Catering has long been a big business in the UAE due to the thriving tourism sector and affluent community. Dubai is at the centre of this market either to dine in or order and take off or grab a bite from one of the food trucks. There is a huge demand for great food, though there is a new restaurant popping up on every corner. Working with a local expert, will never make it easy to start a catering or food delivery service business in Dubai. you can be up and running in no time if you do your homework and know what to expect.

How To Start A Catering Business In Dubai

It is a little different to start a catering business in Dubai. A few more requirements in terms of food hygiene and safety have to be met in order to obtain your catering business license. All process is briefed under following steps:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity

Business license must contain the list of business activities, or activities. At the time of applying for the license, every activity that applies to your business should be enlisted. For example, in the catering business, the list should have food delivery, food truck, café etc.

Step 2: Choosing Your Company Name

The time consuming step of business incorporation in Dubai is the process of choosing your company name. UAE has put forth a defined naming convention that has to be in mind before selecting a name that’s catchy and captures the essence of your business.

The company name should not contain any hateful or offensive language, any references to renowned institutions or any abbreviations of your name. But full names can be used.

Step 3: Setting Up In A Free Zone Or The Mainland

The type of setup you require is the next key step in starting your business. The two common options in the UAE are free zones and the mainland.

Both have pros and cons with differences. You can trade directly with the local market without a distributor or local agent, if you choose a mainland setup. In a free zone you cannot do that though you get exemptions from customs tax and other financial incentives.

Step 4: Applying For Your License

Applying for your trade license is the most important step. depending on the nature of your catering business and the location of setup, the license application process differs.

You can make your application for a license directly to the Dubai Department of Economic Development, if you’re setting up in the mainland. You should apply directly to the managing authority of your chosen free zone, if you’ve chosen free zone setup.

Blackswan Business Setup helps in either case, to make your application.

Several documents have to be submitted along with the application that include

Your business plan

A copy of your passport – and that of any other shareholders

A copy of your signature

A No Objection Certificate from your current employer (if applicable)

Step 5: Meeting Additional Catering License Requirements

A trade license along with a catering certification, obtained from the Dubai Food Safety Department is required to start a catering business in Dubai. Details of your kitchen or food preparation area need to be provided that includes the location of entrances, exits, and ventilation.
The UAE Food Code has also to be adhered to.

Step 6: Applying For Your Visa

The final key step is obtaining your visa to start a catering business in UAE which involves 4 stages including a medical fitness test and biometric capturing which usually takes less than a week.

You can also sponsor others such as children, a spouse or domestic staff for their visas too, being a Dubai business license holder if you fulfil the eligibility criteria.

What Is The Cost Of A Food Delivery Service License?

The most commonly asked question is — how much is a catering license?
It ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000. You will have to meet the costs of premises, equipment, ingredients, and any additional approvals that you require.