A Guide to Setup a Catering Business in Dubai

There are few things that can be a necessity in one’s life, and food is one of them. One can go without shopping for new clothes but can’t go without eating food. At times, when you don’t want to cook food, you can order from outside, as there are numerous catering options, cloud kitchens, restaurants, etc.

As we know the importance of food now, let’s read about how the catering business in Dubai has expanded its wings. It has been noted that by 2029, the food industry in the UAE is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2024. These numbers are enough to invest in the food catering business and start it as soon as possible.

This guide by Bizvisor gives you a step-by-step process to setup your catering business in the growing industry of Dubai.

To set up a catering business in Dubai, UAE, the below is the process.

• Market Research: You may find it negative, but not doing market research is the second biggest reason why startups don’t work out anymore. That is why we don’t want you to be one of those who fall into this clan. Do thorough research before establishing your catering business; this helps you know your audience, competitors, and other important things. If you feel like this is too time-consuming, you can hire business setup companies in Dubai, UAE, that will do this on your behalf or can hold your hand for doing the research. But never start your business without doing market research.
• Target Audience: Once you have done the market research, now is the time to find your target audience. Yes,  don’t try to catch every single one living in Dubai. You must find your tribe based on your cooking expertise. It is obvious that no one is an expert in everything they cook. Hence, find your best recipe and based on that, target your audience. Once they love the taste of what you’re cooking, they won’t find an alternative to your food.
• Establishing your USP: Nowadays, smart moves make you successful faster. One of the smart moves while establishing your catering business is to opt for USP. Yes, find out your expertise, and based on that establish your USP. It helps you stand apart from your competitors and also makes you one of the kind who has a USP and follows it. Establish your USP that aligns with your marketing, strategies, and goals. Stand out from others and get instant fame with USPs and delicious food taste.
• Finalize the company structure: As everyone knows, Dubai, UAE, has various options when it comes to business setup. And you must select the company structure that aligns with your present and future goals. The structure you choose contributes a lot to your growth as well as saving. Hence, while selecting a company structure, take care that you make the right decision.
• Choose a name & location: It is a notion that your name must have some meaning, and with that, it is also a good choice to select a name that has not been chosen by anyone. Select a name wisely and register it. Also, while choosing a name, make sure that it follows UAE guidelines and does not harm any religion or country’s feelings.
• Documentation needed: As you have selected the name, now is the time for documentation. One may need the following documents for registering their catering business in Dubai, UAE.
• 1. Shareholder’s ID copies
  2. NOC letter
  3. Tenure agreements for a rental place
• Obtain the necessary license and permit: As we all know, Dubai is one of the countries that is well known for its safety and health standards. For the same, you must obtain licenses and necessary permits to run your catering business. First, you must have a license to operate a restaurant or catering business under the registration of the Department of Economic Development. After that, you must have a permit for the vehicles that will do the transportation of food. Also, having all the employees’ visas, health certificates, and food safety certificates is necessary for smooth operation. And if you find these all too much, you can contact any business setup company in Dubai, UAE, that helps you with all processes.
• Open a bank account: This step can be called the foremost step in every business set up. Yes, open a bank account for your business. Don’t manage your personal and professional transactions from one account. Open a bank account and manage all your business-related transactions from that only. Not only will it help you with your accounting, but it also helps when you want to share your business profits with the world.
• Rent a kitchen space and purchase utilities: Starting up a business asks for investment. In a catering business, investment takes place in renting up a space or buying a space, whichever suits your budget. Find the space that makes transportation easier as well as that is nearby from your targeted audiences. If you are going to deliver the food, then buy the vehicles and permits for them also. As you are starting a catering business, you also need equipment, utensils, and everything else. For the same, buy the necessary things as per your budget and start your business.
• Hire staff and craft a menu: In any business, you have your idea and investment, but you also need strength and manpower to build a business. That is why next comes the hiring process. One must hire people who are best at what they do. Hire staff who are experts in cooking food as per your menu and have delicious offerings. As you hire staff, then craft a menu that is attractive and mouthwatering, and everyone loves that food. As you follow these two things, you have already attained success in your business.
• Catering business market plan & branding: Marketing is the biggest part of any business. And your catering business also needs marketing and branding. Create your brand in a way that it stands out from others and leaves an impact on people’s minds. When it comes to marketing, you’ve got to be top-notch. Crafting a business is one thing and letting people know about it is another. Create a marketing strategy that helps your business reach out to everyone. These two will help you greatly in your growth.

Conclusion

The catering business is one of the most demanding businesses in Dubai. With a growing population, it will never go off the demand. But you just have to be smart to craft a menu that attracts foodies toward you. Also, if you want to focus on crafting a menu, then Bizvisor can help you with all the processes. You just have to call us, and we will take all the stress off your shoulders.