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February 10, 2026
Dubai’s food and beverage sector is booming. With the UAE foodservice market projected to reach USD 52.76 billion by 2030 and over 17 million tourists visiting Dubai annually, starting a cafeteria here is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you want to open a cozy neighbourhood coffee shop or a bustling grab-and-go eatery, this guide walks you through everything — from licensing and costs to location strategy and daily operations. And when you are ready to move forward, our team specialising in company formation in Dubai is here to make the process seamless.
Dubai is not just a city — it is a global marketplace with an appetite for diverse food experiences. Here is why a cafeteria business makes strong financial sense:
With over 5,000 cafeterias already operating in Dubai and demand still growing, now is the time to claim your share.
Before you begin the setup process, you need to understand which license type applies to your cafeteria concept. Dubai offers three main categories:
This is the most common license for cafeterias. A commercial license covers the preparation and sale of food, beverages, snacks, and light meals to walk-in customers. If you plan to operate a standard cafeteria, coffee shop, juice bar, or sandwich shop, a commercial license from the DET is what you need.
If your cafeteria business involves specialised food consulting, catering management, or you are operating as a sole practitioner offering food-related professional services, you may need a professional license.
An industrial license is required only if your cafeteria includes a manufacturing or food processing component — for example, producing packaged snacks, baked goods, or bottled beverages for wholesale distribution alongside your retail operations.
Most cafeteria owners need a commercial license. This is what we focus on throughout this guide.
Dubai Municipality and the DET enforce strict standards to protect public health. Meeting these requirements before you apply saves time and avoids costly delays.
Your cafeteria must comply with Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department regulations:
Your cafeteria space must satisfy the following physical standards:
Your commercial lease must be registered through Ejari, Dubai’s mandatory rental contract registration system under RERA. This is required before you can obtain your trade license.
Follow these steps to go from concept to grand opening:
Define your cafeteria’s identity — cuisine type, target audience, pricing strategy, and unique selling proposition. Themed cafeterias, health-focused menus, and pet-friendly concepts are trending in Dubai. A solid business plan also helps when approaching banks for financing.
Decide whether to set up on the Dubai mainland or in a free zone. For cafeterias, mainland is almost always the better choicebecause it allows you to operate anywhere in Dubai and serve walk-in customers without geographic restrictions.
Register your cafeteria’s trade name through the DET. Your name must: – Not violate public morals or religious sensitivities – Not duplicate an existing registered name – Reflect your business activity
Cost: AED 620–750 (Tasheel fee)
Submit your application for initial approval. This confirms that your chosen business activity (cafeteria/food & beverage) is permitted and your documentation is in order.
Cost: AED 220–420
Find a commercial space that meets Dubai Municipality’s requirements. Register your lease through Ejari.
Ejari registration fee: AED 195–500
Submit your cafeteria’s floor plan, kitchen layout, and equipment list to the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department. An inspector will review your premises to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Cost: Approximately AED 3,000
If your cafeteria uses gas installations, has indoor seating, or exceeds certain square footage thresholds, Dubai Civil Defence must inspect and approve your fire safety systems.
With all approvals in hand, apply for your trade license through the DET. This is the final regulatory step before you can legally operate.
DET license fee: Up to AED 6,000
Design and build out your cafeteria space — kitchen equipment, seating, counters, signage, POS systems, and décor. Ensure everything aligns with the layout you submitted to Dubai Municipality.
Recruit your team (chef, cashier, service staff) and process their employment visas. All food handlers must obtain health cards and complete food safety training before starting work.
Plan a soft opening to test operations, gather feedback, and train staff under real conditions. Then execute your grand opening with a marketing push — social media, food bloggers, opening-day promotions.
Typical timeline from start to opening: 2–4 months (assuming all documents are complete and inspections pass on the first attempt).
Prepare these documents before starting the licensing process:
Pro tip: Having a business setup consultant handle document preparation can reduce processing time significantly and prevent rejection due to paperwork errors.
Here is what you can expect to pay for the licensing and registration process:
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | 620 – 750 |
| Initial Approval (DET) | 220 – 420 |
| DET Trade License Fee | Up to 6,000 |
| Local Service Agent (LSA) | 4,000 |
| LSA Agreement Registration | 540 |
| Dubai Municipality Approval | 3,000 |
| Ejari Registration | 195 – 500 |
| Business Setup Consultancy Fee | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Total Licensing Cost | AED 15,000 – 18,000 |
Additional costs may apply for foreign trade name registration (AED 2,000), company stamp (AED 100), and signage permits.
