If there’s one thing the residents of Dubai love, it’s great food. It’s easy to find cuisine from every corner of the globe out here – whether in a fine dining restaurant, a street stall or a food truck.
This wide choice and love for the finest flavours means the people of Dubai have come to expect high quality food wherever they are. Whether it’s a public conference, expo or private party, top quality catering is a must.
With so many events taking place throughout Dubai every single day, there is plenty of opportunity for businesses with the skills to serve up great food. In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations you need to know to start a catering business in Dubai.
Catering industry in Dubai: An overview
The UAE catering services market is large and growing – expected to see annual growth of 6% from 2025 to 2030.
Demand in the industry is driven largely by the number of events that take place out here, from global exhibitions to all manner of industry events. That’s not to mention private functions such as weddings and parties.
Within this large market are many kinds of business, from established players serving airlines and hotel chains to small boutique companies providing their services directly to businesses and individuals. Dubai’s diverse population is also reflected in its catering companies. All kinds of niche cuisines and serving styles are accounted for. As are service levels, from meal prep through to silver service.
How to start a catering business in Dubai: Step-by-step
While the process of starting a catering business in Dubai can seem daunting, with the right support, it’s anything but. When you work with the team at Creative Zone, we’ll help you launch your business in just five simple steps.
Step 1: Outline your activities
The first step when starting a business anywhere in the UAE is to outline your intended activities. Failure to do so can cause issues further down the line and carrying out unlicensed activities may lead to fines or even license revocation.
There are many options to choose from within the catering industry. You could start a corporate, industrial or event catering business or start a mobile caterer or cloud kitchen, for example.
Your stated activities must be chosen from the official list published by Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). The team at Creative Zone will help ensure that you have the correct approvals to run your business.
Step 2: Choose your company name
The second step is equally important: choosing a company name. There are a few key things to keep in mind at this stage – many that would not apply anywhere else in the world.
Be aware that you must abide by a strict set of naming conventions. In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e. Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 3: Find a kitchen space
This is a vital part of starting a catering business in Dubai. You will need to find a kitchen space that is not only well located and has all the facilities you need, but that also meets the Dubai Municipality food standards.
Step 4: Making your license application
You will require a trade license to start a catering company in Dubai. This is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development and you can make your application online. Once again, the Creative Zone team will guide you through this process. Get in touch to find out more.
At this stage, you will also need to apply to the Dubai Municipality for a food safety permit. As part of this process, you will need to provide details of your kitchen and the services you offer.
Step 5: Making your visa applications
Finally, you’ll need to organise your visas. With the right guidance, the visa application process can be incredibly straightforward. As well as making your application, you’ll be required to submit biometric information and undergo a medical fitness test.
As the holder of a UAE business license, you can also sponsor others for their visas too. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper. The maximum number of visas you can apply for will depend on the size of your company, your chosen setup and, for dependant visas, your personal earnings.
Benefits of starting a catering business in Dubai
High demand
Dubai is one of the world’s most popular locations for events and exhibitions. There is huge demand for catering services in the corporate and professional world across a wide range of niches and themes. On top of this, there are numerous large private gatherings in Dubai every year.
Diverse customer base
While Dubai is well served by catering companies, the emirate’s diverse and growing population means there will always be gaps in the market. The UAE is always on the lookout for the next best thing, whether that’s an untapped cuisine or theme, or a serving style. If you can fill this demand, you’re on the right track.
Supportive business environment
Dubai is built for business. From accelerators and incubators to affordable and hassle-free licensing and visa processes, the environment out here is designed to help you succeed. Add in an attractive tax regime and the conditions are perfect for launching and growing a business.
Strategic location
Dubai’s location in the heart of the Middle East gives you direct access to global supplying chains. So you can easily trade directly with markets across Europe, Asia and North Africa.
How to scale a catering business in Dubai
Find your niche
It always pays to find your nice within the catering industry. Are you planning to offer a specific cuisine or a level of service that’s not on offer elsewhere? Whatever makes you different, be sure to put it at the front and centre of your offering.
Pick your partners
There’s nothing like referrals when it comes to building your business. Seek out complementary partners such as event planners and conference centres who can recommend your services to their customers.
Go above and beyond
Dubai is all about service. Please your customers and they are sure to spread the word. Go beyond standard service levels to exceed expectations and build a reputation for quality.
Start your catering business with Creative Zone.
Starting a catering business in Dubai can be a complicated process – particularly if you’re new to working in the UAE.
That’s why selecting the right partner is a critical step when looking to launch or grow a business out here. As the Middle East’s most trusted advisor on business setup in Dubai, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. No matter your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
