Three Steps to Open a Restaurant in Dubai and Important Considerations

Three Steps to Open a Restaurant in Dubai and Important ConsiderationsLearn the latest information.

This page outlines three key steps and important considerations for opening a restaurant in Dubai, UAE. While restaurant operations in Dubai require substantial investment, high-quality Japanese restaurants remain relatively limited, presenting genuine business opportunities. However, inadequate local knowledge and information make this a challenging venture.

Three Steps to Open a Restaurant in Dubai

Here we explain how to start a restaurant on the Mainland in Dubai, such as in luxury hotels.

Step 1: Obtain Restaurant License

You must first obtain a restaurant license. Applications are submitted based on information about company name, business activity, shareholders, executives, and managers, followed by payment of licensing fees. These food licensing regulations apply not only to restaurants but also to hotels, bakeries, catering services, and food factories. Procedures can be initiated even if your location is not yet finalized.

Step 2: Select Restaurant Location

Next, you enter Dubai and finalize your restaurant location. Specifically, you create a lease agreement and update the address on your license. Subsequently, you comply with construction specifications to meet Dubai Municipality Food Safety Authority hygiene standards. At this stage, investors and executives can proceed with visa application processes.

Step 3: Dubai Municipality Inspection

Once location and hygiene preparations are complete, Dubai Municipality conducts site inspection and approval. This is also called food license approval. Upon approval, you apply for special permits including alcohol license, pork handling permission, and delivery authorization. Alcohol licenses come in several types, with issuance eligibility varying by restaurant type, location, and area. We welcome inquiries about which permits are obtainable in your specific situation.

Important Considerations for Opening a Restaurant in Dubai

Building Requirements

When opening a restaurant, you must comply with the following building requirements:

• Kitchen area size: Minimum 27.8 m²

• Kitchen-to-total-restaurant area ratio: 40%

• Exhaust and ventilation system: Must have adequate capacity with chimney height of at least 2 meters

• Wall, ceiling, and floor materials: Must be washable and fire-resistant

• Washing areas: Multiple areas required by purpose (cooking equipment, vegetables, meat, etc.)

• Refrigeration facilities: Must be complete

• Drainage pipe placement: Must be at least 2 inches from walls

Additionally, special regulations apply to alcohol storage and pork handling.

Restaurant Location

While general location decisions depend on restaurant type, most Japanese restaurants, including standard ones, operate within renowned hotels. Hotels provide relatively easy alcohol service. Good properties with turnkey interior improvements are scarce, so when quality properties are available, immediate booking and contracts are necessary. We support hotel property research, so please contact us freely.

Costs, Budget Market Research, and Business Plan Development

Before launching your business, the most critical step is revenue projection. You need detailed research on ingredient sourcing costs, labor expenses, and equipment investments. While bank account opening procedures and required documents vary slightly, you can generally apply with standard documentation.

In Summary

We provide comprehensive support from detailed market research to business plan development. We also address inquiries regarding company formation and business profitability, assisting you in building your business together. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Contact Us →