Dubai Municipality Food Control Department (FCD) approval process: (1) Submit food business registration application with trade license and premises details, (2) Submit kitchen/ food preparation area design drawings for approval (compliance with food safety code), (3) FCD reviews drawings for food safety compliance (5–10 business days), (4) Upon approval, proceed with fit-out per approved drawings, (5) Request FCD inspection after fit-out completion, (6) Pass inspection covering: sanitation, equipment compliance, waste management, pest control, and staff facilities, (7) FCD issues food establishment permit. Requirements include: HACCP-compliant kitchen layout, stainless steel food contact surfaces, proper ventilation, grease traps, three-sink dishwashing system, separate storage for raw/cooked foods, and staff hygiene facilities. Fees: AED 500–3,000 depending on establishment type.
Dubai Food Control Department Approval Guide 2026
Complete guide to obtaining Dubai Municipality Food Control Department (FCD) approval for restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and food manufacturing facilities. Covers the full approval process from food business registration through kitchen design drawing submission for food safety compliance review (5–10 business days), fit-out execution per approved plans, FCD inspection covering sanitation, equipment compliance, waste management, pest control, and staff facilities, and final food establishment permit issuance. Explains HACCP-compliant kitchen layout requirements, stainless steel food contact surfaces (grade 304 minimum), proper ventilation, grease traps, three-sink dishwashing systems, and staff hygiene facility requirements.
By Wasleen Liminal Approval Consultants — Approval Consultants
Back to Food Control Department Approval (Dubai Municipality)How do I get Dubai Municipality Food Control Department approval?
Dubai Municipality's Food Control Department regulates all food establishments in Dubai including restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food trucks, catering services, and food manufacturing facilities.
Kitchen design must follow DM Food Code specifications: food contact surfaces must be stainless steel (grade 304 minimum), floor drains required throughout, walls must have smooth washable finishes up to 2m height, and proper ventilation hoods over cooking equipment.
The HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan is mandatory for all food establishments. The plan documents: food flow from receipt to service, critical control points, temperature monitoring procedures, cleaning schedules, and staff hygiene protocols.
Staff requirements: all food handlers must have a valid Dubai Municipality food handler certificate, medical fitness certificate, and complete the DM Food Safety Training program.
Annual renewal is required with updated documents including: valid trade license, staff health certificates, pest control service contract, and waste management agreement.
Related Approvals
Explore the approval pages related to this guide for detailed submission requirements, documents, and timelines.
Related Guides
Explore our comprehensive guides and Q&A pages for more detailed information.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll guide you through every step of the approval process.