To open a coffee shop in Dubai fast and correctly, obtain a Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) mainland license with the “Coffee Shop/Cafeteria” activity (not a free zone retail license, which cannot trade onshore), then secure Dubai Municipality (DM) Food Safety approvals before fit-out. Reserve your trade name, get DET initial approval, choose a site with F&B-specs (Ejari-ready lease, minimum 25–40 kW power load, water/drainage points, provision for a grease separator, compliant ventilation), and submit DM Food Control pre-approval with scaled layout drawings via a licensed consultant. Implement an HACCP-based Food Safety Management System, appoint a certified Person in Charge (PIC), and obtain DM fit-out and signage permits plus Dubai Civil Defense clearance (fire detection and kitchen suppression if heat-producing equipment is installed). After fit-out, pass DM food establishment inspection to activate your operating permit, then finalize bank account, immigration file, and staff visas. Budget AED 12,000–18,000 for licensing and external approvals, plus AED 2,000–4,000 per sqm for fit-out and equipment; timelines run 4–8 weeks depending on inspections and landlord approvals. Choose mainland for mall/street retail and delivery aggregators; free zones suit roasting/production only. Register for VAT when annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000, and obtain outdoor seating permits if using sidewalks.
