To get a coffee shop license in the United Arab Emirates, choose jurisdiction first: mainland (serve the public anywhere) or free zone (service limited to the zone), then align your activity (“Coffee Shop/Cafeteria” under ISIC 5610) with your menu and equipment. Reserve the trade name, obtain initial approval from the DED or free zone, and sign a compliant lease (Ejari/Tawtheeq). Before fit‑out, submit stamped kitchen/shop drawings to the Municipality Food Control (Dubai FoodWatch; Abu Dhabi ADAFSA) showing: washable floors/walls, dedicated handwash basin, three‑compartment sink or dishwasher, grease trap, extraction hood with fire suppression, chilled storage ≤5°C, separate dry storage off the floor, pest‑control contract, and staff facilities. Appoint a certified Person‑in‑Charge (PIC Level 3) and complete food‑hygiene training for staff. After inspections, secure: trade license, Food Control permit, Civil Defence completion certificate, signage permit, and waste‑management contract; then open an establishment card for visas. If roasting on‑site, add ESMA conformity and DCD/municipality NOCs for gas or venting; for a kiosk or truck, obtain location NOC from the landlord/mall or RTA. Typical timelines: 2–6 weeks post‑lease; critical path is layout approval and MEP completion. Budget licensing and approvals at roughly AED 12k–25k, excluding fit‑out. Expect multiple inspections and landlord fit‑out NOCs.
