeteria premises
- Approval from the Planning Department (if the restaurant will be located outside a shopping center)
Documents for trade license from DTCM
These are the documents for the approval of trade license from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
- Signed license application (by the company managers or their legal representatives)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Attested company name approval letter from the DED
- Copies of the passports of the management partners
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Cafeteria vs restaurant: Understanding the differences
Operating a restaurant in Dubai involves opening a physical space with suitable installations for preparing and serving food and snacks. Whereas, a cafeteria in Dubai only allows selling ready-made food, juices, and beverages to the public. Remember, the restaurants let you serve the beverages for public consumption.
The food license you get from the regulatory authority depends on the specific business activity. Accordingly, each category has different rules, procedures, and requirements to fulfill. Knowing the difference between these two types of operations is crucial for obtaining the appropriate food license.
Dubai’s regulations for restaurant and cafeteria operations differ, depending on business category and space requirements. Licenses are not instant, and require approval from the Food Safety Department and Drainage Department to meet health/safety requirements. Differences may exist in the food safety management, ceilings, equipment, and plumbing systems between the two activities.
Additionally, licenses are subject to the Dubai Civil Defense rules and safety standards. Immediately, after the issuance of license, owners must obtain a Certificate of Safety from the Dubai Civil Defense Department. Subsequently, they must undergo the annual maintenance, for the regular fulfillment of the safety requirements.
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Scope of cafeteria businesses in Dubai, UAE
The food service industry of Dubai and the UAE is experiencing a surge in demand. Cafeterias and restaurants in Dubai are supercharging this continuous progression. Supportive consumer behavior, diverse preferences, and a desire for unique dining experiences are the catalysts.
Trends include increasing demand for international cuisines, growing popularity of casual dining and quick-service restaurants. Rising interest in healthy/organic food options, and the adoption of technology in ordering and delivery services is much helpful. Also, cafés and restaurants are adapting by offering innovative menus and enhancing their digital presence.
Strategies for successful cafeteria setup in Dubai
These are some tactics which let you make your cafe corner in Dubai more successful.
- Create unique brand identity
- Develop diverse and creative menu
- Recruit professional cafe staff
- Market cafe business on digital platforms
- Proper revenue management
- Ensure customer retention
Next, we take a look on these factors that can bring more success to your cafe in Dubai.
Create unique brand identity
Your cafeteria in Dubai must establish a distinctive brand identity, using a name and logo resonating with the target audience. Use a consistent visual style across all marketing materials, menus, and signage. The atmosphere, decor, and ambience of your Dubai cafe must align with the core values of your brand.
Create a compelling brand story to highlight the unique selling points of your Dubai cafeteria. After-all, you brand must connect with the potential customers emotionally. Moreover, the staff of your cafe in Dubai must embody your brand values.
Develop diverse and creative menu
Your cafe in Dubai must create a diverse menu that includes local and international dishes, seasonal ingredients, and healthy options. Also, it should offer special promotions and themed days to keep customers engaged. Use efficient food service systems and modern equipment to ensure consistent food quality and reduce the serving wait times. Customization options and a self-service grab-and-go section can better serve the busy customers.
Recruit professional cafe staff
Hire expert cafeteria staff with knowledge of Dubai’s culinary palette, including local and international cuisines. Provide comprehensive training programs on the food safety, customer service, and cultural sensitivity. Ensure staff are well-versed in Dubai’s food regulations and hygiene standards. Offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and keep top talent.
Market cafe business on digital platforms
A strong digital presence is crucial in Dubai’s tech-savvy market. Create a user-friendly website showcasing menu, location, and color-scheming; and optimize it for search engines. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to engage with customers.
Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Partner with local food bloggers and influencers to expand reach and implement targeted advertising campaigns. This way, you can boost the online reputation of your cafeteria in Dubai and attract more clients.
Proper revenue management
The success of a Dubai cafeteria relies on effective financial management, smart revenue strategies, cost control, and expansion planning. Diversifying income streams, offering catering services for local events, implementing loyalty programs, partnering with food delivery apps is important. Also, offering seasonal menu items, limited-time promotions, and up-selling premium items is beneficial.
Hosting of special events and renting out space for private parties are key drivers for sustainable growth. These strategies help attract new customers, engage repeat clients, and increase average spend.
Ensure customer retention
To encourage repeat visits, implement a loyalty program with rewards like free drinks or exclusive menu items. Personalize marketing efforts by collecting customer data and sending targeted promotions. Host special events or themed nights to create unique experiences.
Offer cooking classes or coffee-tasting sessions to engage customers beyond regular dining. Continuously seek customer feedback to improve and build long-term relationships. Use a digital loyalty card system for easy tracking of the frequent buyers.
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Conclusion
The coffee culture is a savoring tradition in the UAE and the Arabian region. It is a symbol of hospitality at palaces, homes, social gatherings and celebrations. Also, there are continuous government expenditures on domestic construction and development projects.
Do you need professional help for setting up a cafeteria in Dubai? Connect with professional business consultants in Dubai at KWS Middle East. Contact us or send your cafe setup query at info@kwsme.com right now.
FAQs about the cafeteria industry of Dubai, UAE
These are the answers to the common questions about the café industry in Dubai, UAE.
What you need to know before opening a cafe in Dubai?
To open a cafeteria in Dubai, make a business plan, choose a suitable premises, and create a floor plan. Secure funding from local sources, save for personal expenses, and shop foodstuff ingredients. Also, network your heart out to find the trending items to offer in your café.
How much minimum area you require for a cafeteria in Dubai?
A cafeteria must a minimum of 500 sq. ft space for the approval from Dubai’s Planning Department. However, you may need additional space for equipment, storage, and food production/processing.
What is the difference between cafeteria and restaurant license in Dubai?
A cafeteria license in Dubai allows the sale of ready-made food, snacks, juices, and beverages to the public. While, a restaurant enables the food preparation in the kitchen, and its serving/delivery to the customers. However, you can combine both activities under a single license after regulatory permission.
How much is the cost of the cafeteria license in Dubai?
A trade license for running a cafeteria in Dubai costs 10,000 AED to15,000 AED. Whereas, a food permit from the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality costs AED 10,000. Additional permits and regulatory fee can take the initial operational expense to the north of AED 25,000 to AED 35,000.
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