DM and DCD – How to Get a Restaurant Kiosk Approval in Dubai.

Setting up a Restaurant Kiosk Approval in Dubai is a fantastic way to enter the booming F&B market without the high overhead costs of a full-scale restaurant. Whether you’re a startup, cloud kitchen operator, or a hospitality brand expanding with satellite outlets, understanding the process for DM (Dubai Municipality) and DCD (Dubai Civil Defense) approvals is essential.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step of obtaining a restaurant kiosk permit in Dubai—covering both event-based and non-event kiosks, including compliance, layout approval, registration via FoodWatch, and common reasons for rejection.

What is a Restaurant Kiosk Approval in Dubai?

A restaurant kiosk is a compact food service unit located in a shopping mall, food court, outdoor event, or commercial space. It typically offers a limited menu and is not a full-service restaurant. These kiosks are increasingly popular due to their flexibility, lower costs, and fast return on investment.

But setting one up in Dubai requires more than just a trade license—you’ll need full approvals from Dubai Municipality (DM) and potentially from Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), especially if cooking is involved.

Types of Kiosks in Dubai

Dubai Municipality classifies kiosks into two main types:

1. Event-Based Kiosks

Temporary kiosks operating during special events like festivals, exhibitions, or seasonal markets.

2. Non-Event Kiosks (Permanent)

Located in malls, food courts, or commercial buildings with long-term agreements.

Each has unique approval requirements, processes, and layout standards.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting DM Kiosk Approval

✅ 1. Get Your Trade License

Before applying for kiosk approval, ensure you have:

• A valid DED (Dubai Economic Department) trade license with food activity
• If the kiosk is a new outlet under an existing license, you must open a branch license for the new location

✅ 2. Register on FoodWatch

All food-related businesses in Dubai must be registered on FoodWatch—Dubai Municipality’s platform for food safety, licensing, and monitoring.

Register the following entities:

• The main business license
• The kiosk itself (even if it’s a branch)
• Food suppliers (if food is prepared elsewhere)

For event-based kiosks: Register the event organizer and venue on FoodWatch as well.

✅ 3. Layout Assessment & Compliance (For Non-Event Kiosks)

If your kiosk is not part of an event, you’ll need a layout assessment by permit officers at Al Kifaf Center. This includes:

• Detailed floor plan and equipment layout
• Workflow that ensures hygienic food handling
• Adequate space for preparation, washing, and storage
• Proper ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems

Your kiosk must also comply with the Dubai Food Code, which governs:

• Food safety practices
• Staff hygiene
• Equipment materials
• Pest control
• Cleaning procedures

✅ 4. Get a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC)

A NOC is required from:

• Landlord (mall management, property owner, etc.)
• Planning and Drainage Department, if the kiosk is standalone or outside a food facility

Upload the NOC during your permit application.

✅ 5. Apply for the Kiosk Permit

📍 For Event-Based Kiosks

Apply via FoodWatch Smart Permit Interface at least 3 working days before the event. Required documents:

• DTCM event permit
• Layout & food handling plan
• FoodWatch registrations (entity, supplier, venue)

📍 For Non-Event Kiosks

Submit your documents in person at Al Kifaf Center:

• Layout plan
• NOC
• FoodWatch registration proof
• Food supplier approvals (if applicable)

Permit fees:

• 200 AED
• Layout Assessment is free for non-event kiosks

✅ 6. Food Safety Grading

Only kiosks that source from food establishments with a grade of A, B, or C (no critical violations) are eligible.

Kiosks linked to suppliers with D or F ratings or unresolved violations will be rejected.

✅ 7. DCD Approval (If Applicable)

If your kiosk involves:

• Open flames
• Gas lines
• Deep fryers or ovens

You’ll need Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) approval for:

• Fire safety
• Ventilation systems
• Emergency protocols

This may include a fire-rated enclosure, exhaust hood, fire extinguisher, and DCD layout submission.

We recommend consulting a professional MEP/fit-out engineer for compliance drawings and DCD coordination.

✅ 8. Inspection & Final Approval

Once documents are approved:

• DM conducts an on-site inspection of the kiosk
• If compliant, the permit is issued within 1 working day

Validity & Renewal

• Permit validity depends on your leasing contract, up to a maximum of 1 year
• Event-based kiosks: Valid until the event ends
• enewal: Follow the same application process

Common Reasons for Rejection

Avoid delays by ensuring:

❌ Location not registered on FoodWatch
❌ Event not registered or organizer lacks DTCM permit
❌ Supplier has low inspection grade (D or F)
❌ Layout doesn’t meet food code requirements
❌ Missing NOC or incomplete documents
❌ Cooking equipment without DCD compliance

How Structural Solutions Can Help

At Structural Solutions, we specialize in:

• Kiosk layout planning & approval drawings
• DCD & DM permit coordination
• MEP and structural documentation
• Trade license guidance & branch formation
• Event-based kiosk facilitation

We understand local authority regulations and can fast-track your kiosk approvals, saving you time, money, and rejections.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Risk Operating Without Approval

Operating a kiosk without proper approval can lead to fines, shutdowns, and permanent blacklisting. Dubai Municipality is strict with compliance—especially in food safety.

Let Structural Solutions handle the paperwork, layout plans, and authority coordination so you can focus on launching your brand.

FAQs – Kiosk Approval in Dubai