UAE Free-zone or Mainland Company with residence visa, employment card and bank account opening.
UAE Free-zone or Mainland Company with residence visa, employment card and bank account opening.
UAE Free-zone or Mainland Company with residence visa, employment card and bank account opening.
UAE Free-zone or Mainland Company with residence visa, employment card and bank account opening.
UAE Free-zone or Mainland Company with residence visa, employment card and bank account opening.
![]() Manage your business and track services |
WIO Bank Official Partner Seamlessly open your UAE Bank Account |
![]() Manage your business and track services |
WIO Bank Official Partner Seamlessly open your UAE Bank Account |
![]() Manage your business and track services |
WIO Bank Official Partner Seamlessly open your UAE Bank Account |
![]() Manage your business and track services |
WIO Bank Official Partner Seamlessly open your UAE Bank Account |
![]() Manage your business and track services |
WIO Bank Official Partner Seamlessly open your UAE Bank Account |
Dubai is a beacon of culinary diversity and business opportunity, making it an ideal location for launching a restaurant. Renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and as a crossroads of numerous cultures, the city offers a dynamic dining scene that attracts food enthusiasts worldwide. Its strategic location, supportive business environment, and high tourist footfall provide unique advantages for restaurateurs looking to make a mark in the industry. In this article, we will look into how to start a restaurant in Dubai, detailing the essential steps and considerations to help you succeed in this vibrant market.
At filings.ae We understand the nuances of starting a business in Dubai and are equipped to navigate you through every process step, from business setup to compliance.
Begin your Dubai restaurant venture with filings.ae - your partner in business setup success!
When planning to open a restaurant in Dubai, numerous factors must be considered in successfully launching and running a restaurant in this city. Here is a comprehensive list of considerations and steps to help you manage the complexity of starting a restaurant in Dubai:
When starting a restaurant in Dubai, it is crucial to establish a distinct and appealing concept that distinguishes you from competitors in the bustling and competitive dining industry. A well-defined concept can be the key to attracting customers and achieving long-term success. Here is how to refine your restaurant's concept and identify its Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
Define the Service Style: Choose the type of service that best suits your vision, whether fast-casual, fine dining, buffet or a cafe.
Curate the Menu: Focus on creating a menu that reflects your unique concept, whether it's ethnic cuisine, fusion dishes, locally sourced ingredients, or innovative culinary techniques.
Design the Ambiance: Your restaurant's physical environment should resonate with your concept and enhance the overall customer experience.
Identify and Develop Your USP: Identify what makes your restaurant unique. This could be a special dish, an unusual theme, or an innovative service approach that sets you apart.
Innovation: Be open to experimenting with new ideas that attract customers, such as incorporating unique cultural elements or using advanced technology.
Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial in starting a restaurant in Dubai. Your business plan should clearly articulate your vision, goals, objectives, and budget. It should also detail your restaurant's concept, target market, and operational plans, including how you'll manage daily activities. Additionally, it's essential to outline contingency strategies for potential challenges. Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) oversees this planning process, which ensures that all businesses align with local regulations and standards.
When setting up your restaurant in Dubai, you have two main options for your location:
After finalising your business plan and choosing the region for your restaurant in Dubai, the next crucial step is selecting the physical location. This decision can significantly impact the success of your venture. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the location of your restaurant:
Target Audience
Visibility and Accessibility
Competition
Size and Layout
Costs
Compliance
Growth Potential
After securing a prime location for your restaurant in Dubai, obtaining all the necessary permits to authorise you to operate is imperative. In Dubai, you primarily need to procure two types of licenses to open a restaurant:
Additionally, depending on your restaurant's specific features or services, you may require other licenses and permits:
Securing these licenses is the first critical step towards launching your restaurant in Dubai, setting the foundation for Compliance and success in the city's competitive dining sector.
Starting a restaurant in Dubai involves a series of steps regulated by various governmental departments to ensure Compliance with local business and food safety laws.
