A catering licence in Dubai 2026 costs between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000 all-in. You must obtain Dubai Municipality central kitchen approval and implement HACCP food safety management systems. DET assigns your catering activity code, and MOHRE manages staff accommodation and vehicle permits.
What Is a Dubai Catering Licence?
A Dubai catering licence permits you to prepare, store, and deliver food and beverage services for events, corporate functions, and food delivery operations. Unlike restaurant licences, catering operations rely on a central kitchen licence issued by Dubai Municipality. This covers meal preparation, quality control, and logistics. Your Dubai business setup will include activity codes from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), food safety approvals, and staffing compliance under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). For comprehensive guidance on activity-specific licensing, consult Dubai Business Services’ team of Dubai business setup consultants.
Ready to start? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a free catering setup assessment.
Central Kitchen Licence: Dubai Municipality Requirements
Dubai Municipality mandates a central kitchen licence before you can operate as a catering service. Your kitchen must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Area | Minimum 50 m² in a commercial zone |
| Separation | Distinct from residential areas; separate entrance for deliveries |
| Ventilation & Hygiene | Commercial-grade extraction, stainless steel fittings, hand-washing stations |
| Cold Storage | Certified refrigeration units for perishables |
| Waste Management | Approved waste disposal and pest control systems |
Contact Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department for compliance inspections: +971 4 308 3333.
HACCP and Food Safety Management 2026
All catering operations in Dubai must implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards. This certified food safety management system is mandatory under UAE food safety regulations and Dubai Municipality guidelines. Your plan must document:
- Supplier audits and ingredient traceability
- Temperature control during storage and transport
- Staff hygiene training and certifications
- Allergen labelling and cross-contamination prevention
- Regular audits and corrective action logs
HACCP certification costs are typically included within the AED 25,000–50,000 all-in licence fee. DBS coordinates approvals from Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department.
DET Catering Activity Codes & Classification
The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) assigns specific activity codes for catering operations:
| Activity Code | Classification | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 5610 | Event Catering | Off-premises meals for weddings, corporate events, conferences |
| 5621 | Food Delivery | Central kitchen with courier/vehicle-based delivery |
| 5629 | Other Food Service | Meal prep, lunch boxes, contract catering |
Confirm your activity code with DET during business setup to avoid licensing delays.
Staff Accommodation & Vehicle Permits
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) governs staff accommodation and transport logistics for catering companies. Key requirements:
- Staff Housing: If you employ delivery staff, you must provide certified labour accommodation or arrange MOHRE-approved housing within 50 km of your central kitchen.
- Vehicle Permits: All delivery vehicles require registration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Commercial food transport vehicles must pass health and safety inspections.
- Employment Contracts: All staff need MOHRE-compliant contracts in Arabic with clear terms, wages, and working hours.
- Work Permits & Visas: Non-Emirati staff require valid work permits and residence visas linked to your catering licence.
Budget AED 5,000–12,000 for staff compliance and vehicle registration within your all-in licensing cost.
Dubai Catering Licence Cost Breakdown 2026
The complete cost to obtain a catering licence in Dubai ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 50,000 all-in. Here is a typical breakdown:
| Cost Item | AED Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business Registration & DET Licence Fee | AED 2,000–5,000 | Varies by ownership structure (sole trader, LLC, partnership) |
| Dubai Municipality Central Kitchen Approval | AED 8,000–15,000 | Inspection fees, permits, HACCP certification |
| Food Safety & HACCP Documentation | AED 3,000–8,000 | Consultant fees, testing, training records |
| MOHRE Staff & Vehicle Compliance | AED 5,000–12,000 | Labour accommodation, visa sponsorship, RTA permits |
| Legal & Admin Fees | AED 2,000–5,000 | Contract review, filing, consultant support |
| Equipment & Facility Setup (optional) | AED 5,000–15,000 | Kitchen modifications, refrigeration, if not pre-existing |
DBS provides transparent, itemised quotes—no hidden fees. Contact us for a cost estimate tailored to your catering model.
Can You Offer Food Delivery with a Catering Licence?
Yes. If you hold catering activity code 5621 (Food Delivery) or 5629 (Other Food Service), you can legally deliver meals prepared in your central kitchen. However, you must comply with additional delivery requirements:
- Branded, insulated delivery containers to maintain food temperature
- RTA-registered vehicles with health permits
- Tracking & delivery documentation for food traceability
- Third-party liability insurance (if using delivery couriers)
Many catering operations in Dubai combine event catering (5610) with food delivery (5621) under a single licence. DBS can clarify which activity codes suit your business model and ensure your licence covers all revenue streams.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a catering licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A Dubai catering licence costs between AED 25,000 and AED 50,000 all-in. This includes DET business registration (AED 2,000–5,000), Dubai Municipality central kitchen approval (AED 8,000–15,000), HACCP food safety certification (AED 3,000–8,000), MOHRE staff and vehicle permits (AED 5,000–12,000), and legal fees (AED 2,000–5,000). Costs vary based on kitchen size, staff headcount, and facility upgrades.
Do I need a central kitchen for a catering licence in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai Municipality requires a dedicated central kitchen licence before you can legally operate as a catering service. Your kitchen must be in a commercial zone, minimum 50 m², with proper ventilation, cold storage, and waste management. Catering cannot be conducted from residential kitchens or shared domestic spaces.
What food safety approvals are required for catering services in Dubai?
All catering operations must implement HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards certified by Dubai Municipality. You must document supplier audits, temperature control, allergen labelling, staff hygiene training, and corrective action logs. HACCP certification is included in your central kitchen licence approval and verified during annual inspections.
Can a catering company also do food delivery in Dubai?
Yes, if your DET activity code covers food delivery (code 5621). You’ll need insulated delivery containers, RTA-registered vehicles with health permits, food traceability documentation, and third-party liability insurance. Many caterers combine event catering with delivery under a single licence; DBS ensures your licence covers both revenue streams.
Who inspects a catering licence in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department conducts initial central kitchen inspections and annual compliance audits. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) issues your business licence and activity code. MOHRE oversees staff sponsorship and labour accommodation. RTA approves delivery vehicles. DBS coordinates all agency approvals in one process.
How long does it take to get a catering licence in Dubai?
The catering licence process typically takes 4–6 weeks from application to approval. This includes 1–2 weeks for DET business registration, 2–3 weeks for Dubai Municipality central kitchen inspection and HACCP approval, and 1–2 weeks for MOHRE staff permits. DBS expedites co-ordination with all authorities to meet your timeline.
What are the staff requirements for a catering licence in Dubai?
All staff need MOHRE-compliant employment contracts in Arabic, valid work permits, and residence visas. Delivery staff must have RTA-approved vehicle permits. If you employ more than five workers, you must provide certified labour accommodation or arrange MOHRE-approved housing within 50 km of your central kitchen. Budget AED 5,000–12,000 for staff compliance.
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