Top 7 Food and Beverage Business Ideas to Setup in UAE
Establishing a Food and Beverage business in Dubai in 2023 can be a great way for people who want to invest in Dubai and want to set up a business here. The numbers show that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a perfect place to start an F&B business. According to a report by Statista, the money made by food places in the UAE is expected to be about USD 8.9 billion by 2025.
There are several reasons why starting an F&B business in Dubai is a smart idea. The country has lots of young people, a growing population, a high GDP (which means the economy is doing well), and many citizens and residents who have enough money to spend. The government is also focused on having different kinds of businesses, including those related to food, and making sure there’s enough food for everyone.
With more and more restaurants, fast-food places, and food delivery services popping up, Dubai is like a welcoming home for anyone looking to start an F&B business.
In this blog, we are sharing options that could be great choices for your food and beverage business in the UAE
1. Food Manufacturing Business in Dubai
Thinking about starting your own food manufacturing business in Dubai? It’s a great idea! You have two options: you can set it up in Dubai Mainland or choose one of the free zone locations in Dubai. To get things rolling, you’ll need to get an industrial license. This special license comes from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) if you’re on the Mainland or from the relevant free zone authorities if you choose a free zone.
Now, let’s talk about what you can actually make. There are lots of possibilities! You could focus on making Natural and Organic Food, Food Supplements, Powdered Food Products, Dairy Products, Vegetable Oils, Fruit Concentrates, Meat Products, Poultry Products, and more. The choice is yours!
Getting raw materials is pretty easy. You can get them from the UAE region itself or even from places like Africa, Asia, and Europe. This means you can produce a lot of food. Keep in mind that you might need some extra approvals and permits from places like the Dubai Municipality to make it all official.
But don’t worry — if dealing with paperwork isn’t your thing, you can always get help. There are adept business setup consultants in Dubai who can assist you with all the approvals and permits you need. So, get ready to turn your food manufacturing dream into a delicious reality!
2. Food Trading Business in Dubai
Another popular F&B business to start in Dubai is the foodstuff trading business. Lots of people from other countries are doing it because there’s a big demand. Why? Well, Dubai only has a few farms or cool weather, so they need to get food from other places. And guess what? Dubai is like a big melting pot — people from almost every country live there. That means lots of potential customers for your business!
Here’s a fun fact: In 2022, people in the UAE spent a whopping AED58.4 billion on food at restaurants and other places. And get this: the sales of fresh food are expected to grow by about 4.9 percent every year from 2022 to 2027. Packaged food is also going up, with a predicted growth of around 3.9 percent during the same time.
Now, to get your business started, you’ll need a special license for foodstuff trading. You can get this license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or one of the free zones. Sounds a bit tricky, right? Don’t worry!
There are expert business setup advisers in Dubai who can help you get the right license and set up your food trading business. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the tasty world of food trading in Dubai!
3. Cloud Kitchen Business in Dubai
Another great option is making waves in Dubai with Cloud Kitchens! It’s the go-to choice for many new-age investors, and it became even more popular after the pandemic.
So, what’s a cloud kitchen? Picture a big kitchen where lots of different companies cook up delicious meals. But here’s the twist — they don’t have a cozy spot for you to sit and eat. Nope, they team up with delivery services to bring the yumminess right to your doorstep.
Now, why do people love the idea of setting up a cloud kitchen business in Dubai? Well, it’s all about smart spending. See, with a cloud kitchen, you skip the big expenses of renting a restaurant space, hiring staff to serve customers, and dealing with all the hassle of running a place. You can start your cloud kitchen adventure either in a free zone or right in the heart of the action on the Mainland.
So, if you’re dreaming of a food business without all the usual headaches, a cloud kitchen setup in Dubai can be your go-to formula for success!
4. Food Truck Business in Dubai
Ever thought about running your food truck in Dubai? Well, it’s a fantastic idea, especially in a place that’s buzzing with tourists from all over the world. Take a look around, and you’ll spot food trucks in cool spots like free zones, busy business areas, fun amusement parks, exhibition places, and even farmers’ markets. They’re everywhere!
Now, what’s great about starting a food truck business in Dubai? It’s perfect for folks who love food but only have a little money to open a big restaurant. Here’s the deal — you can’t cook inside the truck, so you need to get your tasty treats from a restaurant or a cloud kitchen. But that’s not a biggie because your focus is on serving up deliciousness on wheels!
But, and there’s always a but, you need some special permissions from the big names like DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), Dubai Municipality, and Dubai RTA. It might sound a bit tricky but don’t sweat it. You can take help from professional business setup experts in Dubai.
So, grab your love for food and a dream to share your culinary delights. A food truck business in Dubai might be your recipe for success!
5. Food Packaging Business Idea
When you order food to go or grab ready-to-eat meals, it’s super important to make sure the food stays fresh while you’re carrying it around or saving it for later. Nowadays, people care a lot about our planet, so using packaging that can be used again or recycled is a big hit all around the world. Cool stuff like cutlery made from bamboo, packages created from banana leaves, and other eco-friendly options are becoming really popular.
If you’re thinking about to start a business, providing packaging solutions that are good for the environment can be a smart move. Some cool ideas include utensils that break down over time, paper straws and bags you can use again containers made from glass or steel you can wash and use more than once, and dishes and bowls made from bamboo. It’s not just good for the planet; it can also be good for your business!
6. Indoor Farm F&B Business — Boosting Food Independence in the UAE
The UAE wants to rely less on bringing in food from other places. Instead, they’re working to create a friendly space for farming businesses to grow and use new technologies. This helps make sure the country will have enough food in the future. It’s especially exciting for companies working on cool food technologies.
Some solutions, like vertical farming, are already growing plenty of fruits and veggies, and there’s room for even more. That means good things for the future of food in the UAE!
7. Starting a Restaurant, Cafeteria, or Bakery Business in Dubai
How about opening your restaurant, cafeteria, or bakery in Dubai? Awesome choice! These are some of the coolest and most-loved food businesses in the city.
Here’s the scoop: If you’ve got a decent budget, awesome partners, and find a great spot, you’re all set to kickstart your restaurant dreams in Dubai. You can also go for a cozy cafeteria or a sweet bakery — the options are endless!
So, if you’ve got a passion for good food and creating a cozy space for people to enjoy it, starting a restaurant, cafeteria, or bakery business in Dubai could be your way to delicious success!
Starting a Food Business in the UAE? We’re Here to Help!
If you’re thinking about opening a food business in the UAE and need some guidance, you can turn to the experts at Avyanco Business Setup. They’re like your helpful friends who will assist you in picking the right business license and getting all the permits you need to set up your food and beverage company in the UAE. They’ll be with you at every step of the way.
Connect Avyanco Business Setup for a free consultation on setting up your F&B company. They’re ready to help!
