Opening a restaurant or food business in the UAE requires specific municipal approvals. Here is the complete 2025 guide.
UAE F&B Licensing Requirements
Opening a restaurant in Dubai requires: DED trade licence: restaurant or food and beverage activity licence. Dubai Municipality Food Control: Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality approves all food businesses. Food safety inspection, kitchen layout approval, and food handler cards for all staff. Ejari (tenancy): registered restaurant tenancy agreement. DEWA: utility connection. Civil Defence approval: fire safety inspection and Civil Defence certificate. Signboard approval: RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) signage approval for outdoor signage. Municipality layout approval: the kitchen, seating area, and facilities must meet Dubai Municipality standards (ventilation, plumbing, waste management). For alcoholic beverages: UAE alcohol licence required. In Dubai, restaurants can apply for a liquor licence through Dubai Tourism (DTCM) and Dubai Police. Only non-Muslim owned restaurants in eligible locations (hotels, licensed premises) can serve alcohol. Process timeline (Dubai restaurant from decision to opening): typically 3-6 months including fit-out, fit-out approvals, and all licence applications.
UAE F&B Cost Overview
Licence and approvals: AED 10,000-20,000 in DED and municipality fees. Restaurant fit-out: AED 500-2,000/sqft depending on concept quality. A 500 sqft small restaurant: AED 250,000-1,000,000 in fit-out. Kitchen equipment: AED 50,000-300,000. Initial inventory: AED 20,000-50,000. Working capital (first 3 months): AED 50,000-150,000. Total investment for a small Dubai restaurant: AED 500,000-2,000,000. Ghost kitchens (delivery-only): significantly cheaper. No dining fitout required, shared kitchen facilities reduce cost. Ghost kitchen setup: AED 50,000-200,000 total investment.