To get a coffee shop license in Dubai, secure a DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism) mainland license for citywide trading (best for high-footfall locations) or a free zone license if you’ll operate only inside the zone; then complete these core steps and approvals. Reserve a trade name and activity (Restaurant & Café/Coffee Shop), obtain initial approval, sign a compliant lease and Ejari, and submit kitchen/shop layout drawings to Dubai Municipality Food Safety for pre-approval—showing HACCP-aligned flow, separate hot/cold prep, hand-wash sinks, grease trap, ventilation, and food-grade finishes. Apply fit-out permits, mall/landlord NOCs, SIRA for CCTV, and Dubai Civil Defense where required; appoint a Person-in-Charge with Food Safety (PIC Level 3), register on FoodWatch, and contract licensed pest control. After fit-out, pass Food Safety inspection to receive your Food Permit; upload all external approvals to DET to issue the trade license. Typical time frame: 3–6 weeks if drawings and site are ready. Budget: license and government fees roughly AED 10k–20k plus fit-out and inspections (location-driven). Decision notes: outdoor seating and signage need extra NOCs; shisha requires separate permits and zoning; ghost kitchen can reduce rent and approvals. Keep temperature logs and calibration records from day one, train staff on hygiene SOPs.
