The catering industry in Dubai is growing fast, with an annual growth rate of 6.5%! Experts say the food industry could hit a whopping $45 billion per year soon. Amazing, right? If you've ever dreamed of starting a catering business in Dubai, this might just be the best time to jump in.
Wondering how? Is it profitable? How do you get a license and what is the license cost? Don’t worry! We’ll walk you through every step - from setting up to finding your first clients. Ready? Let’s get started!
Catering Business Opportunity in Dubai
Dubai loves to celebrate! Think of all the events happening here: weddings, parties, corporate events, and festivals. Each of these gatherings needs great food to make it memorable, and that’s where you come in! With the right approach, you can become the “go-to” caterer for big events, cozy parties, and everything in between. So, what are some examples of the types of events you could cater?
Corporate Events – Every office party or meeting needs food!
Weddings – People in Dubai go big with weddings. And big weddings need delicious food.
Private Parties – Birthdays, anniversaries, and other special celebrations.
Festivals – Dubai loves festivals, and food is always a star attraction.
Sports Events – Feeding fans and athletes with tasty, easy-to-eat meals.
Isn’t this exciting? There’s so much opportunity here - it just depends on how you market your catering service!
Getting a Catering License in Dubai
In Dubai, every business needs a license, and catering is no different. You’ll need a professional catering license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai Mainland.
Here’s a quick look at the license details:
Activity Code: 5629002
License Type: Professional
Activity Description: For companies that provide food and drinks to schools, hospitals, airlines, and other organizations. You must have your own kitchen to prepare fresh meals and the right setup to handle these catering tasks.
Did You Know? Your business must get approval by Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department. They make sure your catering business is safe and high-quality for customers.
Easy Steps to Start Your Catering Business
Let’s break down the simple steps to start your catering business in Dubai!
1. Research the Market
First, look around! Who are the big caterers? What types of food are people ordering? Do they prefer high-end, or quick and affordable? This gives you a clear idea of where your business can fit in.
2. Choose Your Niche
You must be thinking, “What’s a niche?” It’s the special area you focus on. Are you targeting weddings, parties, or maybe health-conscious clients? Picking a niche helps you stand out in the market.
3. Select Your Business Structure
Here’s an easy one: setting up as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is usually best for catering. This structure is flexible and helps your business grow.
4. Pick a Trade Name
Every business in Dubai needs a unique name. Think of three names that fit your brand well, and you’ll submit these for approval. Make it catchy—people should remember it!
5. Get Initial Approval
Once you have a name, it’s time to submit documents to the DED for initial approval. Simple, isn’t it? This lets you move ahead with setting up the business.
6. Rent and Furnish a Kitchen
You’ll need a kitchen to cook your delicious food! Your kitchen layout must meet Dubai Municipality rules. If you want a quicker start, consider renting a ready-to-go kitchen.
7. Apply for Dubai Municipality Approval
This step is important. You’ll need to submit your initial approval and documents to the Dubai Municipality Food Control Department. They’ll ensure your kitchen setup is safe and hygienic.
8. Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA)
This is a document that outlines the basic info about your business, like who owns it and how it will run. It’s like the rulebook for your company.
9. Pay for the License
Finally, it’s time to pay the license fees! Once you do this, your business is officially registered. How exciting!
Need Help with Setup? Our team at CSPzone is here to assist with every step, making sure your setup process goes smoothly.
How Much Does a Catering License Cost?
Getting a catering license in Dubai generally costs between AED 11,000 and AED 14,000. But remember, this is just for the license. You’ll have other costs, too - like kitchen fees, 5% market fee based on the kitchen lease, and any professional (PRO) services you might need.
Planning on Delivery Too?
Want to deliver food to event locations? For that, you’ll need a separate delivery service license. We have an article all about delivery licenses - make sure to check it out!
Market Your Business and Watch it Grow!
Once you’re set up, it’s time to get the word out! Imagine sharing videos of your amazing food or snapshots of you cooking up something delicious in the kitchen. Partner with event planners, create social media buzz, and show people the quality of your work. You could even give out free samples at local events to get people talking about you. Isn’t that exciting?
Need Help? CSPzone is Here for You!
We know that setting up a business can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. CSPzone can guide you through every step, from licensing to setup, making everything easy. Have questions? Reach out to us on our contact page, WhatsApp +971504655861, or by email @ info@cspzone.com. Let’s make your catering dream a reality!
