How to Start a Coffee Shop Business in Dubai, UAE

Dubai is vibrant, full of flavour, and full of food and drink-loving people. A coffee shop in UAE or a cafeteria is an excellent concept with tourists, residents, and expats mingling. If you want to own a cosy place where folks grab their favourite latte, snack quickly, or linger, then a cafeteria business in Dubai might be your ideal venture.

This complete guide will explain how to open your dream cafe, describe the cost, list the documents you will require, and explain how to seek assistance from PRO services in Dubai. So, let’s start.

About Cafeteria Business

Opening a cafeteria business in Dubai is thrilling. Dubai adores good food and excellent coffee. Cafeterias are not as big as full restaurants but are ideal for fast meals, coffee, tea, and sweets. Most of the top coffee shops in UAE started as small cafeterias.

Dubai’s lifestyle accommodates fast, casual dining, so a cafeteria business is ideal. You can offer anything from traditional snacks to contemporary coffee mixes.

Dubai is famous for:

• Tourism
• Working professionals
• Students
• Busy shoppers

All these individuals frequently search for quick, high-quality food and beverages. Therefore, a well-positioned Dubai cafeteria can quickly gain popularity.

How to Obtain a Cafeteria License in Dubai, UAE?

You require two licenses to establish a cafeteria:

• Trade License: Given by the Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Food License: Given by Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department

Steps to get a cafeteria license

• Select a trade name for your enterprise.
• Get initial approval from DED.
• Lease a location and get the Ejari (tenancy contract).
• Create a floor plan showing cooking areas, storage, ventilation, and wash areas.
• Get approval from the Dubai Municipality Food Control Department.
• Sign the MOA/LSA agreement (Memorandum of Association or Local Service Agent agreement).
• Apply for a food license.
• Get final approval and pay the fee.

Once done, you’ll have your legal license and can open your cafeteria!

Cost of a Coffee Shop License in Dubai

Opening a coffee shop need not cost an arm and a leg, but you must plan. Here’s what the average cost is:

• License fee: AED 10,000 to AED 30,000
• Rent: AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 per annum (location-dependent)
• Fit-out/interior: AED 20,000 to AED 70,000
• Furniture & kitchen equipment: AED 15,000 to AED 50,000
• Initial inventory: AED 10,000 to AED 30,000
• Marketing: AED 5,000 to AED 15,000
• Legal fees and PRO services: AED 5,000 to AED 10,000

If you select a smaller one, you could begin with as low as AED 120,000. But larger configurations might cost you AED 200,000 or more.

Documents Required to Get a Coffee Shop License in Dubai

To start your coffee shop in the UAE, you require some documents:

• Passport copies of all owners
• Visa copies (if necessary)
• Proposed trade name choices
• Business plan
• Ejari (tenancy agreement)
• Floor plan
• MOA/LSA agreement
• NOC Dubai Municipality (Food Control)

The paperwork could seem daunting, but it’s a breeze with expert assistance.

Steps to Start a Cafeteria Business in Dubai, UAE

Starting a cafe in Dubai is thrilling. It’s a place with so much coffee passion and foodies galore. Get to know customers first. Plan your business sequentially. This hassle-free guide sets you up conveniently so you can provide smiles daily.

Step 1: Market Research

First, learn what customers like. Go to a coffee house in Dubai or other cafes. Observe what people order. Note busy times. Also, observe prices and menu formats. Since trends shift, keep current. Ask individuals what they like. Your menu must appeal to their tastes and lifestyle.

Step 2: Select a Wonderful Location

Next, choose the appropriate location. Check around schools, malls, and tourist areas. Popular places draw more customers. Further, ensure there is parking. Carefully consider rent and passerby traffic before deciding. Since location influences sales, be patient. A good location makes your coffee shop in Dubai thrive.

Step 3: Business Setup

Then, register your business and file for a trade name with the DED. Next, obtain initial approval. Then, prepare license processing documents. You can do this online or via business setup services. Having all your documents ready beforehand saves time and effort.

Step 4: Legal & PRO Services

Appoint a PRO services company in UAE. They take care of the visa, license, and legal procedures. Since regulations can prove cumbersome, professionals ward off errors. While they deal with forms, you concentrate on business. It’s an intelligent approach to save time and stay stress-free at setup.

Step 5: Obtain the Licenses

Then, apply for two principal licenses. Obtain a trade license from the DED. Next, apply for a food license from the Dubai Municipality. Both are required to run legally. Also, verify hygiene regulations. Adhere to health and safety regulations diligently because Dubai takes food safety seriously.

Step 6: Decorate Your Space

Now, make your cafe look great. Add cozy furniture, good lighting, and pretty decor. Think Instagrammable corners. Customers love to take photos. Also, design your layout for comfort. When decorating, keep your brand style in mind. A warm, inviting design brings people back, so invest in a good vibe.

Step 7: Hire Staff

Then, get the appropriate team. Employ experienced baristas, amiable cashiers, and clean cleaners. Look for professional chefs as well. Train your crew well. Because good service counts, happy workers translate to happy customers. Upon hiring, divide clear responsibilities so operations go on nicely every day.

Step 8: Marketing

Pre-open, build your social media profiles. Use Instagram and Facebook. Post your menu, atmosphere, and specials. Next, implement promotions to encourage first-timers. Ask happy customers to write reviews. And post stories and fun things that happen. Since marketing generates hype, stay busy online and connect every day.

