Dubai Catering Licence 2026: Cost, Requirements & Central Kitchen
A Dubai catering licence costs between AED 25,000–50,000 all-in and requires Dubai Municipality central kitchen approval, HACCP certification, and DET activity code registration. Applicants must secure staff accommodation, vehicle permits, and comply with MOHRE labour regulations. Processing takes 2–4 weeks through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
What Is a Dubai Catering Licence and Who Needs One?
A Dubai catering licence permits commercial food preparation, cooking and service for events, corporate functions, weddings and on-site dining. Any entity delivering hot or prepared meals—whether from a central kitchen or mobile unit—requires this licence from the Dubai business setup framework. The licence falls under DET activity codes 5610–5613 (food and beverage service). You'll need one whether operating as a sole proprietor, LLC or branch of a larger firm.
Unsure if your catering model needs a licence? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free 20-minute assessment.
Dubai Municipality Central Kitchen Approval: The Foundation
Dubai Municipality mandates a dedicated, inspected central kitchen facility before DET issues your catering licence. The kitchen must meet DM engineering and food safety standards: dedicated prep areas, cold storage at 4°C or below, hand-wash stations, pest control certificates, and documented waste management. Rental agreements and floor plans are submitted to DM's Food Safety Department. Approval typically takes 10–14 business days after inspection.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Area | 40–80 sqm depending on output volume |
| Refrigeration | Commercial-grade, calibrated thermometer logs |
| Staff Hygiene | Separate toilets, handwash, no direct access from street |
| Approvals | DM Food Safety, Pest Control Certificate |
Central kitchen costs (rent + fittings) typically range AED 3,000–8,000 monthly; factor this into your total setup budget.
HACCP and Food Safety Management Requirements
The Department of Economy and Tourism mandates Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification as proof of systematic food safety. Your catering licence application must include: written HACCP plan, staff food-handler training certificates (valid for 2 years), supplier audit records, and temperature control logs. Non-compliance results in licence suspension or cancellation. Many caterers engage ISO 22000-certified consultants to design compliant systems.
Budget AED 4,000–10,000 for HACCP documentation, training and consultant review.
Catering Licence Cost Breakdown: AED 25,000–50,000 All-In
The total cost varies by business scale and jurisdiction. Here's a realistic band:
| Cost Component | Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Business licence (DET) | 2,000–5,000 |
| Dubai Municipality approvals | 1,500–3,500 |
| HACCP & food safety certification | 4,000–10,000 |
| Central kitchen security deposit | 5,000–15,000 |
| Vehicle permits & registration | 2,000–4,000 |
| Staff accommodation & labour approvals (MOHRE) | 3,000–8,000 |
| Professional fees (consultants, legal) | 2,000–5,000 |
| Total All-In (Lower-Mid Scale) | AED 25,000–35,000 |
| Total All-In (Premium/Multi-Unit) | AED 40,000–50,000 |
These figures are current for 2026 and include all mandatory approvals and no hidden fees—transparency is Dubai Business Services' core principle.
Staff Accommodation, Vehicle Permits and Labour Compliance
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) requires proof of staff accommodation (villa room, labour camp, or studio) for each employee. Catering vehicles must be registered with RTA, carry food transport permits from Dubai Municipality, and display valid food delivery decals if delivering beyond a single event venue. Vehicle refrigeration units must pass annual DM inspections. Non-compliance attracts fines of AED 5,000–20,000 and temporary licence suspension.
Catering Services Licence vs. Food Delivery Licence: Key Differences
A catering licence covers event-based meal preparation and service on-site (weddings, conferences, corporate lunches). A food delivery licence (under DET codes 5612–5613) permits meal preparation for third-party pickup or courier delivery via platforms. If your catering business includes Talabat or Uber Eats integration, you'll need both licences and separate Dubai business setup consultants to coordinate approvals. The combined cost typically reaches AED 35,000–50,000.
Timeline and Next Steps for Your Dubai Catering Licence
Typical end-to-end process: DM central kitchen approval (10–14 days) → DET business licence application (5–7 days) → MOHRE labour card issuance (5–10 days) → RTA vehicle registration (3–5 days). Total: 3–4 weeks. Start by securing a kitchen space and engaging a food safety consultant in parallel to draft your HACCP plan.
Ready to launch? Contact Dubai Business Services: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for step-by-step guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catering licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A full catering licence costs between AED 25,000–50,000 all-in, depending on business scale and number of staff. This includes DET business registration (AED 2,000–5,000), Dubai Municipality approvals (AED 1,500–3,500), HACCP certification (AED 4,000–10,000), central kitchen security deposit (AED 5,000–15,000), vehicle permits (AED 2,000–4,000), and MOHRE labour compliance (AED 3,000–8,000). Dubai Business Services provides transparent, itemised quotes with no hidden charges.
Do I need a central kitchen for a catering licence in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai Municipality mandates a dedicated, inspected central kitchen before DET issues a catering licence. The kitchen must meet food safety standards including proper refrigeration (4°C or below), dedicated prep areas, hand-wash stations, and pest control certification. Approval takes 10–14 business days after inspection. Central kitchen rental and fitout typically costs AED 3,000–8,000 monthly plus deposit.
What food safety approvals are required for catering services?
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is mandatory. You must submit a written HACCP plan, staff food-handler training certificates (valid 2 years), supplier audit records, and temperature control logs to DET. Dubai Municipality also requires food safety inspection at your central kitchen. Budget AED 4,000–10,000 for HACCP documentation and consultant support.
Can a catering company also do food delivery in Dubai?
Yes, but you'll need both a catering licence (event-based meal service) and a separate food delivery licence (courier/platform-based order fulfilment under DET codes 5612–5613). Combined licensing costs typically reach AED 35,000–50,000. Both require HACCP compliance, central kitchen approval, and separate vehicle permits for delivery fleets. Coordinate approvals via a Dubai business setup consultant.
What are DET activity codes for catering in Dubai?
The Department of Economy and Tourism uses activity codes 5610–5613 for catering and food service: 5610 (catering services), 5611 (food service contractors), 5612 (event catering), and 5613 (specialised catering with delivery). Your licence will be classified under one or more codes based on your service model. Ensure your business plan aligns with the approved code to avoid compliance issues.
What staff accommodation and vehicle requirements apply?
MOHRE requires proof of staff accommodation (villa room, labour camp, or studio) for each employee before labour card issuance. Catering vehicles must be registered with RTA and carry Dubai Municipality food transport permits. Vehicle refrigeration units require annual DM inspection. Non-compliance incurs fines of AED 5,000–20,000 and licence suspension. Budget AED 2,000–4,000 for vehicle permits.
How long does it take to obtain a Dubai catering licence?
The full process takes 3–4 weeks: DM central kitchen approval (10–14 days), DET business registration (5–7 days), MOHRE labour cards (5–10 days), and RTA vehicle registration (3–5 days). Starting with a secured kitchen space and HACCP consultant parallel work accelerates the timeline. Dubai Business Services has processed 80,000+ setup applications since 2009 and maintains relationships with fast-track approvers.
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