Running a restaurant in UAE? Here are the rules you can't ignore

TL;DR:
Arabic menus and signage aren’t optional. It’s a legal and cultural requirement.
Alcohol, pork, and shisha each come with their own set of strict handling rules.
UAE law also controls your closing time, packaging, and even your music volume.

Owning a restaurant in UAE takes more than serving good food. There’s no shortage of food businesses in the UAE. But running one here isn’t just about serving good meals. It's about knowing where you are and following the rules that come with it.

You’ll be dealing with local laws, cultural expectations, and regulatory bodies that don’t leave much room for guesswork. Some rules are clear. Others catch new owners off guard.

Here’s what every restaurant owner should know, before facing fines or trouble.

Menus Must Include Arabic
Arabic is a core part of doing business in the UAE. Arabic must be included on all menus, even if your primary language is English. If your menu doesn’t include Arabic, you’re breaking the law. This applies across printed menus, screens, delivery platforms, anywhere a customer sees food options.

Authorities have fined restaurants before for ignoring this. And lately, there’s growing public demand to see more Arabic used, not less. It’s not just about compliance. It’s about respect.

Restaurants that skip Arabic send the wrong message. People notice.


Serving Alcohol? Follow These Steps

You’ll need more than a license. You’ll need systems.

Alcohol can only be sold or served with the right permit.

Dishes prepared with alcohol must be stored, cooked, and served separately.

The use of different utensils and prep stations is a must.

Menus must clearly state “contains alcohol” in both Arabic and English.

If there is a buffet, those dishes should be kept apart and clearly labeled. Alcohol bottles used in cooking must be clearly marked and kept in a separate storage area. Even accidental cross-use can lead to penalties.

Restrictions on Pork Products?
Pork is allowed but only under strict control:

Only licensed venues (usually hotels) can serve it.

Pork must be stored and prepared in fully separate areas.

Use different cooking tools, no overlap.

Label it clearly on the menu, with no room for confusion.

Don’t assume you can just add pork to the menu because your kitchen is clean. The law is very specific here.

Offering Shisha? You’ll Need a Permit
Shisha is common in the UAE, but heavily regulated.

A separate license is required.

It can only be served in designated outdoor or ventilated areas.

You can’t serve shisha near schools or mosques.

Daily cleaning and equipment checks are mandatory and may be inspected.

Failing to follow these rules can lead to suspension or fines.

Your Restaurant Hours and Behavior Matter Too

Most places close by midnight, unless you have permission to stay open later.

During Ramadan, food and drink can’t be served publicly in the daytime.

Some places can apply for screened dining areas for non-Muslims.

Loud music near prayer times or religious areas isn’t allowed.

Staff dress code and conduct must be modest and respectful, especially front-of-house staff.

What seems like a small issue can turn into a major problem fast.

No More Single-Use Plastics
The UAE has banned items like:

Plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers

Plastic bags and food containers

Restaurants will need to switch to alternatives that are reusable, biodegradable, or approved for single use. This also affects delivery packaging.


Why Following the Rules Is Good Business
Breaking the law will cost you, sometimes more than just a fine. Your license can be suspended or revoked. But there’s another reason these rules matter: they build trust.

When your business shows respect for the culture, the community responds. You’re not just another restaurant, you’re part of the place. That matters here.

FAQs

• Q1. Do I need Arabic menus even if I serve tourists?

Yes. Arabic menus are mandatory for all restaurants, regardless of customer base.

• Q2. Can I cook with alcohol without labeling it?

No. Every dish with alcohol must be clearly marked in Arabic and English, on menus and in buffets.

• Q3. Is pork allowed in all restaurants?

No. Only licensed venues, mostly hotels, can serve pork, and only under strict handling and labeling rules.