If one were to take a walk down the bustling streets of Dubai, you would certainly notice an array of dining options. From humble food trucks to Michelin Star restaurants, Dubai has something for everyone when it comes to dining options. These establishments make up the heart and soul of Dubai’s food industry.
Falling under business activity 5610 “Restaurants and mobile food service activities”, these establishments offer everything from traditional sit-down meals to grab-and-go options along sidewalks.
If you’re looking to set up a venture of your own within this industry, see below for a list of essential details:
Activity Code: 5610.00
Activity Name: Restaurants And Mobile Food Service Activities
DED Activity Code: 5610001 & 5610005
Activity Group: Restaurants and coffee shops
License Type: Professional
Third-party Approval: Required
Filing of Economic Substance Return: Not required
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Not required
Post-License Third-Party Approval from DM
After you secure a license to carry out your restaurant and food service activities in Dubai, the next step is to obtain approval from Dubai Municipality (DM). Securing this license essentially means that your establishment meets the health and safety regulations, ultimately leading to a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for your hungry customers.
Choose the right food-service model
A dine-in restaurant, takeaway outlet, cloud kitchen, catering company, and mobile food truck may all prepare food, but they do not have identical premises, vehicle, fit-out, or approval requirements. Define where food will be prepared, how it will reach customers, whether seating is provided, and whether the concept will operate from one location or at events.
A mobile concept also needs a compliant preparation and storage plan; a vehicle alone does not replace the underlying food-safety and licensing requirements. Entrepreneurs comparing this route can review our dedicated Dubai food truck licence guide.
Restaurant licensing and approval sequence
- Select the exact food-service activity and legal structure.
- Reserve the trade name and obtain the required initial commercial approval.
- Choose premises that can support the proposed kitchen, extraction, drainage, storage, waste, customer-access, and safety requirements.
- Prepare the layout and obtain the relevant food-safety, planning, and Civil Defence approvals.
- Complete the tenancy, final trade licence, facility inspections, and staff requirements before opening.
For many operators, a Dubai mainland company provides the practical route for serving customers directly from a Dubai location. The correct structure still depends on the concept, delivery model, shareholders, and planned expansion.
Check the premises before signing a lease
The location can determine whether the concept is viable. Confirm permitted use, landlord and building approvals, kitchen exhaust routes, grease management, gas or electrical capacity, loading access, waste handling, customer parking, signage, and whether structural changes are allowed. A low-rent unit can become expensive if it cannot pass the required approvals without major alterations.
Make the tenancy agreement conditional on the checks appropriate to your project and coordinate the proposed layout before committing to fit-out. Set Hub’s commercial space support can help align the premises search with the licensing plan.
Documents and professional plans
Typical preparation includes shareholder identification, proposed trade names, initial approval records, the tenancy agreement, Ejari where applicable, a professionally prepared floor plan, equipment details, food-flow and storage information, and safety approvals. Overseas corporate or personal records may require attestation or legal translation; arrange these early through documentation and attestation support.
What should the startup budget include?
Budget for more than the trade licence. Common cost categories include rent and deposits, design and authority submissions, kitchen equipment, extraction and ventilation, drainage and grease systems, fire and safety works, signage, point-of-sale systems, furniture, pest-control contracts, insurance, staff recruitment, visas, uniforms, opening stock, delivery-platform commissions, and working capital.
Request a line-by-line estimate and maintain a contingency for design changes or inspection corrections. Approval and opening timelines depend on the concept, location, document quality, fit-out complexity, and inspection availability; no adviser should promise one fixed timeline before those variables are reviewed.
Operating requirements after launch
After opening, maintain food-safety procedures, temperature and cleaning records, supplier documentation, pest-control schedules, staff training, licence renewals, and approved waste practices. Review authority requirements before changing the menu concept, kitchen layout, trading name, delivery model, or location. Staff immigration and Emirates ID planning can be coordinated through Set Hub’s residency services.
Who Does This Business Activity Cater To?
Here is a breakdown of your potential customers, if you were to set up an eatery in Dubai.
Food Enthusiasts
Dubai is home to many residents from around the world. This mix of cultures means that your customers will seek out many options when it comes to satisfying their palettes. Whether it be street food, fine dining experiences, or simple cafe-style fare, Dubai’s mix of tourists and residents want a little bit of everything.
Busy Professionals
The professionals who call Dubai home have fast-paced lifestyles and therefore, their choice when it comes to dining reflects this. Cloud kitchens that offer quick delivery are a popular choice among this group as tasty meals without the wait time are often seen as a go-to choice.
Explorers of Global Tastes
All you need is a taste of home. This is especially true for Dubai’s multicultural population that hails from all over the world. Replicating flavors from home is guaranteed to be a hit.
Event Attendees
With many events that dot Dubia’s calendar, attendees of major events, exhibitions, and festivals need to be fed. This is a big reason why several food trucks are seen at these venues.
Late-Night Diners
With a nightlife scene that has made headlines all over the world, Dubai’s growing party crowd has led to the growth of establishments that solely provide late-night dining options.
Health-Conscious Consumers
It is important to prioritize health-conscious individuals as well. This target group constantly seeks out healthy and organic dining options and often pays a premium for the same.
Simplifying the License Acquisition Process with Set Hub
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to secure your food-related trade license in Dubai, speak to us at SetHub. Our team is well-versed in this area and can provide you with the guidance needed to get up and running. A commitment to streamlined documentation and submission results in expedited approvals and certifications from relevant authorities. Set Hub coordinates the commercial and third-party approval stages around your concept, premises, and documents, allowing you to focus on bringing your culinary plans to market.