To set up a coffee shop in the United Arab Emirates, follow this proven, regulator-ready path with realistic costs and timelines. Choose mainland (Dubai DET/Abu Dhabi ADDED/Sharjah DED) for citywide retail, or a free zone if you’ll trade primarily inside the zone; cafés serving the public generally need a mainland license. Select activity Coffee Shop/Cafeteria (5610), now eligible for 100% foreign ownership. Steps: reserve trade name and get initial approval; secure a food-zoned unit and tenancy (Ejari/Tawtheeq); obtain kitchen layout pre-approval from Dubai Municipality Food Safety or ADAFSA (grease trap, canopy with roof-duct ventilation, washable surfaces, segregated prep, 3-compartment sink plus handwash, chill ≤5°C, dry storage, pest-control contract); complete Civil Defense fit-out approvals and final inspection; issue trade license; then immigration establishment card and staff visas. Budget: AED 12k–25k for license/approvals, AED 1,500–3,500/m² fit-out, 5–10% rent deposit, AED 3k–7k per visa, and 3–6 months working capital. Timelines: initial approval 2–5 days; layout NOC 5–10; fit-out 4–8 weeks; license 3–7 days. Operations: food-handlers training and medicals, VAT registration over AED 375k turnover, POS integrated for VAT and inventory, FIRS registration if importing beans, signage/outdoor seating permits, HACCP-based procedures. Aim for beverage COGS <30% and rent 10–15% of revenue to stay profitable.
