Restaurant Setup in Dubai: What Every Food Entrepreneur Must Know

Thinking of opening a restaurant in Dubai?

You’re not alone. The city’s booming tourism, multicultural population, and appetite for diverse cuisine make it a hotspot for food entrepreneurs. But before you fire up the grill or print your menu, there’s one essential recipe you must follow: getting your restaurant setup in Dubai right legally, strategically, and financially.

At Verde FZCO, we help visionaries like you turn their restaurant dreams into fully licensed, profitable ventures in the UAE. Here’s your essential guide to starting a restaurant business in Dubai.

Why Dubai Is the Ideal Place to Launch a Restaurant

Dubai’s food and beverage market is valued in the billions and it’s still growing. With residents and tourists constantly seeking new dining experiences, the city offers a fertile ground for innovative food concepts, fine dining, cafes, and food trucks alike.

What makes it even more attractive?

• Zero personal income tax

• Strategic location for global trade

• Fast-growing digital food delivery market

• Government support for F&B entrepreneurs

But the rewards come with responsibilities and getting your restaurant setup in Dubai requires navigating the right legal and business steps.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restaurant Setup in Dubai

1. Choose the Right Business Jurisdiction

Dubai offers two main business zones: Mainland and Free Zones.

• Mainland is ideal for those who want to operate across Dubai and serve both tourists and residents in commercial areas.

• Free Zones may be suitable for cloud kitchens, delivery-focused businesses, or international brands wanting limited operations.

If you plan to open a dine-in restaurant, a Mainland license is usually the most flexible option.

2. Secure a Trade License

To legally operate your restaurant, you’ll need a commercial trade license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). This license will list your business activity as a restaurant or cafeteria.

Requirements include:

• Trade name registration

• Initial approval

• Tenancy contract (Ejari)

• Approvals from Dubai Municipality and Food Control Department

3. Get Food Safety & Municipality Approvals

Dubai has strict food safety regulations and for good reason. You must submit your restaurant layout for approval by the Food Safety Department, which checks for proper ventilation, drainage, storage, and sanitation.

Required approvals include:

• Food License

• Civil Defense Approval (fire safety)

• Dubai Municipality approval for design and operations

Verde FZCO can help you streamline this process with our expert licensing support.

4. Location Matters. Choose It Wisely

Foot traffic, accessibility, visibility, and proximity to your target market are all crucial when choosing your restaurant location. You’ll also need to ensure the space meets Dubai’s structural and health codes.

Your location must be approved and have a valid Ejari (tenancy contract). This is mandatory for your trade license.

5. Design, Fit-Out & Inspections

Once approvals are in place, you can begin your fit-out. Dubai requires:

• Proper ventilation and fire safety systems

• Pest control contracts

• Design in line with food code compliance

After setup, your restaurant will be inspected before you’re cleared to open.

How Verde Helps with Restaurant Setup in Dubai

From choosing the right business structure to securing all necessary permits, Verde is your partner in success. Our restaurant setup services include:

• Business license registration

• Legal documentation and approvals

• Municipality & food safety compliance

• Ejari and location support

• Ongoing consultancy and PRO services

We remove the guesswork, so you can focus on building your brand and serving incredible food.

Restaurant Setup in Dubai

Starting a restaurant in Dubai isn’t just about having a great recipe or a cool concept, it’s about doing things right from day one. The restaurant setup process involves legal nuances, regulatory steps, and location strategies that, if not handled properly, can delay or derail your launch.

But with Verde FZCO by your side, your restaurant dream can become a delicious reality, served legally, smartly, and profitably.

Ready to Cook Up Your Success?

Book a free consultation on your restaurant setup in Dubai with Verde.

Let’s turn your idea into the next big dining hotspot!