Opening a restaurant or cafeteria in Dubai can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Here are the general steps to consider:
Steps to open a Restaurant in Dubai or A Cafeteria
To open a restaurant in Dubai mainland, entrepreneurs must first get a trade license from the Dubai Economic Development (DED). The establishment of a restaurant can be accomplished in the following basic steps:
- Research and Planning: Before starting any business, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on the market, target customers, competition, legal requirements, and financial resources. You also need to create a business plan that outlines your vision, mission, goals, marketing strategies, menu, and pricing.
- Legal Requirements: In Dubai, opening a restaurant or cafeteria requires obtaining several legal documents, including a trade license, food and hygiene permits, health and safety certificates, and visas for employees. You may also need to comply with the UAE’s labor laws, taxation policies, and other regulations.
- Location and Lease: Choosing the right location is crucial for the success of your restaurant or cafeteria. You need to consider factors such as accessibility, foot traffic, parking, zoning regulations, and rental fees. You may also need to negotiate the lease terms with the landlord or agent.
Cafeteria License in Dubai – Opening a Cafeteria in Dubai
To open a cafeteria in Dubai, you will need to obtain a cafeteria license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai. Here are the steps you need to follow to obtain a cafeteria license in Dubai:
DED (Dubai Economic Development) can help you secure a restaurant license in Dubai. It can be registered where a foreign national can become 100% owner of the restaurant. The cost of a restaurant license in Dubai is approximately AED 18, 260 as mention in the above table. This is excluding rental and furnishing costs. Don’t let the cost factor discourage you, though. Cafeterias and restaurants in Dubai play an important role in everyone’s social life and way of life in Dubai. With an increasing number of tourist and business visitors, there is a significant demand for restaurants and cafeterias in Dubai and the UAE.
- Determine the legal structure of your cafeteria: You can set up your cafeteria as a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company (LLC). Each structure has its own requirements and regulations, so it’s important to consult with a legal advisor to determine which structure is best for your business.
- Choose a location for your cafeteria: Dubai has specific rules and regulations for businesses, and it’s important to choose a location that complies with these regulations. You will need to obtain a tenancy contract for the location of your cafeteria.
- Apply for a trade name: You will need to choose a unique trade name for your cafeteria and apply for it through the DED. The name must not be already registered by another company and should be in line with the naming conventions set by the DED.
- Apply for a cafeteria license: You can apply for a cafeteria license through the DED. The license will allow you to legally operate your business in Dubai.
- Obtain necessary approvals: Depending on the location of your cafeteria, you may need to obtain additional approvals from the Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Civil Defense, and other regulatory bodies.
- Hire employees: You will need to hire employees for your cafeteria and provide them with the necessary employment contract
- Choose a trade name.
- Select a local sponsor (if applicable).
- Get the Pre approval from DED
- Get the restaurant’s interior designed in accordance with the Food and Safety Department’s guidelines. When renting business premises, adhere to the department’s criteria.
- Obtain the tenancy agreement and the Ejari for the rented space.
- Sign MOA/LSA agreement in DED
- Submit all necessary documentation to the Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Obtain a letter of authorization from the Food Safety Department and permission from Dubai Municipality