How to Get UAE Food Safety Approval for a Restaurant or Cafe Guide 2026
Opening a restaurant or cafe in UAE requires food safety approval from the relevant authority (Dubai Municipality for Dubai, ADAFSA for Abu Dhabi, SEDD for Sharjah) in addition to the standard trade licence. This guide covers getting UAE food safety approval for a food business in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Food Safety Regulatory Framework
- Dubai: Dubai Municipality (DM) Food Safety Department; regulates all food businesses in Dubai (outside DHCC, DIFC which have own rules)
- Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA); regulates all food businesses in Abu Dhabi Emirate
- Sharjah/Northern Emirates: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and respective emirate authorities
- Free zones: free zone restaurants must get both free zone authority approval AND the relevant municipal food safety approval
Dubai Restaurant / Cafe Opening Process
Step 1 — Trade Licence
- Get Dubai DED trade licence for “Restaurant” or “Cafe” activity; AED 15,000-25,000/year
- Select activity: “Restaurant” for full-menu dining; “Coffee Shop” for beverage-focused; “Catering” for off-premises food preparation
Step 2 — Premises Approval (Dubai Municipality)
- Submit premises plan to Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department; kitchen layout, storage areas, waste management plan, pest control plan must be shown
- DM reviews plan; may require modifications to meet UAE Food Code requirements (separation of raw and cooked food areas; adequate refrigeration; handwashing stations at specified locations)
Step 3 — Initial Inspection
- DM inspects premises before opening; checks kitchen equipment, refrigeration temperatures, food storage, toilet facilities, pest control measures
- Pass: receive initial food establishment permit (validity varies; typically 6 months); annual renewal required
Step 4 — Food Safety Training
- All food handlers must complete Dubai Municipality-approved food safety training; Basic Food Hygiene Training (BFHT); valid for 3 years; AED 150-300 per person at DM-approved training centres
- Food Safety Manager: designated food safety manager must hold a higher-level food safety qualification; Level 3 Food Safety certificate
Step 5 — DTCM Tourism Licence (for restaurants)
- Dubai Tourism (DTCM) tourism establishment licence required for restaurants open to the public; apply after DM permit; AED 3,000-10,000/year depending on classification
- Hotel restaurants: if within a licensed hotel, the hotel’s DTCM licence covers food outlets; standalone restaurants need their own DTCM licence
Liquor Licence for UAE Restaurants
- Dubai: standalone restaurants cannot serve alcohol; must be connected to a licensed hotel or club; liquor licence from Dubai Police required
- Abu Dhabi: similar restriction; alcohol only in licensed hotels and clubs; DCT Abu Dhabi issues liquor licences
- Non-Muslim staff: need a Personal Liquor Permit (PLP) to handle alcohol; employers apply via Dubai Police / Abu Dhabi Police