How to request food related activities permit in Dubai?

This service enables to obtain a permission to carry out food-related activities after fulfilling food safety requirements.

Documents Required

Food Activity Permit at Events:

1. PDF copy of the floor plan listing all food preparation areas, hand / equipment washing facilities, storage details in a scaled layout. 

Annual Permit for Food Truck :

PDF copy of the floor plan listing all food preparation areas, hand / equipment washing facilities, storage details in a scaled layout. 

Non-halal Food Activity Permit:

1.  PDF copy of the floor plan listing all food preparation areas, hand / equipment washing facilities, storage details in a scaled layout. 

School supply permit:

1. School kitchen layout listing all food preparation areas, hand / equipment washing facilities, storage details in a scaled layout. 
2. Contract between food supplier and school (stamped by both).
3. Approved food list from Registration and Permits Section.

Annual Permit for Food Kiosk :

1. PDF copy of the floor plan listing all food preparation areas, hand / equipment washing facilities, storage details in a scaled layout. 

Vending machine Permit: 

1. Contract between the location owner and the company
2.  Copy of the machine design and operation manual
3.  List of food items.

Temporary Permit for Changes related to Food label/Package:

1. Prohibit sale report.
2.  Food item registration and label assessment report.
3.  Letter from the manufacture.

How to request food related activities permit in Dubai?

Through the website:

• Login to Dubai Municipality website - Foodwatch platform.

• Apply for the service and upload the required documents.

• Pay the due fees.

• Receive the permit through the website.

Fees Required

• Food activity at Event or Annual food truck permit: AED 160

• Non-halal food activity, or vending machine: AED 200

• Annual Food Kiosk: AED 200 (per kiosk)

• Food supply for schools: AED 200

• Temporary permit for changes related to food label/package: AED 200 per request; maximum of 5 items

• Knowledge and Innovation Fees: AED 20 for fees exceeding AED 50.

Time Required

• 1 working day

Terms and Conditions

• This permit is an approval from the Food Safety department confirming that the pre requisite of Food safety have been met.  The food business has to be continue to follow the food safety requirements as per the food code to ensure that the permit stays valid for the period it has been issued for. 

• This permit does not include permission or approvals from other government authorities where such requirements apply the business have to meet this requirement separately. 

• Dubai Municipality reserves the right to cancel or not renew the permit for public health related issues or in case of non-compliance with Food Safety requirements.

What are the requirements to license food establishments?

• Obtain license from the concerned licensing authorities or the initial approval for licensing food activities, along with a trade name reservation certificate.

• Submit a proposed interior design layout   for establishments that require the layout assessment for their activities including food-handling, preparation, or processing.

How long does it take to complete the food permits services?

• Permit related to Food activities or Layout Assessment for Food Establishment Licensing: 1 working day

• Approval of food related establishments: 5 working days

• Common Kitchen in labor accommodation permit: 3 working days.

What activities require Layout Assessment for Food Establishment Licensing?

• Layout Assessment for Food Establishment is a requirement for all food activities except for commercial activities such as food trading, because there are no food processing in such activities

Is the approval issued for licenses by Dubai Economy only?

• licenses issued by Dubai Economy and licensing authority in the free zones are accepted