How to Open Restaurant in Dubai (registration and licensing)

Starting a restaurant in Dubai is a great opportunity. Dubai is home to a growing population and millions of tourists every year. With the right planning and following all legal steps, you can set up a restaurant and run it successfully.

This guide explains everything you need to know to open a restaurant in Dubai, from registering your business to getting food safety approvals.

Why Open a Restaurant in Dubai? Tourism, Spending, and Market Growth

Dubai’s restaurant sector is one of the most dynamic in the world. With strong population growth, rising tourism, and expanding food trends, there are many reasons why now is a good time to open a restaurant in Dubai. Here are the key drivers behind the opportunity.

1. Dubai’s Growing Tourism and Consumer Spending

Dubai welcomed 18.72 million international tourists in 2024, a 9% rise over 2023 (Global Media Insight). These visitors brought in nearly AED 660 billion in spending, much of it in food, hospitality, and entertainment. For restaurant owners, this represents steady demand from global diners.

In addition to tourists, Dubai’s large expat population, about 90% of its 3.65 million residents, also spends heavily on food and dining out. The city’s strong reputation as a culinary destination makes it easier for new restaurants to attract local and international guests alike.

2. Expanding Food and Beverage (F&B) Market

Dubai has more than 13,000 food and beverage outlets, and the UAE’s food service market was valued at USD 18.78 billion in 2024, expected to reach USD 84.85 billion by 2033 (Market Data Forecast). Dubai’s food sector saw growth rates of 21% in 2021 and 29% in 2022 (Smart Food Safe).

Each year, Dubai issues around 1,200 new restaurant licenses, showing how active the market remains for entrepreneurs ready to meet evolving food demands.

For those planning to open a restaurant in Dubai, this growth shows clear market potential, especially if you register your concept with the right niche and strong compliance in food safety and design.

Step-by-Step Process to Register and License a Restaurant in Dubai

1. Reserve Your Restaurant Trade Name with DED

Your first step is to choose a name for your restaurant and reserve it through the Department of Economic Development (DED). This name should match your brand and must not be already in use. Once approved, this reserved name will be used on your official documents and Dubai municipality trade license.

This step is called trade name reservation, and it is required before you apply for any other approvals or permits.

2. Get Initial Trade Approval from DED

After your trade name is reserved, the next step is to apply for initial trade approval from the DED. This approval confirms that you are allowed to start a restaurant business in Dubai. You must choose the right business activity code, such as “Restaurant” or “Cafeteria”.

Without this approval, you cannot move forward with the licensing process. It is a basic but important part of how to start a restaurant in the UAE.

3. Secure Your Restaurant Location and Register Ejari Tenancy

Now, you need to find a physical location for your restaurant. The property should be in a zone where restaurants are allowed. Once you sign a lease, register your tenancy through the Ejari system. This registration is known as Ejari tenancy.

This step is also needed to continue your license application. Make sure the restaurant’s location meets zoning, ventilation, and safety rules.

4. Submit Your Kitchen Layout for Dubai Municipality Approval

You must submit your kitchen blueprint and complete restaurant layout to Dubai Municipality. This includes a drawing that shows the commercial kitchen layout, cooking areas, washing areas, food storage, and all entries and exits.

Dubai Municipality checks that your design follows health and safety rules, especially the Dubai Municipality Food Code. Some of the main things they check are:

• Food handling areas must be separated.
• Proper waste disposal areas must be included.
• There must be enough space for staff to move safely.
• Doors and ventilation must meet fire safety standards.

5. Apply for a Dubai Municipality Food Safety License

After your layout is approved, apply for a food safety license from Dubai Municipality. This license confirms that your restaurant will operate according to hygiene and safety laws.

You must:

• Hire trained staff who hold valid food safety certificates.
• Provide cleaning and pest control plans.
• Keep records of food temperature and storage.
• Follow staff hygiene rules.

This license is a must-have before you can start selling food to the public.

6. Obtain Civil Defense Fire Safety Approval (NOC)

Before opening, your restaurant must meet Dubai Civil Defense standards. Apply for a fire safety no objection certificate (NOC). Inspectors will check that your restaurant has:

• Fire extinguishers
• Smoke detectors
• Sprinklers
• Clearly marked exits

This is part of the civil defense fire safety requirements. You will not get a final trade license without it.

7. Get an Occupancy Permit for the Restaurant Space

Your landlord or building management must provide an occupancy permit (NOC) that confirms your restaurant space is safe and fit for business use. This is often required along with your fire safety NOC and tenancy contract.

8. Apply for Special Permits (Liquor, Pork, Ramadan) if Required

If your restaurant plans to serve alcohol or pork or operate during Ramadan, you must get extra permissions. These include:

• Liquor permit
• Pork permit
• Ramadan permit

Each one has its own rules. You can apply through Dubai Municipality or other licensed bodies.

9. Obtain Your Final Restaurant Trade License in Dubai

Once you complete all the above steps, you can apply for your Dubai trade license for a restaurant. This is done through the DED.

You will need:

• Trade name reservation
• Initial trade approval
• Ejari tenancy contract
• Kitchen layout approval
• Food safety license
• Fire safety NOC
• Occupancy permit

After checking your documents, DED will issue your restaurant’s Dubai municipality trade license. You are now officially registered.

10. Apply for Investor and Staff Visas

With your trade license and tenancy registration, you can now apply for:

• Investor visas (for owners and shareholders)
• Staff visas (for chefs, waiters, and cleaners)

You must also register for labor and immigration portals. This step is required to hire and sponsor employees in the UAE.

Ongoing Restaurant Rules and Food Safety Inspections in Dubai

Even after opening, your restaurant must always follow the Dubai Municipality Food Code. Inspectors visit restaurants to check:

• Food storage temperatures
• Cleanliness of the kitchen
• Staff hygiene and uniforms
• Pest control records
• Waste management

Cost of Opening and Licensing a Restaurant in Dubai

Opening a restaurant in Dubai takes time and attention to detail. By following each step carefully, you can meet all legal rules and run a safe, well-managed restaurant.

To make the process of opening a restaurant in Dubai easier and stress-free, it’s a smart idea to use a trusted service like Bestax. Our company formation services cover everything from trade name reservation, initial trade approval (DED), and Ejari tenancy registration, to getting your Dubai trade license for a restaurant and food safety license in Dubai. With expert help, you can register your restaurant in Dubai faster and ensure your kitchen blueprint, staff visas, and food permits meet all local rules. Bestax makes starting a restaurant in the UAE simple, legal, and fully compliant.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.