In Dubai, preparing your restaurant is not merely an interior design or engineering endeavor; it is a precise process governed by stringent safety requirements, international operational standards, and continuous updates from Dubai Municipality (DM), Civil Defense, and various licensing authorities.
This is where the concept of Restaurant Fit-out Approval comes into play. It ensures that every internal detail, from space distribution to finishing materials, is designed and executed in a manner that guarantees the safety of restaurant patrons and the establishment’s compliance with regulations.
In this article, we will thoroughly review the concept of restaurant fitout approval, the steps to obtain it, the required technical standards, and the key governmental and service entities that issue these permissions.
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What is Restaurant Fit Out approval in Dubai?
Restaurant fit-out permit is the official license granted by Dubai authorities, such as Dubai Municipality, to modify the internal structure or décor within a restaurant, in accordance with safety requirements and the Dubai Building Code.
The goal of obtaining fitout approvals is to secure the final Building Completion Certificate (BCC) that allows the restaurant to operate legally and safely. This is achieved by submitting a set of engineering and legal documents, such as the Trade License and architectural plan, to the authority responsible for the premises’ location, like the Dubai Development Authority (DDA).
Why is Fit Out Pirmet Essential for Restaurants in Dubai?
Obtaining fit out approval is a foundational step for your restaurant as it enables legal operation and ensures a sound working environment for staff and customers. It also safeguards your investment from financial penalties resulting from non-compliance. Furthermore, it enhances your establishment’s reputation as a location committed to quality and safety standards (such as installing a cutting-edge wireless fire alarm system).
Here is a list outlining the importance of Restaurant Fit Out Approvals Dubai:
Legal Compliance: Without a successful interior approval process, you cannot operate your restaurant legally, making it vulnerable to financial penalties or even closure.
Fire Safety: The fit-out permits ensure your establishment adheres to Civil Defense requirements, such as installing a specialized fire suppression system for restaurants.
Safety of Staff and Customers: It guarantees safe exit routes, fire-resistant finishing materials, and ensures kitchen installations comply with food safety and health standards.
Enhanced Reputation: An establishment committed to quality and safety standards boosts the confidence of patrons and investors.
Step-by-Step Process for Restaurant Fitout Approvals in Dubai
To obtain restaurant fit-out approvals in Dubai, you must reserve a trade name for your project and apply for a Trade License from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone Authority (if you are in areas like JLT or Nakheel). Following this, you must appoint an approved design consultant such as Daem Contracting.
You must also secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOCs) from the property owner and submit the required engineering drawings, including space requirements (a kitchen area not less than 300 sq. ft. to 380 sq. ft.). Subsequently, you must obtain technical approvals from service bodies like the Civil Defense for Fire Safety Regulations.
Upon completing these approvals, the fit out permit is issued by the Dubai Municipality or the competent authority in the case of a Free Zone, allowing the actual construction phase to commence.
Once the interior fit-out is complete, the permit-issuing authority conducts a technical site review. If the executed fitout works in Dubai complies with the submitted drawings, the final Completion Certificate is issued, enabling legal operation of the restaurant.
Here is a list of the essential stages for obtaining a restaurant fit out license in Dubai:
Register the trade name and obtain the Trade License from DED or the Free Zone Authority (e.g., DDA).
Obtain owner’s consent to commence fitout works.
Select an approved design consultant and an authorized dubai interior contractor with site supervision to submit the documents and engineering drawings.
Prepare and submit the architectural and MEP fit out works drawings to the responsible authority, such as Dubai Municipality.
Submit the detailed kitchen plan to the Food Safety Department to ensure its design conforms to the Food Code in Dubai Municipality.
Obtain Civil Defense approval after adhering to fire safety requirements, such as installing a commercial kitchen fire suppression system.
Obtain the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) approval for plumbing and electrical extensions.
Submit the application for the fit out licenses or construction permit electronically through the responsible entity’s portal, such as the CONCORDIA PORTAL.
Commence the fit out contracting process inside the restaurant according to the approved drawings.
Submit a DCD inspection after installing the fire alarm system and the appropriate fire suppression system to obtain the Civil Defense Completion Certificate.
