Dubai is known as one of the biggest business hubs in the world. But it’s also the host of the world’s biggest F&B event – Gulfood 2025. The event sets the stage for $20 billion in trade deals and drives 1% of global F&B commerce in just five days.
For entrepreneurs, this is not just a regular opportunity, but the right time to launch a foodstuff trading business in Dubai. The city’s food supply industry is booming right now and the upcoming event will fuel it further.
New suppliers are bringing in new ideas and high-quality food products in Dubai, as well as the market demand for quality imports makes it the ideal destination to launch your business. Whether you are looking to import gourmet specialties or distribute everyday essentials, Dubai’s lucrative ecosystem offers the best market.
What is a Foodstuff Trading Business?
Foodstuff business refers to opening up a business that deals in the food industry. Whether it’s for profit or not, any dealing in the manufacture, processing, storage, packaging, distribution, transportation, import, or export of food is called foodstuff business.
Foodstuff Trading License in Dubai
As mentioned before, the Department of Economic Development (DED) is responsible for authorizing business licenses to companies that are registered in Dubai. Foodstuff business license in Dubai requires a Commercial License and in order to get that, they are instructed to submit a number of documents.
Some changes have been made in the past few years and now, international investors can have a 100% share in their companies, making Dubai more attractive to international business.
How to Start A Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai: Steps
If you want to start a foodstuff trading business in Dubai, you must follow these steps:
1. Research the Market and Identify Your Niche
Market research is your first step before starting a foodstuff company in Dubai. Understand the market, current trends, demand, consumer preferences, and competition. Identify what food products you want to deal in; these could include fresh produce, dairy, meat, grains, or specialty items. Also, learn about legal requirements and laws associated with import and export of food.
2. Choose the Best Business Setup: Mainland or Free Zone?
Your business structure determines where and how you can trade:
- Mainland: Trade anywhere in Dubai and the UAE, with full ownership in most cases
- Free Zone: Enjoy 100% ownership, tax benefits, and easier import/export processes but may require a local distributor for UAE trade
Consider factors like operational costs, trading restrictions, and long-term goals before making a decision.
3. Register a Trade Name for Your Business
Every business needs a brand or trade name. Finalize 3-4 names and submit them to the relevant authority. You must make sure that your company name follows the UAE naming guidelines and does not contain any offensive words. Also, do a quick check to not use an already existing name.
Once the authority reviews the names, they will approve all the names that do not violate any naming convention regulations. Then, you can pick the name that is most appropriate for your business and reflects your business’s values and identity.
4. Apply for a Foodstuff Trading License
A commercial trade license is mandatory. If you are in Mainland, you must apply to the Department of Economics and Tourism (DET). For Free Zone companies, you can apply to the appropriate Free Zone authority. If you plan to import/export, you’ll also need an import/export license from Dubai Customs.
Your license covers activities such as:
- Importing and selling fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat
- Trading packaged goods like canned food, spices, and confectionery
- Storing and distributing food items to retailers, hotels, and supermarkets
- Food processing, packaging, and wholesale trade
Additional permits (health, fire safety, and environmental) may be required based on your business operations.
5. Get Approval from Dubai Municipality
The Food Control Department of the Dubai Municipality supervises food business in Dubai to make sure they are compliant with food safety and hygiene regulations. Your business must meet all food handling, storage, and transportation requirements. Proper documentation and site inspections are part of this step.
6. Secure a Warehouse and Office Space
Food storage regulations are strict in Dubai. Your warehouse must:
- Be free from contamination and built with safe materials
- Have separate sections for different food categories
- Maintain strict temperature and humidity controls 24/7 to maintain the freshness of food
- Must have a good ventilation facility
- Warehouse must remain germ-free with regular sanitation
Office space may be required based on your business structure. Choose a location that aligns with your supply chain and distribution network.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Select a Dubai-based bank with experience in food trade businesses. Provide essential documents like your trade license, business plan, and shareholder details to get started. A corporate bank account is mandatory for commercial transactions. Therefore, open a corporate account as soon as you receive your trading license and other documents.
8. Find Trusted Suppliers and Build Your Network
Your success depends on reliable suppliers. Whether you are sourcing locally or going global, find the right suppliers who are efficient. Do not forget to negotiate the prices to get the best deal. Also, make sure you are getting the highest quality products at the scheduled delivery time. Once you find such suppliers, build a strong relationship with them so you never run out of your inventory.