Licensing is just one piece of the puzzle. Here is a complete investment breakdown:
| Location | Annual Rent (AED) |
|---|---|
| Downtown Dubai | 100,000 – 300,000 |
| Business Bay | 80,000 – 250,000 |
| Dubai Marina / JLT | 90,000 – 250,000 |
| Al Barsha | 60,000 – 170,000 |
| Deira | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| International City | 30,000 – 80,000 |
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Kitchen Equipment | 50,000 – 150,000 |
| Interior Design & Furniture | 30,000 – 100,000 |
| POS System & Software | 5,000 – 20,000 |
| Refrigeration & Storage Units | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Signage & Branding | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Subtotal | 120,000 – 365,000 |
| Position | Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Chef / Cook | 5,000 – 8,000 |
| Cashier | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| Waiter / Service Staff | 2,500 – 4,000 |
| Cleaner | 1,500 – 2,500 |
A small cafeteria typically employs 3–5 staff members.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Utilities (DEWA) | 20,000 – 50,000 |
| Marketing & Advertising | 10,000 – 50,000 |
| Business Insurance | 5,000 – 20,000 |
| Visa Processing (per employee) | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Cafeteria Size | Total Estimated Investment (AED) |
|---|---|
| Small Cafeteria | 200,000 – 350,000 |
| Medium Cafeteria | 350,000 – 500,000 |
| Premium / Large Cafeteria | 500,000 – 700,000+ |
Choosing the right location can make or break your cafeteria. Consider these factors:
Top areas for cafeterias in Dubai:
This is one of the most important decisions in your setup process. Here is a direct comparison:
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Customer access | Serve anyone, anywhere in Dubai | Limited to free zone area or delivery only |
| Location flexibility | Any commercial area in Dubai | Within the free zone premises only |
| Foreign ownership | 100% (since 2021) | 100% |
| Local Service Agent | May be required for certain activities | Not required |
| Cost | Moderate | Can be lower initially |
| Best for | Walk-in cafeterias, street-facing shops | Cloud kitchens, delivery-only concepts |
Our recommendation: For a traditional cafeteria with a physical storefront, mainland setup is the clear winner. Free zones work better for delivery-only or cloud kitchen models. Learn more about the differences between mainland and free zone to make the right call.
Getting your license is just the beginning. Here is how to build a profitable cafeteria:
Opening a cafeteria in Dubai involves navigating multiple government departments, strict compliance standards, and a detailed licensing process. At Setup Dubai Business, we handle the complexity so you can focus on your menu and your customers.
Our cafeteria business setup services include:
With years of experience helping entrepreneurs start businesses in Dubai, we ensure your cafeteria setup is smooth, compliant, and cost-efficient.
Contact us today for a free consultation and a personalised cost estimate for your cafeteria business.
A cafeteria license in Dubai costs approximately AED 15,000–18,000, covering trade name reservation, DET approval, municipality fees, and registration charges. The total cost to open and equip a cafeteria ranges from AED 200,000 to AED 700,000 depending on size and location.
Yes. Since 2021, foreigners can own 100% of a mainland company in Dubai without a local sponsor for most business activities, including cafeterias. Learn more about starting a business as a foreigner.
The typical timeline is 2–4 months from initial application to opening day. This includes licensing (2–3 weeks), municipality approvals (2–4 weeks), fit-out (4–8 weeks), and staff visa processing (2–3 weeks). Using a business setup consultant can accelerate the process.
Yes. With the right location and concept, cafeterias in Dubai can be highly profitable. The F&B industry is growing at 6.8% annually, average customer spending is AED 20–50 per visit, and operating costs are manageable compared to full-service restaurants. Cafeterias focusing on beverages typically achieve the highest margins (60–70%).
No. Full foreign ownership is available on the mainland for cafeteria businesses. However, you may need a Local Service Agent (LSA) for certain administrative procedures. The LSA does not hold any ownership stake in your company.
You need food safety approval from Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department. This involves submitting your kitchen layout and floor plan, passing a premises inspection, registering on the Foodwatch Portal, and ensuring all staff have valid health cards and food safety training certificates.
Yes, but with limitations. Free zone cafeterias can only serve customers within the free zone premises or through delivery. If you want a street-facing cafeteria open to the general public, mainland setup is the better option.
A cafeteria license covers the preparation and sale of snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, and light meals. A restaurant license covers a broader scope including full-course dining, potentially with alcohol service. Cafeteria licenses are generally simpler and less expensive to obtain.
Trade licenses in Dubai must be renewed annually. You can renew your trade license online through the DET portal or with the help of PRO services. Late renewals incur penalties, so set reminders well in advance.
High-demand areas include Deira, Business Bay, JLT, Dubai Marina, Al Barsha, and International City. The best location depends on your target market, budget, and cafeteria concept. Areas near metro stations and office clusters tend to perform well for quick-service cafeterias.
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