Cafeteria License in Dubai

Dubai is one of the booming economies in the Middle East. There are various business opportunities present in Dubai. The cafeteria business is one of those opportunities. The dominance of cafes and restaurants in Dubai is prominent. If you are willing to open a cafe in the Emirates and learn everything about cafeteria licenses in Dubai, read this article below.

What is a Cafeteria License?

A Cafeteria License authorizes your business to set up and operate a cafeteria in Dubai (both UAE market and free zone). This license is a mandatory food license for setting up a cafe, small restaurants, food trucks, or restaurant chains in Dubai. Obtaining a professional license from the DED is a prerequisite for applying for a cafeteria license in Dubai.

Category of Cafeteria License in Dubai

Dubai offers different types of licenses based on a variety of business activities. Here is a quick look at the category of cafeteria license: 

• Name of the License: Cafeteria License
• Activity Group: Restaurants and Coffee Shops
• License Type: Professional

How to Avail a Cafeteria License in Dubai?

Follow the below-mentioned steps to obtain a cafeteria license in Dubai. Learn more about how to set up a cafeteria business in Dubai.

1. Documents Submission

Prepare all the documents and submit them to the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

2. Apply for the License

Acquire the Professional License by applying for it from the DED. Then, apply for the cafeteria license, generally known as the food license, from the Dubai Municipality Food and Safety Department.

3. Get a Local Sponsor

Choose a local sponsor to satisfy the Dubai local sponsor statutory requirements. Sign agreements with your local sponsor in the presence of a Notary Public Court. However, this step is optional as per the new regulations.

4. Obtain Approvals from the Respective Departments

Get approvals from the respective agencies, such as Dubai Municipality, the Food and Safety Department, and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

5. Finalize the Location

Select the location for setting up your cafeteria, and sign a tenancy contract if you are renting it.

6. Register the Business

Register your business with the Ministry of Labour and Immigration Department.

Requirements to Obtain a Cafeteria License in Dubai

Various paperwork needs to be collected to get a cafeteria license in Dubai, some of them are as follows: 

1. Food License Requirements

• The blueprint of the café
• Preliminary approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Planning department consent is required if the restaurant is situated away from a mall.

2. Location Requirements

• The area used for preparing and storing food
• The clean areas, such as washrooms
• The position of the food-processing equipment, the windows
• The ventilation system
• The access and exit routes where the washing machines are located.

3. Trade License Approval

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• A license application signed by the business managers or their legal representatives
• A letter from the DED approving the company name
• Passport photo of the managing partners.

Additional Requirements to Open a Cafeteria in Dubai

4. Food Safety Requirements

• A pork license for handling and serving pork products, also known as a food consignment release license.
• Additionally, the government places additional restrictions on importing and exporting food goods. The restaurant's location must be at least 50 meters away from any waste disposal facilities since they may contaminate food. 
• The restaurant area should always be clean for at least 10 meters. In addition, the DED in Dubai offers annual trade license renewals.

5. Location Requirements

• First and foremost, the location selected for the cafeteria must be adequate and provide room for all the equipment needed to cook the meals.
• There must be sufficient room for the removal of debris and smoke.
• Pests must not have access to the structure.
• Separating the storage space and restrooms from the kitchen is necessary.
• The ceiling, floor, and walls must be fireproof, non-absorbent, and washable.
• A basin for washing utensils, one for cleaning vegetables, and one for cleaning meat should all be present.

Avail BSW Assistance

Starting a cafeteria business in Dubai can be a challenging process for a foreign business investor. It is a streamlined and elaborate process that requires you to get licenses, permits, and approvals from various government agencies before starting your business operations.

Business Setup Worldwide is here to assist you. Contact us to obtain business licenses and acquire approvals and permits from various government ministries and agencies without hassle. Our expert business setup team in Dubai can help you get all the prerequisites for starting a cafeteria in Dubai while you can focus on developing your business. Reach out to us and start your business at an affordable cafeteria license cost in Dubai.