Opening a restaurant in Dubai is an exciting but demanding project, requiring a clear process based on official approvals. It involves choosing the right legal structure, obtaining the necessary licenses, fitting out the premises properly and complying with all regulations before you can welcome your customers.
Dubai isn't just known for its skyscrapers: it's also a world capital of gastronomy. With a diverse population and over 18 million visitors every year, the demand for restaurants is constant. With over 13,000 restaurants and cafés, the city offers everything from street food to Michelin-starred dining experiences, providing opportunities for all types of concepts.
In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to open a restaurant in Dubai, from choosing the legal structure to calculating costs and key success factors.
Steps to opening a restaurant in Dubai
1. Choose your legal structure
Most entrepreneurs opt for :
- LLC on the mainland: Many F&B activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. For certain regulated activities, a Local Service Agent (LSA) may be required, but only for representation, not as a shareholder.
- Free zone: Allows full foreign ownership, simplified set-up and tax benefits. If you want to sell directly in the mainland (e.g. in malls or on the street), you'll need a distributor or LSA.
2. Choose location
The choice of location is essential to the success of your restaurant. Select premises that are suited to your concept and your target footfall.
The lease must be registered withEjari (the Dubai Land Department's rental register) and comply with the Dubai Municipality 's strict standards: kitchen ventilation, grease filters, food storage areas, staff facilities and fire safety.
3. Reserve your trade name
The name of your restaurant must follow Emirates guidelines: no offensive or religious references and no duplication. Once approved, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues a business name reservation certificate.
4. Obtain initial approval
Submit your file to the DET (for the mainland) or to your free zone authority: name reservation certificate, shareholder passports and list of planned activities. Initial approval allows you to proceed with the company formation and business license application.
5. Apply for commercial license
The commercial license officially legalizes your restaurant. On the mainland, it is issued by the DET; in a free zone, by the competent authority.
6. Obtaining a food license
The Food Safety Department of the Dubai Municipality approves your architectural and kitchen plans and issues the food license. You need to send in your plans before starting work.
7. Apply for additional permits
Depending on your concept, you may need :
- Liquor license (Dubai Police and DET)
- Shisha permit (Dubai Municipality)
- Pork handling permit (for non-halal food)
- Permits for terraces and signage
8. Fitting out and equipping your premises
Once all approvals have been obtained, you can set up your premises according to the approved plans: kitchens, ventilation, waste management, grease filters, furniture and decoration, fire safety equipment. Final inspections are carried out prior to opening.
9. Recruit staff and obtain visas
Each staff member must have a valid work visa and health card. The visa quota depends on the size of your restaurant. Staff includes chefs, waiters, cleaners, managers and delivery personnel. Mandatory food safety training is also required.
10. Final inspection and approval
The Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence carry out the final inspection. Once passed, you receive official authorization to open.
11. Open a business bank account
Before starting your business, a business bank account is required. Most banks require a business license, lease agreement, Memorandum of Association (MOA), Emirates ID and shareholder passports.
12. Restaurant launch
With all approvals and personnel in place, you can open your doors to the public.
Licensing requirements for restaurants in Dubai
To operate legally, a restaurant must have :
- Commercial license: issued by the DET or free zone authority.
- Food license: issued by the Food Safety Department, guaranteeing that your restaurant complies with health and safety standards.
- Additional permits: depending on your activity (alcohol, shisha, outdoor service, entertainment, delivery, food import).
These licenses ensure security, compliance and customer confidence.
Prerequisites for opening
- Legal requirements: business license, food license, visa registration and specific authorizations for certain activities (alcohol, etc.).
- Premises standards: compliance with Dubai Municipality's strict health and safety regulations: ventilation, fire-fighting equipment, food storage, pest control, grease filters, staff areas.
- Documents required: initial approval certificate, trade name reservation certificate, lease and Ejari contract, business plan, restaurant plans, MOA, copies of shareholders' passports, staff health cards, Civil Defence and gas approvals.
Advantages of opening a restaurant in Dubai
- High demand and diverse population: over 90% expatriates of more than 200 nationalities.
- Significant tourism: millions of visitors every year create a steady stream of customers.
- World-class infrastructure: logistics, supply chain and technology to facilitate operations.
- Various business creation options: free zones, LLC mainland, etc.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to open a restaurant in Dubai?
Between AED 500,000 and AED 1 million depending on location, size and layout.
Is it profitable?
Yes, with the right concept, location and efficient management, a restaurant can be very profitable thanks to local demand and tourism.
Do I need a local sponsor?
Not necessarily. Recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership of many F&B operations in the mainland. An LSA may be required in some cases. Free zones also allow full foreign ownership.
What licenses are required?
As a minimum: commercial and food licenses. Depending on the concept, additional permits for alcohol, shisha, terraces or shows may be required.
Why choose Clemenceau Group for your restaurant creation?
Opening a restaurant in Dubai can be complex, but the right partner makes every step easier. Clemenceau Group assists entrepreneurs with all administrative and regulatory formalities, from obtaining licenses to ensuring legal compliance. With expert advice, tailor-made solutions and comprehensive support, your restaurant gets off to a solid start, whether it's a café, a gourmet restaurant or a fast-food outlet.
