The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the fastest-growing economies in the Middle East, and Dubai plays a big role in this growth. Many business owners from around the world are choosing Dubai to set up their businesses and find success in this busy market.

Out of all the industries, the food and restaurant sector has grown a lot over the last few years.

A report from Euro Monitor International says that nearly 19,000 new food spots could open in Dubai soon. One big reason for this growth is the steady rise in tourism. As more people visit Dubai, the need for tasty food and good places to eat has gone up. This has opened many doors for people who want to start a food business.

Still, entering the food business isn’t always simple. There’s already strong competition. But for someone just starting out, opening a small cafeteria in Dubai can be a smart way to begin.

The good news is, Dubai welcomes new businesses. It offers support, guidance, and tools to help them grow.

With a strong economy, lots of tourists, and a helpful setup for startups, Dubai is a great place to begin your journey in the food business.

Why Open a Cafeteria in Dubai?

The reasons behind setting up a cafeteria in Dubai are as follows:

Growth And Expansion Opportunities

When the cafeteria is doing well, owners can open new branches in other locations. They can also start catering or join food delivery apps. This helps the business grow quickly and reach more people.

High Demand for Budget-Friendly Dining

Dubai has a large population of people from diverse backgrounds, such as expats, locals, and tourists. They all look for cheap and quick food places. Cafeterias serve food quickly and at low prices, which makes them a popular choice. Because of this, more people want to open a cafeteria in Dubai.

Steady Customer Flow

Cafeterias in Dubai get regular customers every day. People from nearby offices, homes, or workplaces come there to eat. This mix of people helps the cafeteria earn steady money and grow easily.

Flexible Menu Options

Cafeterias usually offer snacks, light meals, and drinks. Owners can easily change or add items based on what customers prefer. A simple menu helps save food, reduce waste, and increase profits. That’s why many people choose to open a cafeteria in Dubai.

Low Startup And Operating Costs

The cost of opening a cafeteria is lower than a full-fledged restaurant. Cafeterias require smaller spaces and fewer workers. Therefore, the rent, light bills, and staff salaries remain low. This allows business owners to spend less and make money quickly.

How to Open a Cafeteria in Dubai

Here are six easy steps to open a cafeteria in Dubai.

1. Choose a Name for Your Business

Next, choose a name for your cafeteria. DBS Group will help you register the name with the UAE Registry Office. You can use your name, but you must write your full name, not just your last name or initials. The name must comply with UAE regulations. It should not contain bad or vulgar words or anything related to religion such as Allah or Islam.

2. Get Initial Approvals

Before you open your cafeteria, you need a few permits. You must obtain approval from the Food and Safety Authority and the Planning Department of Dubai Municipality. You can also

3. Choose The Right Location

The location of your cafeteria is very important. You will need to submit a rental agreement when you apply for a cafeteria license.

There are many spaces available for rent, but choosing the right location can be difficult. Experts at the DBS Group can help you find a good location that suits your business needs.

4. Decide On The Legal Form of Your Business

To run a cafeteria in Dubai, you need a special license. This license falls under the “Restaurants and Coffee Shops” category and is called a commercial license. According to UAE law, a local citizen must be your business partner. If you are from another country, a local person must own at least 51% of the company.

This license is not difficult to obtain, but you will need to obtain some permissions from the government before you can start. If you don’t understand something, the DBS Group team can help you.

5. Apply For Your Visa

After applying for your cafeteria license, you can apply for your visa. You can also open a bank account for your company. Depending on the type of visa and license you have, you can bring your family or staff to Dubai by sponsoring their visas. DBS Group can also help you with this step.

6. Work With DBS Group

To open a cafeteria in Dubai, first contact the DBS Group. Their team will help you with everything from starting your business, obtaining your trade license, and completing the setup. They will guide you on what paperwork you need, talk to government offices for you, and obtain all the necessary permits.

Types of Licenses in Dubai

Before learning how to open a cafeteria, it is good to know the different types of licenses in Dubai.

You can apply for three main types of licenses. Each license is used for different types of businesses. Here they are:

Commercial License

If you want to start a business that sells or trades products, you need to obtain this license.

Professional License

This license is for people who provide services or use their skills, such as artists, tailors, or consultants.

Industrial License

If your work involves making or manufacturing things, you must obtain an industrial license before starting.

The cafeteria license is part of the professional license group.

Documents Required to Open a Cafeteria in Dubai

Application for a Food License

• You need to obtain a Certificate of Approval from the DED (Department of Economic Development).

• You also need a layout approval for the cafe from the Planning Department.

• You will need to provide details that show that your cafe is clean and well-run. This includes the airflow system, kitchen design, where the equipment is placed, and similar details.

Cafeteria License

• All business partners and the manager must sign the license form.

• You need a name approval letter and name registration.

• All owners must provide copies of their passports.

• You also need to submit an MOA (Memorandum of Association).

Cafeteria License Cost in Dubai

If you want to start a small cafe in Dubai, you will need at least 120,000 AED. This amount covers the license fee and basic setup costs. If you are planning to open a fancy or large cafeteria, the total cost can go up to AED 170,000. This includes rent, design work, and staff payments.

Obtaining a professional license also adds to your costs. The cost of applying for it can go up to AED 28,000. The actual license costs around AED 10,310.

These are just approximate cost ideas. The final amount can vary based on various factors. If you want a clear idea of all the costs, it is better to talk to a company setup expert like DBS Group in the UAE. We can guide you with complete details.

Read Next: How to Open a Restaurant in Dubai: Costs, Process & How to Get a License

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Is It Easy to Get a Cafeteria License in Dubai?

Yes, it is easy to get a cafeteria license in Dubai if you have all the necessary documents ready and follow the right procedures. To make the process easier, you can also contact a company that specializes in business setup in the UAE.

Q2. How Long Does It Take to Get a Cafeteria License in Dubai?

It usually takes about 2-4 months to get a cafeteria license in Dubai. However, this timeline can vary depending on various factors, including the location you choose and the accuracy of your documents. Once you have obtained all the necessary approvals and licenses, you can welcome customers and start operating your cafeteria.

Q3. How Much Does It Cost to Open a Cafeteria in Dubai?

The total cost of starting a cafeteria in Dubai usually falls between AED 120,000 and AED 170,000. The final cost depends on factors such as the size of the cafeteria, its location, and the overall concept.