Want to open a café in Dubai? Here’s a complete 2025 guide to licensing, setup & tips!
1. Why Start a Café in Dubai?
- Growing F&B market in the UAE
- Café culture is thriving — from specialty coffee to fusion concepts
- Perfect for first-time entrepreneurs, expats, and investors
- High demand in communities like JLT, Business Bay, Al Barsha, and Sharjah
- Legal Requirements & Licenses
- Trade license (from DED or free zone)
- Food license from Dubai Municipality
- Ejari (tenancy contract)
- Food code and layout approval
- Optional: Pork or liquor permit (if applicable)
Tip: Working with a consultancy can save you 3–4 weeks in paperwork and rejections.
- What You Need to Set Up a Café
- A concept and business plan
- Brand identity and café name
- Menu planning and costing
- Interior design + kitchen layout
- Trained staff and POS system
- Social media presence + marketing strategy
- What Makes a Café Successful in Dubai
- Niche concept: Arabic specialty? Dessert-only? Plant-based?
- High-margin menu combos
- Good location with parking/access
- Cozy interiors and fast service
- Clear branding + Instagrammable vibe
- How Inkling Consultancy Helps (AED 14,999 Package)
We offer a full end-to-end café setup solution, especially for those who want a fast, hassle-free launch.
What’s included:
- Custom Branding & Logo
- Interior Design & Layout Planning
- Menu Engineering
- Staff Recruitment & Training
- Launch Strategy & Business Handover
Starting a café in Dubai doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right guidance and an affordable setup plan, you can turn your idea into a working café — faster than you think.
Want to launch your café the smart way?
Let’s get started.
