How to Get a Restaurant License in Dubai or Ajman: Costs & Setup Guide

Here’s exactly what you need to know about restaurant license cost in Dubai or home food business license in Dubai, and how to get started without wasting time or money.

📍 Starting a Restaurant Business in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most profitable places to launch a food venture due to its diverse population and booming tourism industry. However, running a restaurant business in Dubai requires proper approvals from:

• Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) for the trade license

• Dubai Municipality for food safety permits

• Civil Defense for safety compliance (especially kitchens)

Are you ready to launch your restaurant or food business in Dubai UAE?
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💰 What Is the Cost of Opening a Restaurant in Dubai, UAE?

Starting a restaurant business in Dubai involves more than just getting a license it’s a full-scale investment. While a basic restaurant license in Dubai might cost between AED 12,000 and AED 50,000, the overall startup cost can range from AED 790,000 to over AED 1 million, depending on your concept, location, and setup.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the typical expenses:

• Licensing & Permits:
  Expect to pay AED 12,000–50,000 depending on your business activity and whether you’re in a mainland or free zone.

• Rent & Location:
  Annual rent for prime areas like Downtown, JBR, or Dubai Marina can range from AED 300,000 to AED 1,000,000.

• Interior Fit-Out & Furnishing:
  Budget AED 500,000 to AED 1.5 million for design, branding, seating, and ambiance especially for mid to high-end restaurants.

• Commercial Kitchen Equipment:
  From refrigerators to ovens and exhaust hoods (which must meet Dubai Municipality standards), set aside AED 200,000–500,000.

• Inventory & Supplies (Initial Stock):
  The first month of inventory may cost AED 30,000 to AED 100,000, depending on your menu and volume.

• Staff Salaries:
  Staffing costs including chefs, service staff, and management typically range between AED 100,000 and AED 300,000 in the early months.

• Marketing & Grand Opening:
  Digital ads, soft launches, and influencer events could cost AED 50,000–150,000 to attract your first wave of customers.

• Ongoing Operational Costs:
  Monthly expenses like utilities, delivery logistics, insurance, and POS systems will vary but are essential to budget for.

📌 Note: All figures are estimates. Costs may vary based on your concept, location, and scale of operations.

Renowned Chefs Who Have Opened Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene has attracted some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Here are a few notable figures who have brought their gastronomic expertise to the city:

Are you ready to launch your restaurant or food business in Dubai, UAE?
We handle everything from business licensing to approvals and setup fast, simple, and compliant.

Call or Whatsapp us at +971 55 390 3800

🏠 Home Food Business License in Dubai

Starting a small food business from home? You can apply for a home food business license in Dubai through the Intelaq License from Dubai SME (available for Emirati nationals) or explore other options in free zones if you’re an expat.

Requirements typically include:

• Basic food safety training

• Home kitchen inspection (in some cases)

• No heavy commercial equipment or signage at home

🏡 Famous or Successful Home-Based Businesses in the UAE

📍 Restaurant License Cost in Ajman

Ajman offers a lower-cost alternative for entrepreneurs. The restaurant license cost in Ajman starts from around AED 10,000 to AED 20,000—depending on the business size and location (Estimated cost – subject to change).

Ajman Free Zone also provides cost-effective packages for food businesses looking to operate in a regulated yet budget-friendly environment.

Finallly

Whether you’re planning to launch a dine-in restaurant, a cloud kitchen, or a home-based food brand, getting the right license is critical to operate legally and grow smoothly. The UAE supports food entrepreneurs, but each emirate has its own rules, so it’s important to choose the right setup.