How to open a restaurant or cafe in Dubai?


The United Arab Emirates, known for its multinationality, offers gourmets from all over the world an unforgettable gastronomic experience.  The variety of cuisines, concepts and formats of establishments is amazing.  It is no wonder that the restaurant business in the UAE attracts many entrepreneurs. However, as in any other industry, it is important to follow strict rules and go through a number of necessary procedures to open a successful establishment.

Stages of opening a restaurant business in Dubai:

  • Choosing a trade name.

    It is extremely important to choose a free name that corresponds to the concept of the establishment and, most importantly, to the requirements of the legislation.
  • Applying for a license.

    For restaurants it is issued by Dubai Municipality. Documents required for the application include articles of association, documents confirming the ownership of the premises, location plans, etc. The process of applying for a license can take several weeks. The process of obtaining a license can take from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity and type of establishment.
  • Premises preparation:

    1. Choosing a location: location plays a crucial role in the success of the restaurant. It is important to consider the target audience, competition, transportation accessibility and other factors.
    2. The premise has strict requirements for space, equipment, ventilation, sanitary and hygienic standards, etc.
    3. Design and decoration should be in line with the concept of your establishment and take into account the requirements of fire safety, environmental friendliness, as well as the specifics of regulation in the UAE.
  • Registration with the Ministry of Labor for employee visas.
  • Company registration in one of the legal forms.
  • Obtaining permits from the Municipality and the food regulatory authority (permit for storage, processing and sale of food products).
  • Obtaining permits from the Municipality and the food regulatory authority
Careful planning is the key to success. It is necessary to develop a detailed business plan, including marketing strategy, financial calculations, and staffing.

Opening a restaurant business in the UAE is a complex process that requires significant investment, time, and effort. It is important to get advice from a qualified lawyer who specializes in starting a business in the UAE. This is necessary to be aware of local laws and regulations governing restaurants. 
Schedule a free consultation with an Openbiz specialist and find out how to open a cafe in Dubai. 

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