Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Food & Beverage Business in Dubai
1. Choose a Business Structure & Name
The first step in launching your F&B venture is company registration in Dubai. You can register your company on the mainland or within a free zone, depending on your goals.
Note: Your F&B outlet name can differ from your legal company name. For example, your company could be registered as “Asian Hospitality LLC” while your restaurant operates as “The Hot Grill”.
When naming your company:
Avoid religious terms and country/city names.
You can include nationalities or geographic regions.
“International” and “Global” cannot appear as the first word.
First names are allowed only if it’s a shareholder’s name.
A business setup consultant in Dubai can check name availability and ensure compliance.
2. Prepare Company Formation Documents
You’ll need:
Memorandum of Association (MoA) for sole ownership.
Articles of Association (AoA) for multiple shareholders.
These documents must be notarized in the UAE. Your consultant will assist in drafting and processing them.
3. Secure Commercial Space
To apply for a restaurant or cafe license in Dubai, you need a commercial space that meets Dubai Municipality guidelines:
Space Requirements:
Restaurant: Kitchen must be ≥ 300 sq. ft (or 380 sq. ft if using an oven), or 40% of total space.
Cafeteria: ≥ 200 sq. ft or 40% of seating area.
Bakery: ≥ 200 sq. ft for prep area.
Tea Stall: ≥ 100 sq. ft for prep area.
Health & Safety Requirements:
Separate areas for meat, vegetables, and utensil cleaning.
Double sinks with hot/cold water in each area.
Ventilation system, fireproof and washable surfaces.
Sloped floor for drainage, rodent-proof doors/windows.
Storage for frozen, chilled, and dry goods.
Your consultant will help you find a compliant location and register your Ejari (Tenancy Contract).
4. Apply for F&B License in Dubai
Once your location and company documents are ready, submit your application to:
Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) – for mainland setups.
Free Zone Authority – for free zone businesses.
Mainland Requirements:
Ejari (Tenancy Contract)
Location blueprint
Food Safety Department approvals
Certified Person-in-Charge (via mandatory training)
Free Zone Requirements:
Company documents
Lease Agreement (issued by the free zone)
Approval from the Free Zone Authority
5. Furnish Your Establishment & Hire Staff
Once approvals are in place:
Set up interiors and purchase kitchen equipment.
Recruit chefs, waitstaff, and other personnel.
Open a corporate bank account to manage transactions and supplier payments.
Also Read
Why Open an F&B Business in Dubai?
Diverse consumer base from 200+ nationalities
Business-friendly regulations
High demand for innovative cuisines and dining experiences
Opportunities in delivery, dine-in, catering, and cloud kitchens
Ready to Launch Your Restaurant or Cafe in Dubai?
Let A&A Associate help you every step of the way. Whether you’re planning a fine-dining restaurant, coffee shop, bakery, or QSR outlet, we offer end-to-end F&B business setup services in Dubai.
