COFFEE SHOP • SVETLANA TATAUROVA

How to Open a Coffee Shop in Dubai

A practical plan for launching a coffee shop in Dubai: location, permits, equipment, menu, staff and profitability.

Author: Svetlana Tataurova · Updated: 2026-09-04

Check the current requirements

Requirements, fees and timelines in the UAE change. Message us on WhatsApp — we'll check them for your activity and jurisdiction.

Coffee shop format

Takeaway coffee, a small café and a premium specialty concept require different locations, areas, teams and average tickets.

Foot traffic and rent

Don't count the number of passersby; consider the share of your target audience, traffic peaks, parking, neighboring businesses, and the rent cost per order.

Menu and margins

Drinks, pastries and ready-to-eat food are evaluated by cost of goods, preparation speed, write-offs and their ability to increase the average ticket.

Opening plan

Licensing, approvals, fit-out, equipment, suppliers, hiring and marketing should be combined into a single schedule with a financial buffer.

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