A Dubai catering licence costs AED 25,000–50,000 all-in and requires central kitchen approval from Dubai Municipality, HACCP food safety certification, and DET activity code registration. Your business setup includes staff accommodation permits, vehicle registration, and compliance with MOHRE labour rules. DBS handles all approvals in one transparent process.
What Is a Dubai Catering Licence?
A catering licence in Dubai authorises you to prepare and supply food for events, corporate functions, and contract catering. This is distinct from a restaurant licence because catering operations centre on a Dubai catering licence 2026 compliant central kitchen rather than a customer-facing dining venue. Your Dubai business setup must include a dedicated, inspected food production facility. Dubai Municipality and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) jointly oversee catering activity codes and food safety protocols.
Cost Breakdown: AED 25,000–50,000 All-In
The total outlay for a catering licence in Dubai spans multiple components:
| Component | Cost Range (AED) | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence (catering activity code) | 3,000–8,000 | DET |
| Central kitchen inspection & approval | 5,000–12,000 | Dubai Municipality |
| HACCP/food safety certification | 4,000–8,000 | Dubai Municipality |
| Vehicle health card permits (per vehicle) | 1,500–3,000 | Dubai Municipality |
| Staff accommodation approval & permits | 3,000–7,000 | MOHRE |
| Processing, documentation & DBS service fee | 3,500–6,000 | DBS |
Get a personalised cost estimate: WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Central Kitchen Approval: The Foundation
Dubai Municipality mandates a dedicated, hygienically compliant central kitchen before you can legally operate. Your premises must meet dimensions, ventilation, storage, and waste-management standards. The kitchen layout is inspected by municipal food safety officers. You cannot run catering from a home kitchen or shared domestic space—this is non-negotiable. DBS co-ordinates the inspection process and remediation if required, ensuring fast-track approval.
DBS consultants guide layout compliance and expedite municipal sign-off.
HACCP and Food Safety Management
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification is mandatory for all catering operations. This system identifies food safety risks (contamination, temperature control, allergen management) and establishes monitoring protocols. Dubai Municipality requires written HACCP documentation, staff training records, and regular audits. You must appoint a food safety supervisor and maintain temperature logs for chilled and frozen stock. Non-compliance results in licence suspension or revocation. Dubai business setup consultants at DBS include HACCP training modules in your package.
Staff Accommodation and Vehicle Permits
If you employ catering staff, MOHRE labour regulations require approved accommodation if workers are non-Emirati nationals. Staff quarters must meet health and safety standards (minimum floor area, ventilation, sanitation). Separately, any vehicle used for food transport or delivery requires a health card issued by Dubai Municipality. Food delivery licence requirements overlap here: your catering operation may expand into food delivery, but each vehicle and driver must be individually certified. DBS manages all staff permits and vehicle registration in parallel.
DET Catering Activity Codes and Licensing
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DCCI) assigns specific catering activity codes—typically 55101 (catering activities). Your trade licence must reflect this code; deviation will delay approvals. DET also verifies that your company’s ownership structure complies with foreign investment rules (if applicable). A catering company with 51% UAE or GCC ownership may access certain free-zone benefits, though most catering operates in mainland Dubai. DBS confirms your eligibility and secures the correct DET code within your all-in timeline.
Confirm your activity code in your first consultation.
Timeline and Next Steps
A complete catering licence typically requires 15–25 working days once documents are submitted, assuming no municipal remediation loops. DBS handles parallel approvals (DET, Dubai Municipality, MOHRE) to compress the timeline. You will need to provide ownership proofs, passport copies, building lease, kitchen floor plans, and food safety training certificates. Start early if you plan a launch in Q1 or Q2 2026, as municipal inspection slots fill quickly during peak business-setup seasons.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catering licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A complete catering licence costs AED 25,000–50,000 all-in. This includes trade licence (DET), central kitchen inspection and approval (Dubai Municipality), HACCP certification, vehicle health permits, staff accommodation approvals (MOHRE), and DBS processing fees. Exact cost depends on kitchen size, number of vehicles, and staff count. Request a tailored quote from DBS via WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
Do I need a central kitchen for a catering licence in Dubai?
Yes, a dedicated, inspected central kitchen is mandatory. Dubai Municipality will not issue a catering licence without physical, on-site verification of your food production facility. The kitchen must meet municipal dimensions, hygiene, ventilation, and waste-disposal standards. You cannot operate from a shared facility, home kitchen, or unlicensed premises. DBS helps you source compliant space and navigate the inspection process.
What food safety approvals are required for catering services?
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is mandatory. You must submit written food safety protocols, staff training records, and allergen procedures to Dubai Municipality. A designated food safety supervisor is required on your payroll. Regular temperature logs and supplier audits are ongoing compliance obligations. Non-compliance triggers licence suspension. DBS includes HACCP documentation and staff training in your setup package.
Can a catering company also do food delivery in Dubai?
Yes, you may expand into food delivery if you hold a valid catering licence and comply with additional food delivery licence requirements. Each delivery vehicle requires a separate health card from Dubai Municipality. Drivers must pass food safety training. Packaging, storage temperature, and delivery timelines are regulated. A single catering trade licence (DET activity code 55101) covers both catering and delivery; you pay extra only for vehicle permits and driver certification.
What is the timeline for getting a catering licence in Dubai?
A catering licence typically takes 15–25 working days from document submission, assuming no remediation loops. DBS handles parallel approvals (DET, Dubai Municipality, MOHRE) to compress the timeline. Central kitchen inspection can take 3–7 days if your premises is ready. Delays occur if the kitchen fails initial inspection or if HACCP documentation is incomplete. Plan ahead if you target a specific launch date; municipal inspection slots fill during peak seasons.
Do I need staff accommodation approval for a catering company?
Only if you employ non-Emirati nationals. MOHRE requires approved accommodation meeting health, safety, and space standards. Emirati staff do not trigger accommodation rules. Costs range AED 3,000–7,000 depending on worker count and facility scope. DBS verifies your staff manifest, sources compliant housing, and secures MOHRE permits in parallel with your kitchen and food safety approvals.
What happens if my catering business fails a food safety inspection?
Dubai Municipality will issue a remediation notice specifying defects (e.g. temperature control, pest evidence, staff hygiene). You have 7–14 days to correct and request re-inspection. Repeated failures or critical violations (e.g. allergen contamination) can result in licence suspension or revocation. HACCP compliance is non-negotiable; ignorance of food safety rules is not a defence. DBS ensures your pre-launch systems pass inspection first time, avoiding costly delays.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.
