Opening a restaurant in Dubai
Restaurants and cafés need a mainland licence and a sequence of approvals tied to the premises.
Approvals
- Trade licence from DET for the restaurant or café activity
- Dubai Municipality food safety and premises approvals, including kitchen layout
- Civil Defence approval for fire safety
- Fit-out approvals from the landlord or master developer
- Signage permits
- Staff food handler training and health cards
- Separate permits for outdoor seating, music, delivery or alcohol where relevant
Timeline
Premises-related approvals usually take longer than the licence itself. Plan fit-out and approvals together.
Common questions
Can I start without a location?
The licence is tied to the premises, so securing a suitable location comes early.
Official sources
We check our guidance against these official sources. Always confirm current fees and rules before acting.