After all fitout services are complete, submit a site inspection request to the competent authority to ensure the work aligns with the approved plans.
Obtain the Completion Certificate from the Municipality or competent authority, allowing the restaurant to operate legally.
Essential Architectural Requirements for a Restaurant FITOUT Approvals in Dubai
The fundamental architectural requirements for restaurant interior approvals in Dubai include a minimum restaurant area of 750 sq. ft. and a minimum kitchen area of 300 sq. ft. (or 380 sq. ft. if the kitchen includes a Tandoor oven), in addition to the following:
The materials used for finishing (such as paint) must be fire-resistant and comply with Civil Defense requirements.
Use of a specialized kitchen ventilation system (rising at least 2 meters above the nearest building) to vent smoke, grease, and heat.
Installation of an automatic suppression system approved by Dubai Civil Defence (conforming to recognized specifications like UL300 / NFPA 96).
TYPES OF AUTHORITY APPROVALS FOR OPENING RESTAURANT IN DUBAI
The essential interior certifications for UAE projects required for restaurant fitouts Dubai include Dubai Municipality or DDA Free Zone Authority approval to secure the official fit out permit that allows internal modification works (such as demolishing or adding a wall). This is alongside Civil Defense (DCD) approval for fire safety and alarm systems, and the Dubai Municipality Food Section approval for accrediting kitchen equipment and preparation areas plans.
Additionally, the fit out permit requires an NOC from the building management or property owner, as well as MEP approvals from competent authorities like the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for plumbing and internal electrical installations. This ensures that all internal finishing work aligns with public safety and health requirements, enabling legal operation of the restaurant, conforming to dubai fit out regulations.
Here is a list of the governmental bodies from which you need NOCs for fit-out works restaurant:
DM approval (if the restaurant is in the Mainland area).
DDA approval (if the restaurant is in one of the DDA areas, like Dubai Internet City).
CONCORDIA approval (if the establishment is in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers area).
JAFZA approval (if the project is in the Jebel Ali Free Zone).
Emaar approval (if the property belongs to one of its developers).
Nakheel approval (if the location is within one of its projects, like Deira Islands).
DED approval for the trade name.
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Common DOCUMENTS for Restaurant Fit Out Drawing APPROVAL
The essential documents required for restaurant fit out drawing approval in Dubai include the Trade License and the registered Ejari lease contract, along with the owner’s ID and their NOC.
The fitout approval process also necessitates the preparation of architectural, electromechanical, and plumbing (MEP rough-in construction) drawings, as well as safety and firefighting plans accredited by an approved contractor, such as DAEM CONTRACTING COMPANY. Concerned authorities, like Dubai Municipality, may also request contractor documents such as the Trade License and a letter of appointment.
Here is a list of the documents required to obtain a fit-out approval for a restaurant in Dubai:
A copy of the Trade License and the lease contract.
No-Objection Certificates from the building owner and governmental bodies, such as the Civil Defense.
Architectural drawings showing space and ceiling partitions.
MEP fit-out works drawings and firefighting systems.
Food Permit drawings illustrating cooking and storage areas and waste management methods.
Finishing schedule detailing the type of materials used for finishing, such as paint.
Accreditation certificate for the contractor and engineering consultant.
Get Your Restaurant Fitout Approvals Without Delays
Setting up a restaurant in dubai fitout is incomplete without passing through the essential fit out approval cycle.
The accreditation of architectural and MEP plans, review of safety systems, food permits, and regulatory authority approvals are all interconnected elements that ensure your restaurant operates according to Dubai’s technical standards and the operational code for food establishments.
Adhering to these requirements from the start shortens the execution time, prevents any violations or rework, and grants you the Completion Certificate, allowing you to commence operation immediately without delay.
Focus on establishing your restaurant… and let us manage all your fitout approvals efficiently and right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- What are the works for which interior fit-out approvals must be obtained?
2- What Is Clinic Fitout Approval?
3- What is Pharmacy Fit-out Approval?
Pharmacy Fit-out Approval in Dubai is the mandatory official process to secure permits ensuring the pharmacy’s interior design and infrastructure comply with strict healthcare and safety standards.