How to Open a Restaurant in Dubai
Opening a restaurant in Dubai requires trade licensing and operational approvals, typically including municipality review of premises and kitchen layout, food safety controls, and inspection readiness. Requirements vary by restaurant concept, seating type, and location.
Who is it for / Suitable for
Hospitality entrepreneurs establishing dine-in, takeaway, or delivery-focused restaurants.
Groups expanding restaurant operations into Dubai under a licensed structure.
Investors seeking compliant setup with inspection-ready food safety controls.
Operators requiring structured licensing, fit-out approvals, and renewal compliance.
Key Requirements
Trade license with the correct food and beverage activity and legal form.
Compliant premises and fit-out consistent with municipality and safety requirements.
Kitchen layout and operational flow approvals (as required), including equipment specifications.
Food safety compliance framework, including responsible person/management accountability and training where required.
Clients need to provide the following information / documents
Document Name
Notarized
Passport copies (shareholders/manager)
Identity verification for licensing file.
No
Trade license application / activity selection
Correct restaurant/F&B activity scope aligned to operations.
No
Premises lease / EJARI
Evidence of premises; required for approvals and licensing steps.
No
Kitchen layout and fit-out drawings
Submitted for municipality/authority review; must match actual build.
No
Food safety documentation (where required)
Training certificates, SOPs, HACCP-style controls depending on concept.
No
Average Processing Time
Typically 20–30 business days, subject to premises readiness, fit-out approvals, inspections, and authority processing timelines.
What you would get when the application is complete
Trade License (restaurant / F&B activity)
Operational approval / permit confirmation (authority-dependent)
Inspection clearance / compliance record (as applicable)
On-going Compliance Requirements
After completion, businesses must maintain ongoing compliance:
Maintain food safety standards and keep training/records updated as required.
Comply with periodic inspections and rectify any non-compliance within prescribed timelines.
Renew trade license and any operational permits on time.
Update approvals if the concept, capacity, kitchen layout, or menu scope materially changes.
Government Agencies Involved
Government agencies involved / overseeing this application:
Dubai Municipality
Food control, premises approvals, and inspections (scope depends on activity).
Department of Economy & Tourism (DET)
Trade license issuance and activity scope (mainland) where applicable.
Civil Defense (where applicable)
Fire and life-safety compliance for fit-out/occupancy depending on premises type.
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