Dubai has specific rules and regulations for food establishments, including fine dining restaurants, cozy cafes, and delightful bakeries. These guidelines are in place to help restaurant owners operate their businesses smoothly and meet the necessary requirements.
If you’re planning to open a restaurant in Dubai, there are important factors to consider. To make the process easier for you, we have created a simple step-by-step guide. This comprehensive checklist will assist you in realizing your dream of owning a restaurant in the luxurious city of Dubai.
1. Expenses to Think About Before Opening A Restaurant In Dubai
Opening a restaurant involves a significant investment, so it’s important to be aware of the costs in advance. By listing these expenses, you can avoid overspending or wasting money on unnecessary items. The following are some costs to consider:
- Licensing fees
- Rent or property purchase expenses
- Necessary permissions
- Staff training programs
- Software for daily operations
- Insurance
- Working capital
- Setting up the restaurant (equipment, tables, chairs, etc.)
2. Getting a License to Open a Restaurant in Dubai
Before finalizing a location for your restaurant, you must obtain the required business license and approval.
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai issues a copy of the Trade License. It is important to clearly mention the type of restaurant you will be operating in the license.
Here are the simplified steps to obtain a copy of a Trade License for opening a restaurant in Dubai:
A) Copy of the Trade License
Determine The Type Of Business
Identify Corporate Activities
Establish Legal Status
Register A Trade Name
Apply For Initial Approval
Lease A Corporate Office
Prepare Necessary Documents
Submit The Final Application
Submit the complete application to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for the final approval.
B) Food & Safety Department Approval
The Food & Safety Department approves. Once you have obtained your Restaurant License, you must acquire the Food and Safety Department’s support for your restaurant’s construction plan.
To obtain the Food License, you need to submit the following documents to the food safety department:
(i) Copy of primary approval from the issuing authority
(ii) The premises design layout
It should include the following:
- Entry and exit passages
- Food processing area
- Food storage area
- Windows and ventilation system
- Location of food preparation equipment
- Dishwashers and other supporting equipment
Additionally, your restaurant may also need to obtain other licenses such as the Food Consignment Release License, Pork Permit (for handling and serving pork products), Vehicle Permit (for food transportation), and Liquor License (if you plan to serve alcohol).
Food Control Department and Drainage and Irrigation Department approval is also needed for opening a restaurant.
3. Defining Your Restaurant’s Concept and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
To stand out in Dubai’s competitive restaurant industry, it’s important to have a unique concept for your restaurant. This includes the service style, the food you serve, and the overall ambiance.
You should also consider your restaurant’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP). By introducing an unusual theme or innovative menu items, you can attract more customers. Don’t be afraid to experiment and offer something that hasn’t been done before!
4. Choosing the Right Location
Dubai is a diverse city with a multicultural population, providing restaurant owners with the opportunity to cater to various audiences based on their restaurant type. Before finalizing a location, it is crucial to conduct research on the area and its demographics, as well as assess its footfall to ensure it can sustain your restaurant business.
The location of your restaurant plays a vital role in determining its success among both Emiratis and tourists. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a location:
Shipping costs for raw materials can sometimes outweigh the cost of the ingredients themselves. Consider the distance between your restaurant and the suppliers to minimize transportation expenses.
Some of the recommended locations for opening a restaurant in Dubai include:
- Jumeirah
- Emirates Hills
- Dubai Creek
- Mall of the Emirates
- Al Quoz
5. Designing the Menu
Before your restaurant opens its doors, it’s important to carefully create and curate the menu, deciding on the featured dishes and their pricing. The menu engineering process involves strategic selection and pricing of menu items to cover prime costs, including the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and Labor Costs.
Crafting your menu requires thoughtful consideration to entice customers to order high-profit items. This can be achieved by strategically placing these items in prominent positions on the menu and using enticing descriptions to attract customers’ attention.
Initially, your menu doesn’t need to be fully designed, and your recipes don’t need to be fully fleshed out. You can gradually update the menu based on feedback and insights gained about the popularity of different food items.
6. Creating the Restaurant Layout
Designing the layout of your restaurant is a crucial step in starting your restaurant business setup in Dubai. The layout of your restaurant plays a significant role in its day-to-day operations, providing a functional and efficient space for staff and leaving a positive impression on your guests.
Careful consideration should be given to organizing the layout in a way that aligns with your menu and theme. Make the most of the available space by strategically placing tables, kitchen equipment, and other elements to ensure optimal utilization without compromising daily operations.
Once you have established the basic layout, you can focus on designing and decorating the dining room to create a welcoming and appealing atmosphere for your customers.
7. Recruitment Staffing
Employing skilled and capable staff members is a strong indicator of a successful restaurant with excellent service. It is crucial to hire the best team possible to ensure the growth and success of your restaurant business.
In the Gulf region’s restaurant industry, there is often a high turnover rate, making it even more important to find employees who will remain committed and contribute to your restaurant’s progress.
Before initiating the hiring process, it is necessary to determine the specific roles you need to fill within your establishment. These may include positions such as sous chef, prep cook, manager, server, bartender (if you plan to serve alcohol), host, and cleaning staff.
