The UAE’s rapidly growing population, diverse culture, and increasing disposable income have created a thriving market for food and beverage products. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses in the food and beverage retail sector.
Several factors drive the demand for food and beverage products in the UAE: The UAE’s population has been steadily increasing, leading to a higher demand for food and beverages. This growth is fueled by both domestic factors and the influx of expatriates. The UAE’s diverse population, which includes people from various countries and cultures, has created a demand for a wide range of food and beverage products. This diversity has also led to the emergence of specialised food stores and restaurants catering to specific cultural tastes. The UAE’s growing economy has led to a rise in disposable income, enabling consumers to spend more on food and beverages. This increase in purchasing power has fueled the demand for higher-quality and more diverse food products. The UAE’s increasingly busy lifestyle has led to a growing demand for convenience foods, such as ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and beverages. This trend has created opportunities for businesses that offer convenient and time-saving food options. The UAE’s thriving tourism industry attracts millions of visitors each year, creating a significant demand for food and beverage products. Tourists often seek out authentic local cuisine as well as international food options.
In addition to these factors, the UAE’s strategic location and its reputation as a business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for businesses in the food and beverage retail sector.
If you want to set up a Food and Beverage Retail Business in the UAE, these are the business activities you can choose:
4721.00 – Retail sale of food in specialised stores
This category encompasses the retail sale of food products in stores that specialise in selling food. This includes stores that focus on a particular type of food, such as meat stores, fish markets, cheese shops, or specialty food stores. These stores may sell a wide variety of food products within their specific niche, and they often offer expert knowledge and advice to customers.
4721.01 – Retail sale of any the following types of goods: • Fresh or preserved fruit and vegetables • Dairy products and eggs • Meat and meat products (including poultry) • Fish, other seafood and products thereof • Bakery products • Sugar confectionery • Other food products
This category encompasses the retail sale of a wide range of food products, including fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meat and meat products (including poultry), fish, other seafood and their products, bakery products, sugar confectionery, and other food items. These products can be sold individually or in combination, and the retail sale can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, specialty food stores, and online retailers. The specific types of food products sold may vary depending on the location, culture, and preferences of the target market.
4721.02 – Honey & Apiary Accessories Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of honey and apiary accessories. Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees, and apiary accessories are equipment and supplies used by beekeepers. The retail sale of honey and apiary accessories can be conducted through various channels, such as specialty food stores, farmers markets, and online retailers.
4721.05 – Retail Sale Of Bakery Products
This category encompasses the retail sale of bakery products. Bakery products include bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. The retail sale of bakery products can be conducted through various channels, such as bakeries, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
4721.06 – Retail Sale Of Sugar Confectionery
This category focuses on the retail sale of sugar confectionery. Sugar confectionery includes candies, chocolates, lollipops, and other sweet treats made primarily from sugar. The retail sale of sugar confectionery can be conducted through various channels, such as candy stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
4721.07 – Other Food Products
This category encompasses the retail sale of food products that do not fall under the more specific categories mentioned earlier. This may include a wide variety of food items, such as canned goods, frozen foods, condiments, spices, and other food products. The retail sale of other food products can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, specialty food stores, and online retailers.
4721.67 – Vegetables & Fruit Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of vegetables and fruits. This includes fresh, frozen, and preserved vegetables and fruits. The retail sale of vegetables and fruits can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and online retailers.
4721.70 – Fresh, Chilled & Frozen Meat Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of fresh, chilled, and frozen meat. This includes meat from various animals, such as beef, poultry, lamb, and game. The retail sale of meat can be conducted through various channels, such as meat markets, grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
4721.71 – Fresh Fish & Marine Animals Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of fresh fish and marine animals. This includes a variety of seafood, such as fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. The retail sale of fresh fish and marine animals can be conducted through various channels, such as fish markets, grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
4721.72 – Frozen Fish & Seafood Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of frozen fish and seafood. Frozen fish and seafood can be a convenient option for consumers and can be stored for longer periods of time. The retail sale of frozen fish and seafood can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
4721.73 – Salted & Preserved Fish & Seafood Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of salted and preserved fish and seafood. Salted and preserved fish and seafood are processed to extend their shelf life and add flavour. The retail sale of salted and preserved fish and seafood can be conducted through various channels, such as specialty food stores, grocery stores, and online retailers.
4721.74 – Frozen Poultry Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of frozen poultry. Frozen poultry is a convenient option for consumers and can be stored for longer periods of time. The retail sale of frozen poultry can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
4721.76 – Bread & Bakery Products Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of bread and bakery products. Bread and bakery products include various items such as bread, loaves, rolls, pastries, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. The retail sale of bread and bakery products can be conducted through various channels, such as bakeries, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
4721.77 – Confectionery & Chocolate Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of confectionery and chocolate products. Confectionery and chocolate products include candies, chocolates, lollipops, and other sweet treats made primarily from sugar. The retail sale of confectionery and chocolate products can be conducted through various channels, such as candy stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty chocolate shops.
4721.78 – Pastry Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of pastries. Pastries are baked goods that are typically made with dough or batter and filled with various ingredients such as fruit, cream, or chocolate. The retail sale of pastries can be conducted through various channels, such as bakeries, grocery stores, supermarkets, and coffee shops.
4721.82 – Ice Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of ice. Ice is used for various purposes, such as cooling drinks, preserving food, and creating icy treats. The retail sale of ice can be conducted through various channels, such as convenience stores, gas stations, and ice delivery services.
4721.89 – Tea Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of tea. Tea is a beverage that is usually made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. The retail sale of tea can be conducted through various channels, such as tea shops, grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
4721.91 – Sugar Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of sugar. Sugar is a sweetener commonly used in various food and beverages. The retail sale of sugar can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
4721.92 – Nuts Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of nuts. Nuts are edible seeds that are encased in a hard shell. The retail sale of nuts can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, health food stores, and online retailers.
4721.96 – Ice Cream Trading
This category focuses on the retail sale of ice cream. Ice cream is a frozen dessert made from cream, milk, sugar, and flavourings. The retail sale of ice cream can be conducted through various channels, such as ice cream shops, grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
4721.97 – Salt Trading
This category encompasses the retail sale of salt. Salt is a mineral compound commonly used as a seasoning and preservative. The retail sale of salt can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, and specialty spice shops.
4721.98 – Foodstuff & Beverages Trading
This category is a broader term that can encompass the retail sale of various food and beverage products. It may include products that do not fall under the more specific categories mentioned earlier. The retail sale of foodstuff and beverages can be conducted through various channels, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty food stores.
This class excludes the manufacturing of bakery products, i.e. baking on premises.
Third-party Approval: 4721.00 needs approval from Sharjah Food Authority post-license and 4721.01 needs approval from the Food Safety Department (Sharjah Municipality) post-license.
The other business activities do not require third-party approval.
Filing of Economic Substance Returns: This requirement does not apply to the business activities mentioned in this article.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: This requirement does not apply to the business activities mentioned in this article.
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