Catering Business Setup, Dubai UAE

Reviewed by Shobhna Thapa, Legal Advisor

How to start a catering business in Dubai

Commercial licence, Dubai Municipality kitchen approval and HACCP compliance, handled end to end.

DET Licensed Dubai Municipality Approved Kitchen HACCP Aligned Central or Shared Kitchen

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Starting a catering business in Dubai requires a commercial licence from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) with a food-service activity code, plus Dubai Municipality approval of your kitchen premises for food safety before you can operate. You can choose a central kitchen you build and equip yourself, or a shared or commissary kitchen that lowers upfront setup needs. Your processes should align with HACCP food safety principles, and your team, equipment and event logistics should be planned around your expected order volume. Contact our team for a tailored quote once your kitchen model and menu scope are confirmed.

Why It Matters

Getting your licence, kitchen approval and food safety compliance right

A catering business in Dubai needs a commercial licence with the correct food-service activity code, Dubai Municipality food safety and kitchen approval, and HACCP-aligned processes before you can legally prepare and deliver food. Choosing between a central kitchen and a shared or commissary kitchen model early avoids a costly premises change once you are operating.

Choosing Your Kitchen Model

Central kitchen or shared kitchen for your catering business

Central Kitchen

A dedicated, Dubai Municipality-approved kitchen you build and equip yourself, suited to established or high-volume caterers.

Shared or Commissary Kitchen

A licensed shared kitchen facility that lowers upfront setup cost, suited to new caterers testing demand or scaling gradually.

Food Safety Compliance

Dubai Municipality kitchen approval and HACCP-aligned processes are required before you can prepare and deliver food commercially.

Event Logistics

Transport, staffing and equipment planning for weddings, corporate events and private functions is a key differentiator for larger caterers.

Menu and Pricing Strategy

Structured menu tiers and portion-based pricing help caterers scale profitably across event sizes.

Before You Apply

Documents and approvals you'll need to confirm

Licence Activity

Confirm your DET commercial licence covers the correct food-service and catering activity code.

Kitchen Approval

Get Dubai Municipality approval for your central or shared kitchen premises.

Staff Health Cards

Food handlers typically need valid health cards and food safety training.

Equipment and Premises

Confirm kitchen equipment, cold storage and transport meet food safety standards.

Getting Started

Setting up your catering business: the step-by-step process

Define Your Catering Model

Decide between events, corporate catering, meal delivery or a mix.

Choose Your Kitchen Model

Select a central kitchen you operate, or a shared/commissary kitchen facility.

Reserve Your Trade Name

Submit your preferred company name for approval.

Apply for Your DET Commercial Licence

Submit your licence application with the correct food-service activity code.

Secure Dubai Municipality Kitchen Approval

Get your kitchen premises inspected and approved for food safety.

Align Processes with HACCP Principles

Set up food handling, storage and hygiene procedures.

Hire and Certify Your Team

Recruit staff and confirm food handler health cards and training.

Launch and Start Taking Orders

Set your menu, pricing tiers and event logistics, then start trading.

Budgeting

Requirements and cost

Item	Detail
Typical cost	Varies by kitchen model, equipment, staffing and event scale, contact us for a tailored quote
Kitchen models	Central kitchen or shared/commissary kitchen
Licence activity	DET commercial licence with food-service activity code
Regulators	Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Municipality
Nationality requirement	Open to any nationality

*Costs vary by jurisdiction, licence type, activity and visa requirements. Contact Smart Zones® UAE for a current, tailored quote.

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Frequently Asked, and Ready When You Are

Catering business setup, answered, plus a direct line to our team

What licence do I need to start a catering business in Dubai?+

You need a commercial licence from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that includes the correct food-service and catering activity code, alongside Dubai Municipality approval of your kitchen premises.

Do I need Dubai Municipality approval before I start cooking?+

Yes, Dubai Municipality must inspect and approve your kitchen premises for food safety compliance before you can legally prepare and deliver food commercially.

What is the difference between a central kitchen and a shared kitchen?+

A central kitchen is a dedicated, approved facility you build and equip yourself, while a shared or commissary kitchen is a licensed facility you rent space or time in, lowering upfront setup cost for new caterers.

What is HACCP and does my catering business need to follow it?+

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a food safety framework identifying and controlling risks in food preparation. Dubai Municipality expects catering businesses to align their processes with HACCP principles as part of food safety compliance.

Do my staff need health cards to work in a catering business?+

Yes, food handlers in Dubai typically require a valid health card and food safety training before working in an approved kitchen.

Can I run a catering business from home in Dubai?+

Commercial catering generally requires an approved kitchen premises rather than a home kitchen, though some home-based food businesses can register through specific licensing routes, confirm the right route for your model with our team.

How much does it cost to start a catering business in Dubai?+

Cost depends on your kitchen model, equipment, staffing and expected event scale. Contact our team for a tailored quote based on your specific catering plans.

Talk to an advisor

Send your details and our team will reply with next steps and a tailored quote.

+971 52 960 4444 hidubai@smartzonesuae.com 11th Floor, Suite No. 1108, Silver Tower, Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE.

Ready to Launch Your Catering Business?

Set up your Dubai catering business the right way, first time

Call now or send your details above. Our advisory team will confirm your licence, kitchen approval route and next steps, free of charge.