Benefits of Foodstuff Trading Business in Dubai
This industry is booming and has a lot of potential in Dubai. So, to start a foodstuff trading business in Dubai is one of the best ideas. Some of the major benefits of going into this industry are:
- With diverse cuisines in your business, you can take part in many global events. Recently, the Dubai Expo 2020 is the biggest global event where the food industry is flourishing. Dubai is also a key location for many international meetings and conferences, so, some high-level catering businesses in Dubai are always in demand
- Setting up a foodstuff business in Dubai is quite straightforward. The DED, department of Economic development handles everything and the investors and business owners have to follow some rules and regulations without any restrictions.
- You get to have some pretty skilled staff, with a city full of multicultural and multitalented people, it’s effortless to find highly professional people for your business.
Cost of Foodstuff Trading License in Dubai
All businesses require investments and funds before starting and becoming one of the best. The food trading license in Dubai costs around AED 25,000 to 35,000. But as the world is developing, it may change as time goes on. However, the approximate total cost of foodstuff license in Dubai with all the additional costs will be about AED 40, 000.
Documents Required to Open a Foodstuff Business in Dubai
The documents required by UAE, before you start a foodstuff trading in Dubai include:
- Visa page of shareholders – visit visa or residential visa
- Emirates ID of shareholders who hold a residence visa
- Shareholders’ passport copies
- If a shareholder possesses a residential visa, then the NOC of the current sponsor
Biggest F&B Opportunity—Choose the Right Activity For Your Foodstuff Trading License
Gulffood is an annual event in Dubai, UAE. This year, in 2025, the event will be held at the Trade Centre Exhibition, World Trade Centre. If you are not a part of it, you are missing out on a high-demand and booming market. The event will bring various cuisines from all over the world, and businesses that act fast will secure their place in this billion-dollar industry.
The question is not if you should start. It is how soon you can start and claim a big share of this giant opportunity.
However, you must understand that the foodstuff business is not limited to just preparing, packaging, or import and export of food. The industry provides you with multiple activities that you can perform after receiving your foodstuff trading license. Some of the allowed activities include:
- Reselling organic and non-organic food and drinks for consumers that are edible
- Supplying fresh or preserved fruit and vegetables
- Providing dairy products, such as milk and eggs
- Selling meat and poultry products
- Supplying bakery items and sweets
- Supplying beverages that are non-alcoholic
Important Considerations on Starting a Foodstuff Trading Company in Dubai
Some special approvals are required in opening a foodstuff trading company in Dubai, UAE. Different authorities are involved. Let’s have a look on them.
Dubai Municipality Involvement
The Dubai Municipality (DM) is a government body whose food safety department is accountable for the evaluations and management of best practices in the foodstuff businesses in Dubai. Therefore, all foodstuff trading companies in the city must register with the DM.
If your foodstuff business in Dubai is going to work with the import and export department, there are some rules of the DM that you have to comply with, which will save you from any rejection, these include:
- List your company in the Food Import and Re-Export System (FIRS) in the DM. This will allow you to put in requests for food imports and you can effortlessly check the status of your import from its inspection to release.
- In order to confirm that your food labeling is in agreement with the government standard, it is important that you acquire a food label approval for all importing food.
- For the importing items, you should also obtain a FIT analysis.
- It is also advised that you take care of registering all food items in the FIRS before importing them.
Dubai Customs Involvement
When your foodstuff industry is involved in the import and export of food, you are required to additionally register it in the Dubai Customs. This will allow you to acquire a distinct registration Customs Code after registration which is mandatory to have during the export and import process.
How Avyanco Helps You to Start a Foodstuff Business in Dubai
As Dubai is a hub for business startups, it is difficult to know who to trust with investments and investors. Here, some firms that help in such setups come in handy. From setting up trading, real estate, and tourism businesses to foodstuff trading and supply chain business, we help you meet the right people.
Avyanco is one such consulting and auditing firm that supports international investors. We assist global entrepreneurs and foreign companies in registering companies in Dubai by providing them with financial and business services that help them in the initial setup of their organization.
We are famous for helping many business ventures, so if you’re looking for a well-trusted and reliable industry to help you in the initial process of starting a foodstuff trading in Dubai, we should be on your first consulting list.
Final Thoughts on Foodstuff Business in Dubai
No matter which Foodstuff Trading Business you join, F&B is a rewarding industry, especially in Dubai. Although there are countless food firms, the market is still huge, and even if you’re starting, you can try your hand in the firm and experience as you succeed swiftly!
