Want to Setup a Restaurant Business in Dubai?

Dubai is well known for its magnificent architecture, luxurious shopping destination, and sparkling nightlife. Thinking of a restaurant business in Dubai is a smart choice for a long-term profitable business setup. Being a tourist attraction for years, Dubai is one of the rising food destinations across the world. Dubai welcomes almost 4.7 million tourists every year. However, in Dubai, there are certain rigid food codes that every food industry has to follow. If you plan to set up a restaurant in Dubai, then you must know everything about the procedure and requirements of the same.  

Here is some information that will help you in constructing your dream restaurant setup in Dubai! 

Perks of having a business set up in the UAE 

Seven Emirates together are called the United Arab Emirates. The federation includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Umm-al-Quwain and Ras-al-Khaimah. These Emirates are emerging as an ideal destination for business setup. There are some perks of having a business setup in the UAE. 

• Geographical boundaries and locations

The geographical location of these Emirates facilitates transportation at affordable costs for export and import to the firms. These countries have well-developed airports, ports, and other means of transportation that enable great networks from other foreign countries as well. UAE also has international trade agreements with countries across the world, such as South Asian countries and America. 

• The new government and its rules and regulations

The new government is now focusing on attracting investors to benefit their economy. They aim to make their economy investor-friendly. Policies such as FDI ( foreign direct investment) offer 100 per cent ownership of the business to foreign investors. This policy offers safe monetary exchanges and investment securities. This policy aims to reduce administrative responsibilities and encourage foreign investment.

• Visa benefits 

UAE has introduced long-term visas and golden visas in which foreigners can live 5 to 10 years in their Emirate. It will automatically be renewed. However, there are certain requirements for foreigners to fulfil to get a long-term visa or golden visa for the UAE, such as a deposit of at least 10 million AED in a domestic investment fund. 

Along with these benefits, free zone areas in the UAE are also an important addition to trading and investing in Arab countries. 

How to start a restaurant set up in Dubai (step-by-step instructions) 

In Dubai, it is not an easy task to set up a restaurant. You need to follow some strict rules and regulations imposed by the UAE government. Below listed are some important steps you must go through before thinking of a restaurant set up in Dubai. 

• Preparation of budget

Planning every expenditure is the first step before any business setup. You have to prepare a list of essential steps which require investment from your end. As a restaurant owner, there are certain investments you have to make on mandatory things, such as 

• Getting food and trade license
• Rent or cost of the new property
• Insurance and permission for restaurant
• Hiring and training of staff
• Essentials for a restaurant such as food items, ambience, equipment, etc.

These are some major expenses that a restaurant owner should keep in mind. However, you must be prepared financially for other accidental or spontaneous expenditures.

• Food business license in Dubai

In Dubai, you need to apply for two licenses for any type of food business. One is a food license, and the other one is a trade licence. This is a mandatory step. Otherwise, you can be charged a fine, or the government can take strict actions against you.

• Creative and innovative ideas for your restaurant

Thinking of a fresh and creative idea for your restaurant can attract a large number of customers. Introduce exciting offers to attract tourists and the provincial population. 

• Location for your restaurant

Do some research on the demography and then choose a location for your restaurant accordingly. Do not choose those locations that already have restaurants for a long time. 

• The interior design of your restaurant

The first impression is the last. As per the famous quote, you must focus on the ambience and interior design of your restaurant. You can choose a spacious layout for your restaurant to maintain the privacy of your customers. Decorate your restaurant and keep on adding new and trendy stuff. 

• Investing in equipment and essential appliances for your restaurant 

Always invest in appliances and equipment that can help in reducing physical work. Provide payments or billing methods easily, inventory management, etc. Always maintain stock and purchase records of the restaurant. Invest in kitchen-friendly appliances. 

• Creating a menu 

Before starting your restaurant, prepare what would be the variation of food that your restaurant’s menu will have. Do have some special dishes for your customers. Carve your menu in such a way so that you can cover your total cost, including all the cost of goods and labor costs.

• Appointing staff and helpers 

Appoint staff and helpers and provide them with adequate training. Start with a minimum number of employees, and then you can add more as per the increasing demand of your restaurant. Assign the roles of staff and monitor them to ensure smooth functioning of the restaurant. 

After preparing all the steps mentioned above, you can still plan some strategies for promoting your restaurant. Just stay updated on ongoing trends and plan your promotions accordingly.

Dubai Freezone 

FTZs ( free trade zone) in Dubai is known for their special economic setup for trading. The main features of these zones are tax concessions and custom duty benefits for foreign investors. At the present time, there are 30 free zones in Dubai. For Freezone areas, the UAE government has introduced a new set of rules and regulations. One of the prime features of a free zone is the 100 % ownership of foreign investors for their business setup. They even offered a special visa for such investors.

Conclusion

Dubai is an ideal location for business setup because of its geographical location, emerging technology, and many such factors that attract foreign investors all across the world. If you’re planning a restaurant set up in Dubai, with simple notches and investment, you can attain a long-term profitable business setup.