Having all the necessary documentation is crucial to streamlining the process when applying for a trade license in Dubai.
Initial Approval Letter from DED
Detailed Business Plan
Premises Tenancy Contract
Blueprints and Floor Plan of Restaurant
Memorandum of Association with Local Sponsor: If setting up in the mainland area,
Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining a restaurant license and starting your business:
Select a Company Name: Choose a unique name for your restaurant that complies with the UAE's naming conventions. Get the name approved by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant free zone authority.
Choose Business Activities: Clearly define the nature of your restaurant's activities. This will determine the type of licenses and approvals needed.
Obtain Initial Approval from DED: Submit your initial application and relevant documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for approval.
Tenancy Contract: Sign a tenancy contract for your restaurant space. This will need to be registered with Ejari.
Ejari Registration: Register your tenancy contract with Ejari through the Dubai Land Department. This step formalizes your rental agreement and ensures Compliance with Dubai's rental laws.
Obtain DTCM Approval: Get approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), which is necessary for restaurants that might impact tourism or commerce.
Apply for the Trade License: After approvals, submit all required documents and paperwork to DED to finalize the business setup.
Pay License Fees: Pay the necessary Dubai trade license fees once your application is approved.
After receiving initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED), you can then approach the Food Safety Department to obtain your food license.
The Food Safety Department is responsible for issuing the Food Safety License in Dubai. To apply for this license, you must first have your trade license from the DED. Here is a streamlined process:
Receive Initial Approval from DED: Secure initial approval and the trade license from the DED. (Process mentioned above).
Apply to the Food Safety Department: Submit your application along with the required documents to the Food Safety Department.
Provide Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have:
A copy of the trade license or the primary approval from the DED or relevant free zone authority.
Interior design layout of the premises (blueprint), which includes:
Entry and exit passages
Space for processing food
Area for storing food
Windows and ventilation system
Location of food preparation equipment
Dishwashers and other supportive equipment
Meeting these requirements and obtaining your Food Safety License ensures that your restaurant complies with Dubai's strict food safety and hygiene standards, allowing you to operate legally and safely.
Once you have obtained the food and trade licenses, you will be authorized to start your restaurant in the city-state. However, depending on your specific business activities, you may need to acquire additional licenses (refer to above).
The cost of opening a restaurant in Dubai can be significant and influenced by various essential factors. When calculating the Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Dubai, you must consider expenses such as:
License: Secure all necessary food and business operation licenses.
Rent or Property Purchase: Consider the costs associated with leasing or buying a venue.
Permissions: Obtain additional permissions required for specific restaurant operations.
Staff Training Program: Invest in training to ensure your team delivers excellent service.
Software for Daily Operations: Implement software solutions for managing sales, reservations, and inventory.
Insurance: Get the appropriate insurance to cover liabilities, property, and employees.
Working Capital: Ensure you have funds to cover day-to-day expenses during the initial phase.
Setup Costs: Budget for kitchen equipment, furniture, and decor to set up your restaurant.
These are the initial investments needed to establish a restaurant in Dubai. Read our article to learn more about the Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Dubai
Starting a restaurant in Dubai is a multifaceted process that requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. By following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of setting up your restaurant and position yourself for success in Dubai's dynamic culinary scene. Whether you're bringing a unique dining concept to life or expanding an existing brand, Dubai offers a vibrant market with vast opportunities. Good luck with your restaurant venture!
Partner with filings.ae for expert guidance every step of the way. From securing the right licenses to setting up your business, our team is here to simplify the process and help you set up your business smoothly and efficiently.
Get started today!
We are backed by reputed investors like ICICI Bank Limited, BeeNext & Udtara.
We have over 700 employees across UAE & India to support our global client-base.
We place our customers interest and have a refund policy. If a service is not delivered, refund is provided.
We are committed to providing affordable and reliable services to our clients. At Filings.AE, our team of 700 employees across India serve over 1 lakh paid customers globally. We help businesses with incorporation, trademark, tax filing, compliance and payroll services.