Industrial catering and food concessions in the UAE represent a significant segment of the country’s thriving food service industry. Given the UAE’s rapid urbanisation, booming economy, and large expatriate population, the demand for these services is consistently high.
The UAE is now home to a large pool of working professionals, all of whom require daily meals. A booming economy, propelled by foreign investment and a growing multicultural population, has created this demand. Similarly, the rapid urbanisation of the Emirates has led to a surge in demand for corporate catering and food services for office workers.
Events play a major role as well. The UAE’s growing popularity as a global sports and entertainment hub has increased the demand for food concessions at stadiums, arenas, and event venues. From specialised catering to health-conscious food and innovative food concepts, the potential for businesses to thrive in this industry is growing daily.
Entrepreneurs who want to develop their own food service business can choose the following business activities under their business license.
5629.00 – Other food service activities
A food service business in the UAE typically involves the planning, preparation, and serving of food and beverages to customers. This can range from simple cafes and canteens to food carts and concession stands. A business in this industry would need to excel at menu planning, ingredient and equipment procuring, food preparation, customer service, operations management, and above all else, hygiene and safety.
This business excludes the manufacture of perishable food items for resale and the retail sale of perishable food items.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 5629.00 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5629.00 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5629.00 is exempt from this requirement
5629.01 – Activities of food service contractors (e.g. for transportation companies)
Food service contractors for transportation companies specialise in providing food services to passengers and crew members on various modes of transportation, including airlines, trains, ships, and buses. These contractors often operate on a contractual basis, providing meals to the transportation company’s clients. They focus on menu planning, food production, food distribution, staffing, equipment and supplies, and compliance.
This business excludes the manufacture of perishable food items for resale and the retail sale of perishable food items.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 5629.01 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5629.01 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5629.01 is exempt from this requirement
5629.02 – Operation of food concessions at sports and similar facilities
Food concessions at sports and similar facilities are businesses that operate within these venues, providing food and beverage services to attendees. They play a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience for visitors by offering a variety of food and drink options. This business includes venue assessment, menu development, procurement, staffing, and operations management. Examples of food concessions at these locations can include hot dog stands, popcorn and candy stands, food trucks, and speciality food stands featuring vegan or gluten-free options catering to specific dietary preferences.
This business excludes the manufacture of perishable food items for resale and the retail sale of perishable food items.
- Third-party Approval: Business activity 5629.02 is exempt from this requirement
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5629.02 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5629.02 is exempt from this requirement
5629.03 – Operation of canteens or cafeterias (e.g. for factories, offices, hospitals or schools) on a concession basis
Operating canteens or cafeterias on a concession basis involves a contractual arrangement where a third-party company provides food and beverage services to a specific institution or organisation, such as a factory, office, hospital, or school. The concessionaire is responsible for all aspects of the canteen’s operations, including menu planning, food preparation, staffing, and customer service. Businesses in this field can provide meals or snacks to factory workers, office employees, hospital cafeterias, students and teachers at schools, or employees of large corporations through corporate canteens.
This business excludes the manufacture of perishable food items for resale and the retail sale of perishable food items.
- Third-party Approval: Third-party approval from the Food Safety Department (Sharjah Municipality) is required for business activity 5629.03, post obtaining your trade license
- Filing of Economic Substance Return: Business activity 5629.03 is exempt from this requirement
- Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 5629.03 is exempt from this requirement
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