All food businesses in the UAE — restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, catering companies, and food manufacturers — must obtain food safety approvals from the relevant emirate authority before operating. This guide covers the approval process in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Dubai: Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department
In Dubai, food businesses are regulated by the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department. The process:
Step 1: Trade Licence. Obtain a trade licence from DED or a free zone with “Restaurant” or “Catering” as the approved activity. Free zones can license food businesses, but for a physical restaurant serving the public within Dubai, a mainland DED licence is usually required.
Step 2: Food Import and Export Code (for importers). If importing food products, register with Dubai Municipality’s Food Import and Export section to obtain a food import code.
Step 3: Food Establishment Registration. Apply through the Dubai Municipality portal (dm.gov.ae) for a Food Establishment Permit. Required documents: trade licence, tenancy contract, facility floor plan, food handler health certificates, and Food Safety Management System documentation (HACCP-based).
Step 4: Food Safety Inspection. A Dubai Municipality food safety inspector will visit your premises to verify: kitchen layout compliance, food storage temperatures, hygiene practices, and staff health certificates. Approval is issued within 10–15 working days of passing inspection.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
Abu Dhabi food businesses register with ADAFSA through the TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi). The process mirrors Dubai Municipality’s but uses ADAFSA’s Food Business Operator (FBO) registration system. Approval typically takes 15–20 working days.
Costs
| Fee Type | Dubai (AED) |
|---|---|
| Food establishment permit | 500–2,000 |
| Food import code | 300 |
| Annual renewal | 500–1,500 |