Step 9: Open Your Doors

Lastly, open your cafeteria! Greet your first visitors with a smile. Serve excellent coffee and delicious snacks. Maintain your spot clean and warm. Also, gather feedback and enhance. Because your opening will set the standard, give your all. After all, your venture as a cafe owner starts here.

Benefits of Setting Up a Coffee Shop in Dubai

Dubai is a good location to open a coffee shop. It has many customers and is a tourist destination, so your cafe can expand quickly. Due to its location and legislation, Dubai is ideal for food ventures.

1. Vast Customer Base

Dubai has expatriates, locals, and tourists. This combination ensures loads of coffee enthusiasts, so you never lack customers. Plus, traffic is high on congested streets.

2. Developing Food Culture

The cafe culture is flourishing. Customers like to explore new venues, and food bloggers tend to visit them. Social media also helps your coffee house become popular quickly.

3. Strong Spending Capability

Dubai customers like dining out. Several spend on quality food and beverages. Due to this, you can provide premium products and earn more daily.

4. Friendly Business Regulations

Dubai has easy setup procedures. Once you select your location, licenses are readily available. You can also obtain full business ownership in free zones.

5. Global Exposure

Dubai is a global city, so you interact with people from across the globe. Your coffee shop can quickly attract attention from worldwide customers.

6. Networking Opportunities

There are a lot of events and expos that take place here. Also, you can network with other business people. Then, bulk orders and partnerships can drive your brand rapidly.

7. Tax Benefits

Dubai does not have a personal income tax, so your profits remain with you. Ultimately, this leaves more savings to reinvest in your coffee shop.

8. Ideal Climate for Business

The economy is stable and prosperous, which allows new companies to flourish. Government support also simplifies starting up and succeeding.

Whatever you dream of starting up in the form of a new espresso bar or an old Dubai cafeteria, the city equips you with everything you need to develop.

Best Coffee Shops in Dubai​

It’s worth learning from the best! The following are some highest-rated coffee shops in Dubai:

• One Coffee House Dubai: Renowned for latte art
• The Sum of Us: Trendy and tourist-friendly
• Arabica: Global brand with strong espresso
• Boon Coffee Roasters: Renowned for African blends
• % Percent: Chic interiors and good beans

These are wonderful places to draw inspiration from. They demonstrate what works and what people adore.

How to Find a Cafeteria Near Me

“Where is a cafeteria near me?” That’s a popular query in Dubai.

To be located easily by individuals:

• Add your cafe to Google Maps
• Include Dubai cafeteria, coffee shops in UAE, or a cafeteria near me on your website.
• Register on food delivery apps (Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem)
• Market your address on social media

Being online makes it easy for people to find you quickly, even if they’re newcomers to the area.

PRO Is Here to Help

Paperwork in Dubai is not an easy thing to handle. That’s where a PRO services company in UAE assists. They hold government forms, licenses, visa applications, and approvals. It can become complicated, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs. That’s when PRO Services Dubai kicked in. They handle all the paperwork on your behalf. They first ensure that your business setup is expedited by confirming each form is accurate. 

Next, they hold your employee visas and license renewals on time. Lastly, they avoid legal hassles by making you comply with all UAE laws. Most successful coffee shops in UAE started with the professional assistance of PRO companies, time and expense-saving delays.

FAQs

Q1: Can I start a coffee shop in a free zone?

Yes. But then, recall free zone shops cannot directly sell to mainland customers unless you have a distributor or delivery partner.

Q2: Is it necessary to hire a local sponsor?

If you choose the mainland, then yes. You need a UAE sponsor. In free zones, you can fully own your business without a sponsor.

Q3: How long does it take to get a license?

It usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Ensure your documents are correct and complete to speed up and smooth down the approval process.

Q4: What is the difference between a coffee shop and a cafeteria license?

A coffee shop sells beverages and snacks, while a cafeteria can sell full meals. Therefore, decide according to your food menu and business plan.

Q5: Do I require a food safety certificate?

Yes. Since Dubai has strict health regulations, a food safety certificate is mandatory before inspections and maintaining your food license status.

Q6: Can I employ foreign personnel for my cafeteria?

Yes. Once you obtain your trade license, you can apply for employee visas. Subsequently, you can lawfully employ chefs, baristas, and other personnel.

Q7: Do I require special permission to provide outdoor seating?

Yes. If outdoor dining is included in your plan, you must obtain permission from the municipality before providing outdoor seating. Therefore, apply in advance.

Q8: Can I serve food and beverages without a license?

No. Lastly, selling food or beverages without a proper license is illegal. Always obey regulations to prevent fines or business closure.

Conclusion

Opening a cafeteria or coffee shop in UAE can be a dream realized. With Dubai’s vibrant food culture, friendly business regulations, and international customer base, you’re in the right location to begin. Whether you want to create the best coffee shop in UAE or operate a warm Dubai cafeteria, the process is clear.

Begin with the proper concept, choose a great location, obtain your licenses, and provide excellent coffee. Don’t forget to consult with reliable PRO services in Dubai to make the process smooth and quick.

So, are you ready to brew success? Let your coffee shop adventure in Dubai start.