Opening a commercial kitchen in Dubai demands strict compliance with the regulations set by the Dubai Municipality (DM). In 2025, DM requirements for commercial kitchens in Dubai have become even more comprehensive, covering everything from minimum space and layout standards to health and safety certifications, equipment compliance, and mandatory approvals from multiple authorities.
This guide provides a detailed overview of these requirements, helping entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and catering businesses understand what is needed to secure approval.
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Table of Contents
What Are The DM Requirements for Commercial Kitchens in Dubai?
1. Space and Layout Requirements for Commercial Kitchens in Dubai
Space and layout requirements to obtain a DM approval for a commercial kitchen in Dubai include a minimum kitchen size of 300 square feet and a minimum size of the restaurant (750 sq ft), and the cafeteria must be at least 500 square feet to initiate approval from the Dubai Municipality Planning Department.
Additionally, proper ventilation is required, whether it is natural through open windows or mechanical with the use of air conditioners, as well as a suitable interior lighting system.
2. Health and Safety Requirements to apply for a Commercial kitchen in Dubai
Key health and safety requirements to obtain a commercial kitchen approval in Dubai consist of an HACCP certification, food safety practices, and equipment that complies with the Dubai Food Code. In addition to being prepared for inspections by the DM.
Below is a list of key health and safety requirements for a commercial kitchen in Dubai:
- HACCP certification: Mandatory for all food-related businesses, such as restaurants and commercial kitchens, to ensure that the food safety management system complies with the Dubai Municipality standards.
- Food safety practices: Food storage procedures, such as maintaining temperature control, separating raw from cooked food, and ensuring storage areas are free from pests and moisture.
- Equipment compliance: kitchen equipment must comply with the UAE Food Code, such as stainless steel work benches, sink tables with splash guards, and food‑grade storage containers, and local building codes, such as electrical safety, ventilation systems, and fire protection measures approved by Civil Defence.
- Inspections: Periodic checks by the DM Food Safety Department.
3. Documents required for a Commercial kitchen in Dubai
Before applying for a commercial kitchen permit in Dubai, you need to obtain certain documents, including DM approval, DCD approval, RTA, DED approval, a list containing the kitchen equipment, a food safety plan, an NOC from the owner of the property, and staff training records.
These licenses and approvals guarantee compliance with regulations and rules, avoiding long-term delays, fines, or costly modifications.
Here is a detailed list of the documents needed to obtain a commercial kitchen approval in Dubai:
- Dubai Municipality license (DM) before starting the application to verify that the location, design, and health standards meet regulatory requirements.
- Dubai Civil Defence Approval (DCD) fire safety systems must be certified to protect staff and customers
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as certain activities, such as food delivery or transport, must comply with public safety and logistics regulations.
- Department of Economic Development (DED) for the initial business license application, ensuring that the business activity is legally registered and recognised.
- Detailed architectural plans submitted to the DM Food Safety Department because they demonstrate compliance with structural, ventilation, and hygiene standards.
- Kitchen equipment list with specifications to confirm that all appliances and fixtures meet the UAE Food Code and hygiene standards.
- Food safety plan (HACCP, pest control, cleaning, waste management) to outline how the business will maintain safe operations and prevent contamination
- No Obligation Certificate (NOC) from the landlord.
- Staff training records and health screening.
Kitchen Equipment Requirements to obtain a commercial kitchen certificate
In order to be able to obtain a commercial kitchen approval, there are strict requirements that must be met regarding the kitchen equipment, including the materials that they are made of, such as anti-corrosion stainless steel, a CE certificate to ensure compliance with international safety standards, and the usage of easy-to-clean surfaces to provide a hygienic environment.
Below is a list of the kitchen equipment requirements to obtain a commercial kitchen certificate:
- Stainless steel equipment: Grade 304 for most environments or 316 in marine or coastal areas.
- Conformité Européenne (CE) certificate to prove that the equipment complies with international safety and performance standards.
- Non-toxic materials, such as high‑density polyethene (HDPE) cutting boards and food‑safe silicone seals, are used to prevent harmful substances from leaching into food.
- Easy-to-clean surfaces, such as stainless steel workbenches, glazed ceramic tiles, and food‑grade epoxy flooring, reduce bacterial contamination and enhance the sanitation process.
Ensuring Growth by Meeting DM Requirements for Commercial Kitchens in Dubai
DM requirements for commercial kitchens are the basis for a safe, efficient, and successful food business. Compliance with these requirements ensures that you are legally recognised and compliant.
These standards help businesses avoid DM violations and reduce the risk of costly delays or fines.
Contact us at Daem Contracting today to get expert guidance and seamless support for your approvals and setup.
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