Opening a Shisha café in Dubai requires proper licenses and approvals. Our Dubai Approvals Team makes the process quick and hassle-free, so you can focus on growing your business.

Dubai Approvals Team – Making Shisha Permit Easy for You

Planning to open a Shisha Café in Dubai? Getting a Shisha Café License is a must, and the Dubai Municipality has clear rules under Federal Law No. (15) of 2009 on Tobacco Control. Whether you’re starting a brand-new café or just adding shisha service to your restaurant, you’ll need to follow the right steps. Sticking to the process helps you avoid delays or even rejection of your application.

How to get Shisha Cafe License in Dubai?

Opening a Shisha Café in Dubai is exciting, but it comes with rules you need to follow. The Dubai Municipality oversees all shisha operations under Federal Law No. (15) of 2009 on Tobacco Control. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Business Setup

First, decide if your café will be in the mainland or a free zone, as this determines the type of license you’ll need

2. Gather Your Documents

You’ll typically need:

Trade license application form
Passport and UAE visa copies
Ejari or tenancy contract for your location
Layout/floor plan of your café
NOC from building management (if required)

3. Apply to Dubai Municipality

Submit your documents so the Municipality can check your café meets all health, safety, and tobacco regulations.

4. Get Additional Approvals

Depending on your setup, you might also need:

DEWA approval for water and electricity
Dubai Civil Defence approval for safety
Food license, if you’ll serve food alongside shisha

5. Pay Fees & Receive Your License

Once all approvals are confirmed, pay the fees and get your official Shisha Café License.

6. Stay Compliant & Renew

Your license must be renewed annually, and your café must continue following all rules to avoid penalties.

Here’s an overview of the Shisha Café license approval process in Dubai:

Eligibility Check – Ensure your business location meets all municipal zoning and safety regulations.
Document Preparation – Collect necessary documents such as trade license copy, Ejari, DEWA and Civil Defense approvals, and tenancy contracts.
Application Submission – Submit your Shisha café license application through the Dubai Municipality or relevant free zone authority.
Inspections & Approvals – Authorities may inspect your premises to verify compliance with health, safety, and tobacco control regulations.
License Issuance – Once all checks are complete and fees paid, your Shisha Café license is issued, allowing you to operate legally in Dubai.