Starting a Restaurant Business in Abu Dhabi can be a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the diverse population of the capital city. The Emirate has a rich blend of global culinary traditions which makes it an ideal location for setting up a food business and attaining substantial profits. Moreover, the vibrant tourism culture of the UAE lays a solid foundation for the long-term success and growth of the food industry. Nonetheless, there are certain legal and administrative standards entrepreneurs need to comply with before starting a cafeteria business.
Important tips to start a Restaurant Business in Abu Dhabi
Before delving into the setup process, you first need to define the concept of your restaurant Business in Abu Dhabi. For example, whether you want to operate a quick service, mid-range, or chic restaurant. On the basis of this decision, you can add other features like furniture, personnel, ambiance, and the type of food you will serve.
Here are some significant tips to make your Restaurant Business in Abu Dhabi a successful venture:-
Choose the best location – When you plan a cafeteria or restaurant business, the selection of location is vital. It helps customers to know you and visit you frequently. Although hidden areas or locations on streets with minimal traffic will have low rents, it may affect your visits and profits. Hence, it is advisable to consider all the factors before making a final decision.
Decorate well – The appearance and ambiance of your restaurant tend to attract more customers. You must decorate it in such a way that the customer feels comfortable and satisfied at every visit. It involves the type of furniture you use, the decorations on the walls, and others. Likewise, put up a blackboard at the entrance specifying the specials for each day.
Equip the restaurant – Since it is a food business, you will need all kinds of cutleries, utensils, and tools to operate efficiently. For example, ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, glasses, crockeries, salt and pepper shakers, and many others. The quantity of these items may vary depending on the size of your business, but there should be no compromise on the quality of your kitchen equipment.
Create the menu – The menu is yet another decisive factor for the success of your restaurant business in Abu Dhabi. The cuisines or dishes you wish to serve must be well-detailed and planned. Most importantly, make sure that the ingredients you use for these cuisines are easily available. Further, divide the menu by times or specialties to make it more appealing. For instance, appetizers, salads, soups, non-vegetarian, desserts, and beverages. Also, ensure to keep the descriptions for dishes short and simple.
Employ a trained staff – Once you have decided on the activities you want to perform and the cuisines you want to serve, determine the number of employees you will need. For instance, chefs, managers, waiters, cleaners, etc. Further, based on the size and schedule of your restaurant, set up their shifts.
Make a business plan – A business plan outlines your business operations and the steps you will take to make it successful. It encompasses all information regarding the company, product, market, competition, and income. Hence, it is important to make a business plan before starting your restaurant business project.
Study the customers – The food industry in the UAE is constantly evolving. Thus, to keep up with the changes, businesses need to evolve and adapt to the growing trends. The first and most basic thing you can do to keep pace with the dynamics is to study your customers. Interact with them and communicate to learn whether you are offering them exactly what they want. This way you will be able to cater better to their needs. This learning will also help you plan your marketing and advertising.
Types of licenses for restaurant/cafeteria business in Abu Dhabi
When planning to open a cafeteria or restaurant in Abu Dhabi, consider the various types of licenses available for this venture –
- License for coffee shops –
Coffee shops are ideally established to serve beverages (liquid refreshments) for immediate consumption to the customers. With this professional license, entrepreneurs can open restaurants and coffee shops with the necessary facilities to prepare and serve meals.
- License for small eateries –
This business license allows the opening of small eateries that prepare and serve food, snacks, and consumer items like dairy, bread, freshly canned and preserved food, and other products.
- License for floating restaurants –
This is a commercial license issued to open restaurants and coffee shops for tourism-related activities. It generally considers ships, boats, and yachts with onboard dining facilities.
Steps to starting a Restaurant Business in Abu Dhabi
To operate a restaurant legally in Abu Dhabi, you will require a restaurant license, which can be obtained through a well-defined procedure. These are the basic steps that you need to follow in order to secure your restaurant business license:-
Choose a name for the restaurant – Choose a suitable name for your restaurant that can be easily remembered. However, make sure it aligns with the DED’s naming guidelines. Any violation can lead to delay or rejection of your business registration application.
Pick a favorable location – While choosing a location for your restaurant business, consider high-traffic areas like malls and tourist spots where your restaurant can be easily accessible.
Obtain a restaurant license – For operating a food business, you will need several permits and licenses from significant authorities. For example,
- Food license from the Food & Safety Department
- Trade license from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Commerce Marketing
The additional permits may include:-
- Driving license for food delivery
- Liquor permit
- License for serving pork
- Permit for Ramadan
Complete the visa process – A visa is necessary to work and reside in Abu Dhabi. Therefore, apply with the relevant immigration department to get your UAE resident visa. However, there are certain legal criteria that you may need to meet in order to get your staying permit. Shuraa consultants will take care of it single-handedly and offer assistance at every step of your business setup process.
Open a bank account – A corporate bank account will help you manage your business transactions and finances separately. However, there are certain requirements to set up your business account in an Abu Dhabi bank. Connect with the business advisors of Shuraa for full details.
Cost of opening a Restaurant Business in Abu Dhabi
They cafeteria license cost in Abu Dhabi may vary depending on your various decisions regarding permits, location, equipment, and operational expenses. Hence, to plan a successful launch, it is crucial to do proper financial planning.
Shuraa experts can suggest to you the exact cost of setting up a cafeteria business in Abu Dhabi.
Let Shuraa help you achieve your business dreams
When you plan to set up your business in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, Shuraa Business Setup will be your ideal partner. With their varied corporate services, they help investors accomplish a trouble-free company formation process and an effective functioning of the business in the local and international markets. So, whether you are looking for a business license, a UAE visa, or reliable consultancy services, Shuraa has the best offers for you.
Contact their team of experts at info@shuraa.com and get answers to all your business-related queries.
