Last updated on May 10, 2022
Dubai is a place of tourism and also known as the best trading hub. People from all over the world are coming for trading as well as for vacation; which led a high demand for food stuff industry; like restaurant, coffee shop, cafeteria and catering license in Dubai. If you wish to set up a catering license in Dubai; then you legally can provide fresh meals to any number of end users from schools and hospitals; airlines and shops to parties as well as events?
If you are a house wife and also you like cooking; as well as you want to give a professional look to your cooking skills; or you are somebody who loves cooking and want this skill to convert it in to business. If this is the case then get ready for catering business in UAE.
Why catering license in Dubai
Well to understand why catering license in Dubai let’s check a few facts about Dubai. As majority of you know very well that Dubai is home of people from different parts of world. Dubai has very hot weather conditions due to which they always lacking outdoor activities; mostly, people love to hang in places like Shisha bars, tea outlets, fast food center and restaurants etc. This is one of the most attractive points for people in food business. Thanks to multicultural population, also the diversity available in food items tempts the flavor buds.
The busy life agenda of people, limited annual holidays and very strict business surroundings; also creates the need of catering business in UAE. Huge camps of labor and quarters of staff for big company also generate an opportunity for catering license in Dubai.
Dubai is also known as a place of tourist; consistent events as well as public functions can be a great basis of income; that is for the owners of catering business in UAE. There are a lot of attractive tourist spots are located in extra ordinary places; like in the middle of a dessert, in the middle of an ocean or at the top of hills etc; which also creates room for catering license in Dubai to prepare and serve food at these locations. Where this is not only challenging task but it is very interesting too.
Dubai is also well known for its big fat wedding too. People like varieties in food and menu to be served with impressive hospitality; such event of wedding has a good scope of earning.
There are several reasons which we knows that why people should invest in a catering license in Dubai.
How to get a catering license in Dubai
In this section we will answer the main question about How to get a catering license in Dubai. Breaking of the market is not an easy task; considering the number of small restaurants that are already catering to the needs of the market; but help is on its way with the support we’ve provided below:
Identify Your Target for catering business in UAE
It is essential to determine your target market; so let this be a key concern in making your plan for this business.
Options for catering business in UAE
The Department of Economic Development will issue a commercial license for this; but before that, you will require to decide about the structure of your proposed business. Sole setup is only allows to the nationals of UAE or GCC. Expat can set up an LLC company, a joint venture; where an Emirati sponsor will must own 51% of the business.
At the same time as over recent years free zones have become increasingly popular; which ensure you to maintain 100% ownership of the business, with a catering company. But this will restrict your business within that particular free zone; so take a decision which market works best for you that will becomes even more centre phase.
Also keep in mind, that in fact there are few options for launching a catering business in a free zone. As many industry located in specific zones are require a branch on the mainland. For example, The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA), classifies catering in order to obtain this; under a service license and you will need to have a parent company and can open as a branch. While other free zones operate it differently so you should go through with each individual option. The option of a particular popular free zone is Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT); where restrictions on catering do not fall under a business activity; but you are require to go through for a pre-approval which takes seven to 10 working days in processing.
Dubai catering license
- Activity Code : 521108
- Activity Group : Food stuff supply
- License Type : Commercial
- Activity Description: Holding this license will allow you to engage in the field of food and beverages; that is on contract with schools, institutes, hospitals, airlines, shipping companies; as well as contractors with fresh meals cook and prepare in his own kitchen. Such a firm must own necessary facilities to carry out the catering activities.
Costs of catering business in UAE
The structure of a catering firm plays an important role in starting, depending upon your decision. You will need to focus on few factors in the initial stage; the costs of your licensing fee, visas, rental of place and capital requirements for furnishing kitchen.
Premises for catering business in UAE
Again, the type and size of premises will depend on the set up and company structure which you have decided.
At the time of dealing with contractors be careful; and also ensure that you cover up all aspects of the contract to put away headaches in future. The DM needs to grant approval for any kitchen space; which requires the submission of layout plans kitchen design with details of finishing and equipment.
The guidelines of municipality are general and dictate the materials used for walls; ceilings as well as floors; the ventilation as well as lighting; storage of freezing, dry and frozen, dry foods and prep areas of food etc. So be careful in studying all requirements before you make an expensive mistake.
Approvals And Permits for catering license in Dubai
Put up with in mind the extensive regulations in work place. Even if you are establishing in a free zone; you still need to hold on municipality rules as well as free zone regulations.
The food control department has to allow a permit for you to set up a food stuff business; which requires certification such as copies of trade license, health and safety certifications; employee health cards, lab test reports and a no objection letter.
Don’t let all these discourage you. This is a rising industry, in cities which has catering suppliers demand up to great extend.