UAE setup for restaurants & F&B.
F&B is mainland-only territory. The trade licence is the easy part — food licence and venue inspection drive the timeline.
Dubai Mainland
USD 16,000 base + food trade licence + Dubai Municipality food safety approval.
Abu Dhabi Mainland
USD 19,500 base + ADAFSA food safety + Abu Dhabi Municipality.
F&B licensing path
Six layers stacked: (1) Mainland LLC with restaurant / café activity; (2) Trade licence approval from DED; (3) Ejari registration for the premises; (4) Dubai Municipality / ADAFSA food safety inspection; (5) Civil Defence approval (fire safety); (6) Alcohol licence (separately, only for specific categories). Total realistic timeline: 8–12 weeks from KYC clearance.
Multi-outlet structuring
Each outlet typically needs its own trade licence reference, even under a single holding LLC. For chains scaling beyond 3 outlets, we often structure with a holding LLC + operating LLCs per outlet (allowing for partial sales and franchising). Cloud kitchens and dark kitchens are licensed under a separate activity code with shorter approval timelines.
FAQ
Can a free-zone LLC operate a Dubai restaurant?
No. F&B trading directly with UAE consumers requires a mainland licence. Free zone is not acceptable.
Can I get an alcohol licence?
Yes — alcohol licences in Dubai are granted to specific venue types (hotels, licensed restaurants, members' clubs) by the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce. Separate process from the trade licence.