Do you dream of starting a restaurant business in the UAE but need help figuring out the restaurant license cost in Dubai? Shuraa Business Setup will help you in this journey to get started with your dream venture in one of the most diverse business hubs in the world. From understanding the required permits to designing an appropriate menu, this blog will be your complete resource to help you learn the steps, requirements, and creative procedures to apprehend your business idea in this culinary hotspot.
Starting a restaurant business in Dubai requires a substantial investment in terms of money, time, and effort. Planning the business setup expenses before getting into the actual process is crucial to prevent overspending and to uphold the defined budget. Thus, grasping the financial aspects in advance can help prospective restaurant owners keep within their means and make informed decisions for their business.
Steps to launch a restaurant business in Dubai
To start a restaurant business in Dubai, the business owners must strictly adhere to the food code set forth by the Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality for all types of eateries. In addition, they need to comply with the defined procedure established by the licensing authorities in Dubai. It includes the following steps:
Define the business idea
A unique concept of your restaurant business will differentiate it in the city’s lively food landscape and help it stand out among other restaurants in Dubai. The concept of your restaurant business must include the style of service, choices of menu, and overall atmosphere.
Most importantly, you need to create a consistent experience that attracts your target customers. You can also consider introducing innovative dishes or adopting uncommon themes to set the USP (Unique Selling Point) of your restaurant that will attract a large customer base.
Pick a suitable location
Dubai has a diverse population with people from different nationalities. This particular feature allows restaurant owners to target a wide range of customers. Choosing a perfect location would be the first step to achieving this goal.
Conduct thorough research to discover an ideal spot for your restaurant that will attract both Emiratis as well as tourists. These are the key factors that you must consider while choosing a location:-
- Visibility: Make sure that the spot has high foot traffic and is easy to spot.
- Accessibility: The area must be easily reachable and convenient for customers so that it encourages repeat visits.
- Target Audience: Choose a location that meets the preferences and expectations of your target customers.
- Affordability: Compare rental costs of different locations and consider potential fluctuations in order to maintain the profitability of your business, especially for specific cuisines or menu items.
- Proximity to Suppliers: Choose a location that is not very far from your potential suppliers. This will facilitate raw material procurement and reduce expenses.
Jumeirah, Emirates Hill, Dubai Creek, Mall of the Emirates, etc. are some of the popular locations to set up an eatery business. Consult with local business advisors at Shuraa who have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Dubai’s food market and regulatory landscape.
Develop the menu
An appealing menu tends to attract more customers. Through thoughtful planning and strategic decisions, craft a menu that brings more business and ensures profitability. For instance,
- Choose varied and unique menu items.
- Carefully price the menu items so that it covers the prime costs including the cost of raw materials, labor cost, etc.
- Structure the menu smartly. Place the high-profit items strategically so that they grab consumer attention.
- Create enticing menu descriptions.
- Initially, keep the menu minimal and gradually refine it according to the customer preferences.
- Keep your focus on popular cuisines and update your offerings to keep your menu appealing.
Design the restaurant layout
The layout of your restaurant must align with your menu and theme. This requires effective planning. You can follow the below guidelines to optimize your layout:
- Utilize the available space efficiently. Strategic placement of furniture, kitchen equipment, and other essentials will ensure seamless operations.
- Organize every aspect such as furniture, kitchen equipment, etc., and make sure they are positioned appropriately for maximum efficiency.
- Thoughtfully arrange the design to enhance the dining experience for the customers. The space must be well-organized to create a pleasant atmosphere for customers.
Build a proficient team
Identify the roles you need to fill within your restaurant business. It usually requires a Sous Chef, cooks, a manager, servers, a host, cleaning staff, and bartenders if you wish to serve alcohol.
Restaurant license in Dubai – Types
The different types of restaurant licenses available in Dubai are as follows:-
Restaurant and coffee shop license – To open restaurants and coffee shops in Dubai. It allows restaurants to prepare and serve food, including beverages (liquid refreshments) that are meant for immediate consumption, such as coffee, fruit juices, etc.
Mini store and restaurant license – To open mini restaurants and coffee shops that prepare and serve food and snacks. The restaurant owner is also allowed to sell consumer goods such as canned food, beverages, dairy products, bakery products, etc. under this license.
Floating restaurant license – To open restaurants and coffee shops for tourism activities. For example, ships, boats, or yachts equipped for dining on board.
Obtain a restaurant license in Dubai
As discussed in the previous segment, there are several licenses available for food businesses in Dubai. Depending on the nature and type of business, you can apply for the appropriate licenses required for your restaurant business.
- Register your business with the Department of Economic Development (DED) before applying for a restaurant license in Dubai. Submit your business plan and other documents to add your business to the DED’s database.
- Obtain approval from the Food Control Department (FCD) of the Dubai Municipality. They will inspect your restaurant to ensure that it abides by food safety and cleanliness laws.
- After receiving clearance from the FCD, get a trade license from the DED.
- Apply for a food license from the Dubai Municipality by submitting the required paperwork, such as the health card, trade license, and food safety plan.
Restaurant license cost in Dubai
The key expenses encompassing the restaurant license cost in Dubai include –
- Licensing fees
- Trade name reservation fee
- Local service agent fee
- Property rent or purchase costs
- Essential permits (Municipality fees, marketing and signage, etc.)
- Staff training programs
- Utilities and connections
- Operational software
- Fit-out and equipment costs
- Insurance coverage
- Working capital
To ensure the success of your restaurant business, you must do thorough planning and budgeting in order to manage these investments effectively. Connect with Shuraa business consultants and get assistance in preparing a rough estimate of all the investments and expenditures involved in the restaurant license cost in Dubai.
Get complete support from Shuraa experts
With careful preparation, you can navigate the licensing process and build a successful business in the vibrant commercial landscape of Dubai. Shuraa Business Setup will offer full support throughout the establishment process and ensure a seamless restaurant business setup in Dubai. Their team will provide essential insights to get started with your operations successfully.
For further details on the restaurant license cost in Dubai, contact Shuraa at www.shuraa.com. Their business advisors will be delighted to provide you with personalized assistance for all your business queries.