How to Open a Coffee Shop in Dubai
Dubai's café culture is thriving — with a population of coffee lovers, tourists, and remote workers creating year-round demand for premium coffee experiences.
What You Need to Get Started
F&B Trade License
DED commercial license with coffee shop and restaurant/cafe activities — covering dine-in, takeaway, and delivery service as applicable to your concept.
Dubai Municipality Permit
Food establishment license from Dubai Municipality — covering food preparation, service area, equipment specifications, and ventilation requirements.
DHA Manager Certificate
A designated food safety manager with a valid DHA Food Safety Manager certification is mandatory for all food service operations in Dubai.
Staff Health Cards
All coffee shop staff involved in food preparation or service must hold valid municipality health cards — mandatory and renewed annually.
Compliant Premises
Coffee shop fit-out must comply with Dubai Municipality specifications including kitchen ventilation, grease trap installation, and food storage standards.
HACCP Food Safety System
A documented HACCP food safety system is required for all food service operations — covering preparation, storage, temperature control, and staff hygiene protocols.
How to Start Your Coffee Shop in 5 Steps
Business Plan & Concept
Define your coffee concept — specialty café, grab-and-go, franchise, or full-service. Location, target market, and menu scope determine your license activities and investment size.
Get Trade License
Obtain an F&B trade license from DED covering coffee shop and cafe activities. Trade name registration and MOA drafting are completed concurrently by Arab First.
Municipality Food Permit
Apply to Dubai Municipality for a food establishment permit — based on your specific food handling activities, kitchen equipment, and seating arrangements.
DHA Food Manager Certificate
The designated food manager must hold a valid DHA Food Safety Manager certificate. Arab First registers your manager and schedules the certification exam.
Staff Visas & Launch
Process barista and service staff visas, complete fit-out with municipality sign-off, and launch with a soft opening. Arab First manages all government approvals.
Coffee Shop in UAE FAQs
How much does it cost to open a coffee shop in Dubai?
Total investment ranges from AED 150,000 for a simple kiosk to AED 500,000+ for a fully fitted specialty café. Licensing costs (DED + DHA + municipality) total approximately AED 30,000-50,000. Arab First provides full cost transparency before you commit.
Do I need a separate license for delivery from my coffee shop?
Your standard F&B trade license can cover delivery operations. However, listing on Talabat or Noon Food as a commercial partner requires platform registration and compliance with their food safety standards.
Can I open a coffee franchise in Dubai?
Yes. Franchise coffee brands require the franchisee to hold a local UAE trade license plus comply with the franchisor's standards. Arab First handles the local licensing while you manage the franchise agreement.
How do I get a DHA food manager certificate?
The DHA food manager certificate requires completing an approved food safety training course and passing the DHA examination. Arab First registers your manager, books the training, and schedules the exam appointment.
Can I sell coffee online and through delivery in the UAE?
Yes. Your F&B trade license covers delivery sales. Integrating with major UAE delivery apps (Talabat, Careem Food, Deliveroo) requires separate commercial partner accounts but no additional licensing.
Ready to Open Your Coffee Shop?
Arab First guides you through every step — license, visa, bank account, and compliance. Contact us today.