Getting a food license in Dubai
Are you planning to set up a food business in Dubai? If that’s what you have in mind then you need to obtain a food license in Dubai. Acquiring this trade license is a crucial step in overall food based business in Dubai. Whether you are planning to start a restaurant or thinking about starting a home based food business, you must know what kind of food license you need to acquire.
Step by step guide for setting up food business in Dubai
Here are some essential steps you need to follow for getting this trade license in Dubai.
#1 Know the market- do complete market research
The very first thing you need to understand is the Dubai food market. You must understand what’s the demand and preferences of your targeted customers. Before you start any business, it’s crucial to conduct market research. This research helps you identify your target audience and competitors. Your marketing plan must be based on customer needs and demands. Besides, you need to understand your competitor’s strengths and weaknesses.
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#2 Decide about your business type
Once you understand the market, you can easily choose a specific business type such as setting up a restaurant in Dubai, going with a cafe, buying a food truck, or other kinds of food business. Based on your budget, resources and skills, you will be required to pick a business type.
When you are unsure what type of business is suitable for you, Prospr’s business consultants will be there to offer you assistance and guidance. We help you pick the most suitable type of food business in Dubai.
Learn about How to get a Sharjah trade license
#3 Map out a business plan
You need to draft a business plan that will provide details about your business such as marketing strategy, financial projections, operational plan, objectives, and target market. With the means of this business plan you can attract potential investors and make some decisions about your food business in Dubai.
#4 Business registration
After crafting a business plan, you will choose a business trade name and gather required documents such as your business visa details, and passport copies. You need to proceed with your food business registration by providing vital details and all the documents.
#5 Get permits and license
There is a need to get a specific food business license based on your business type. Depending on your business, you need to get permits from the relevant authorities.
Learn about: Different types of business trade license in Dubai
#6 Choose location
Depending on your target market, you will have to choose a location where your specific food business can grow effectively. When picking a specific location for your business, you need to think about access, foot traffic and proximity to your target market.
#7 Staff training
Once you set up a food business in Dubai, you need to hire and train skilled staff. Thankfully the diverse demographic of Dubai allows you to staff educated employees. Dubai regulation has set some standards that you need to follow for food safety. Your staff should be well-aware of these standards.
#8 Continue with business operation
You need to create a menu and then choose a supplier for quality ingredients. Once you sign a contract with experts then you will go ahead with your marketing strategy. It’s always a good idea to use a mix of online and traditional marketing to capture more traffic in your food business. These days, you can collaborate with food influencers to expand your business reach in Dubai.
Must read How to renew trade license in Dubai
Restricted activities in Dubai food business
If you are setting up a food business in Dubai then you need to comply with strict food safety and hygienic requirements. Failure to comply with regulations and policies will lead to fines and penalties.
- If your business license has expired, always renew it on time. Operating without a valid food license is illegal in Dubai.
- When you use expired or contaminated ingredients in a food business, food authorities will close your business.
- You are not allowed to serve non-halal food with a food license in Dubai. If you do that then your business will be shut down in Dubai.
- Another restriction with food business in Dubai is to maintain a hygienic and clean working environment. Failure to maintain such an environment will lead to business ban.
- There is a need to label products accurately, mislabeling will cause a shut down of your business.
How to get a food license in Dubai
Here are some steps you need to follow:
- Based on your food business type and activities, choose the suitable food license type
- Get approval of your food business from the Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department (FCD).
- Apply and acquire a trade license from DED by submitting documents such as business plan, passport copies and visa information. Know all the differences between free zone trading and ecommerce license
- FCD will conduct food safety and hygiene inspections of your location. The purpose of this inspection is to check how you handle, prepare, and store the food. You need to pass this inspection for continue doing business. If you fail to maintain cleanliness and proper hygiene in your premises, then you need to fix this issue and reapply for inspection.
What is the cost of getting a food business license in Dubai?
The cost of acquiring a food license in Dubai depends on your business type and scale. On average, you need to pay AED 15000 to AED 25000. Other factors that affect the overall cost of your food business are how many permits you need for a food business, certification cost, number of staff members, size and location of your food business.
How can I get a food permit in Dubai?
You need to provide a kiosk plan to the Dubai municipality for getting the approval. If your layout adheres to safety and space requirements then you can apply for a food permit.
Do I need a license to sell food in Dubai?
If you plan to sell food cooked at home in Dubai then you need to get a food trade license from DED -Department of Economic Development. You will apply for a trade license UAE under home food processing business category. Once you have this trade license Dubai, you can prepare food at home and then sell it all over Dubai.
Can I sell homemade food in Dubai?
Yes, you can sell homemade food in Dubai. However, you need to get a trade license approval from DED. It’s vital to run commercial food and safety rules all over Dubai. However, only certain nationalities are eligible for getting homemade food trading license.
What type of food business setup can you do in Dubai?
Here are some food business options for you
- Cafe
- Restaurant
- Food truck
- Bakery
- Home Based food business
Final words
You have got a clear idea regarding how to get a food license in Dubai. If you want to get quick license approval, always provide all the required documents. Once UAE food business set up is complete, keep in mind all the restricted activities that usually lead to license revoke or suspension.
Setting up a food business in Dubai is a big deal as there are tons of things you need to handle on your own. But there is no need to set up everything all alone when business consultancy service in Dubai is available. Yes, prosper is there to offer assistance and guidance to every person who is going to set up a food business in Dubai. From getting a trade license in Dubai to finding the best location of your business, we will be there for you.
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