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Food License in Dubai

How To Get Food License in Dubai UAE and Its Benefits

Dubai is a tourism, commerce, and investment hub, making it an ideal place to start a business. Starting any business here can be highly advantageous because of the tax-friendly environment that facilitates investors and entrepreneurs.

This is especially true if you are interested in starting a food business or restaurant, as it has a high profit margin compared to other businesses, and tourists and expats love the diverse food culture. 

Before starting a food business, it is essential to fully understand the rules, regulations, and other requirements set by the relevant food authorities. The first and compulsory step is to get a food license in Dubai.

Obtaining a food license can be challenging and complex for entrepreneurs who need to become more familiar with the local laws and regulations. Are you wondering how to get food license in Dubai and what its requirements are?

Don’t worry! This article will provide a step-by-step guide to acquiring a food license in UAE. We will also talk about Dubai food license cost in the later part of the article.

Steps to Obtain a Food License in Dubai.

Although obtaining a food license in UAE may seem lengthy and laborious, following steps can be helpful. Let’s discuss each step in detail.

Choose the Type of License

The most crucial step is to choose the right type of food license according to your type of business. Dubai offers different kinds of food licenses related to food, and choosing the one that fits your business activities is essential.

It can be a general Trading License, restaurant license, catering license, or food trading license. If you are going to open a restaurant, you have to choose a restaurant license. 

Register Business with the DED

The next step is to register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED). This government authority issues licenses so that businesses can operate according to UAE law and regulations. 

Applicant should provide the following documents to DED after selecting a trading name with the help of a business setup consultant. 

  • Visa 
  • Passport 
  • Business plan 
  • Financial record 
  • Photographs 

Approval from the FCD

 It is mandatory to get approval from the Dubai Municipality Food Control Department (FCD) to ensure that the food business is operating under the food safety and hygiene rules.

For approval, you have to submit your plan and ways that will ensure the safety of food. If the plan is according to FCD and meets all the standards then a health card is provided. 

Moreover, FCD conducts inspection tests to evaluate food handling, storage, preparation, and cleanliness. To get through this process, you can ask for help from your Business Setup Consultant.    

Trading License

After getting approval from the Food Control Department, apply for the trading license in the Department of Economic Development (DED). In case you fail the inspection test, it is recommended that you reapply for the FCD approval.

Benefits of Starting a Food Business in UAE

The food business plays an important role in the growth of the economy. Below are some of the benefits of starting a food business in the UAE.

Diverse Food Culture

In Dubai, you can get any food from any country that suits your taste, such as Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Indian, and more. Dubai’s food market is competitive, and it is quite challenging to stand out.

However, with this diversity, entrepreneurs can come up with unique ideas of cuisine to attract more visitors and compete with others.

It is recommended that different cuisines are mixed and special food is offered, as in Dubai, people come from different countries and love to try new things. 

Growing Economy

Dubai’s economy is growing rapidly and makes it an ideal place to start business.  Also, its strategic location which connects East and West, low taxes, appropriate environment and government policies are also helpful for food business to grow rapidly and attain high profit margins. Another good thing is that the customers of Dubai are wealthy, which benefits entrepreneurs.

Tourists Destination

Every human being needs food. Whoever visits Dubai, it is understood that they come to a restaurant for food. As we all know, Dubai is a major tourist destination, and millions of visitors come here every year.

This increases the potential for your food business to grow. Tourists love to explore different tastes and cuisines, so be creative, offer something special, and stand out in the food market.

Supportive Government Policies

The cherry on top is that the government has policies that support Small Businesses. The government supports small and medium-sized enterprises by offering opportunities, incentives, tax relaxation, and reduced rates.

Various services are also provided to better understand entrepreneurs and maximize their business potential. These include mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and training sessions.

Growing Delivery Market

With the advancement of technology, the trend of online food ordering has expanded. Providing delivery services can be fruitful as it is in demand, and people prefer eating at home instead of restaurants because it is more convenient. It will allow you to reach more customers and increase income.

Dubai Food License Cost

The Dubai food license cost varies and depends on multiple factors, as Dubai offers various kinds of licenses related to the food business. Generally, the cost falls between 15000 AED to 25000 AED. The actual price may be different than the one mentioned above. Factors that decide the cost of food license are

  • Food activity
  • Location 
  • Number of employees 
  • Size of the restaurant 
  • Certification

Conclusion

At the end of this article, we hope you now know how to get a food license in Dubai and the benefits it offers. After receiving your license, you can easily grow your business, as Dubai is a tourist destination, and the government provides support through different services.

Get your license, and ensure that the food you offer is of good quality and hygienic to maximize profitability and stand out in the food market of Dubai.

FAQs

The Department of Economic Development (DED) issues licenses to investors who meet the eligibility criteria. In the food business, getting approval from the Food Control Department is mandatory to ensure that your business meets the standards of food safety and hygiene.

Yes, having a license to start any business is mandatory, and the same is for the food business. A license is a permit provided by the Department of Economic Development to ensure that a business is operating under the rules and laws set by the authorities. You might face legal action, fines, and penalties without a food license. Moreover, holding a food license increases the credibility of your business.

Anyone can start a food business, but it is not as easy as it seems. A sustainable and successful food business demands more than just money; it demands unique ideas, a positive mindset, a business plan, dedication, and a deep understanding of how to launch a business. Without these requirements and hard work, a business may flop. Starting a business is easy, but successfully running one is not.


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