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how to open a cafeteria in dubai
  • By Business Consultant
  • November 28, 2024

For those willing to open a new business in Dubai, a cafeteria business is something that can prove to be of great potential. With a wide range of population and a busy lifestyle, having a place to offer you quality food is always appreciated. But the first question that might be asked is how to open a cafeteria in Dubai. To answer this question and to provide a detailed list of all the requirements and aspects of this business setting, this blog has been designed. From the most basic question to the cafeteria license cost in Dubai, everything has been covered for your understanding.

How to open a cafeteria in Dubai?

To open a cafeteria in Dubai, you will have to be thorough with the process, the documentation, the licenses, and the permits. Once you have everything ready, all you are required to do is follow the steps to the application. Here is the detailed list of all the documents that you will require in order to open a cafeteria in Dubai.

  • Trade License: Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED).
  • Food License: Issued by Dubai Municipality’s Food and Safety Department.
  • Tenancy Contract: Proof of leased premises.
  • Passport Copies: Of all business partners and shareholders.
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): Legal documents outlining the company’s structure and operations.
  • Company Name Approval: Certificate from the Dubai Registry Office.
  • Food Safety Approval: Certificate from Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Authority.
  • Building Permit: Approval for construction layout from the Planning Department.
  • Food Clearance Approval: from the relevant authority.
  • Interior Design Approval: Blueprint by a registered interior designer.
  • Additional Permits: Food Consignment Release License, Pork Permit, Vehicle Permit, etc., as applicable.

For the best advice and a simplified process, you can reach out to a firm dealing with business setup in Dubai, like Dubiz Business Setup.

How to acquire a cafeteria license in Dubai?

For you to start any business in Dubai, you need to get a UAE trade license that permits you to operate the business there. Similarly, those willing to open a cafeteria in Dubai will need to get a cafeteria license. Here are the details of how you can achieve this:

1. Choose a commercial name:

The first thing you should do is choose a distinctive and appropriate commercial name for your cafeteria.

2. Get the first approval:

Obtain preliminary permission from Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED).

3. Lease agreement:

A leasing agreement should be obtained for the building where your cafeteria will be situated.

4. Legal records:

As needed, sign the Lease Share Agreement (LSA) or the Memorandum of Association (MOA).

5. Obtain the required permits:

Get the following permissions:

  1. Food Control Department: Obtain clearance for norms of food safety and cleanliness.
  2. Drainage Department: Get sanitation and trash disposal permission.

6. Civil defence:

Get an EHS certification for emergency protocols and fire safety.

7. License application submission:

Send the filled-out application and any necessary paperwork to the DED.

8. License issuance:

The cafeteria business license will be issued by the DED upon approval.

9. Interior fit-out:

Employ an interior design firm to create and furnish your cafeteria in accordance with the authorised blueprints.

10. Processing of visas:

After the license is granted, you can start the process of getting your staff, employees, and Dubai work visas.

11. Commence operations:

You can begin running your cafeteria once the interior fit-out is finished and the required permits have been obtained.

Cafeteria license cost in Dubai

AED 120,000 is the minimum amount needed to start a small café in Dubai, including license fees and startup expenses. Rent, interior design, and employee expenses might add up to AED 170,000 for a high-end cafeteria. The cost of applying for a professional license might approach AED 28,000, while the price itself is approximately AED 10,310.

While this might be an estimated cost for a cafe, there are various other factors that might deviate the cost. To have a proper understanding and detailed version of the costs involved, it is suggested to get in touch with a firm that helps you with company formation in UAE.

Open a cafeteria in Dubai: Pros for you

To open a cafeteria in Dubai, there are various guidelines you’ll be required to follow, but the right strategy can help you boost your business. This one business is a safe bet, as there is a diverse population that graves for good food. Even in a lane full of cafes, you won’t have to worry about footfall, as the people are always ready for a good cup of coffee or some drink to carry while getting into their busy lives. Other advantages include advantageous tax laws, first-rate infrastructure, and encouraging government programs. Dubai offers a highly qualified workforce, excellent transportation, and low taxes, making it the perfect place for businesses to flourish.

Is cafeteria business profitable in Dubai: Insights from the industry

To put it in simple terms, opening a cafeteria in Dubai can be one of the best decisions you can make. With 90% of the expat population coming from around 200 different nationalities, there is always a need for more places that can offer good-quality food, especially when the majority is living a busy life with professional responsibilities. While this is about the population living there, there is a hefty number of tourist footfall, which can roughly be estimated to be above four million each year, which adds to the business. A small cafe in Dubai, though common, can never go wrong.

Conclusion

While the process looks simple, acquiring a cafeteria license in Dubai can prove to be a complex book of rules, regulations, and guidelines. Thus, Dubiz business setup offers you professional insight and in-depth knowledge of all the necessary policies, like that of Emitarization UAE so that you can open a cafeteria in Dubai with a clear head and well-laid structure. Not only this, but we can also make the process simplified for you. To get in touch with us: contact: call +971 563695485, WhatsApp +971 563695485, or email info@dubiz.co.

FAQs

1. Is getting a cafeteria license in Dubai easy?

Yes, the process of getting a cafeteria license in Dubai becomes easy if you have all the required documents and have followed all the necessary steps. To make the process more feasible, you can always contact a firm dealing in company formation in UAE.

3. How much cost for cafeteria license in Dubai?

A cafeteria license cost in Dubai will range between AED 24,000 and AED 35,000.

4. How to start a small cafeteria in Dubai?

In Dubai, opening a cafeteria requires obtaining two different licenses. The first is a Dubai cafeteria license. In Dubai, you can apply for a coffee shop license either through a free zone or the Department of Economic Development (DED). The next step is to have the Dubai Food Control Department approve your cafeteria ideas.

5. Is Dubai the right place to start a cafe?

Yes, with the diversity of the population and busy lives, a cafeteria business in Dubai can be a great choice for business. However, you have to be very strategic about the location, the cost of your products, and the general quality of your services. With proper planning and excellent execution, you can get a good return on your cafe in Dubai.

6. How long will it take to acquire a cafeteria license in Dubai?

It takes around 2-4 months to acquire a cafeteria license in Dubai. Though this period might differ depending on various factors ranging from your choice of location to the integrity of the paperwork, once you have all the permits and licenses, you can open the doors of your cafeteria for the people.

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