Complete shisha cafe licensing, permits, and compliance for hookah establishments
Operating a shisha cafe in Dubai requires comprehensive licensing from multiple authorities including DED, Dubai Municipality, DTCM, and Dubai Police. Our specialized service ensures your shisha establishment meets strict location, space, ventilation, and health requirements mandated by Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control and Dubai Municipality regulations.
Shisha licensing ensures legal compliance with tobacco control laws, protects public health, and validates your business operates according to strict Dubai standards.
Submit shisha permit service request through Dubai Municipality portal. Reserve trade name with Department of Economic Development (DED). Verify location meets distance requirements (150m from residences, schools, mosques).
Ensure commercial building on main road with minimum 200 sq meters interior space and 150 sq meters cafe bar area. Obtain NOC from landlord for shisha operations. Verify 150m+ distance from residential structures, schools, daycares, and mosques.
Submit detailed location plan, architectural design, and engineering drawings. Ensure minimum 3-meter ceiling height in shisha rooms. Design separate smoking and non-smoking areas with at least three non-smoking rooms. Install approved ventilation and air filtration systems.
Obtain NOC from landlord/sponsor. Submit application forms signed by applicant. Provide Certificate of Good Conduct from police department. Submit health certificates from licensed medical practitioners. Prepare electrical, plumbing, lighting, and ventilation system details.
Sign Memorandum of Association and partnership agreements at Notary Public Dubai. Attest tenancy contract of premises. Submit passport copies of all partners. Obtain preliminary approval from relevant authorities.
Schedule premises inspection by Dubai Municipality officials. Demonstrate compliance with all health, safety, and ventilation requirements. Address any deficiencies identified. Receive final shisha cafe license with annual renewal requirement.
Navigate complex multi-authority approval process (DED, Municipality, DTCM, Police)
Verify location compliance before lease commitment
Ensure proper ventilation system design and approval
Expedite documentation preparation and submission
Reduce approval timeline from 6-8 weeks to 2-4 weeks
Avoid costly design errors and facility modifications
Manage coordination between multiple government entities
Ongoing compliance support for annual renewals
Finding suitable commercial location meeting 150m distance requirements
Ensuring minimum 200 sq meter interior and ceiling height compliance
Designing separate smoking/non-smoking areas with proper isolation
Installing approved ventilation systems meeting municipality standards
Coordinating simultaneous approvals from 4+ government entities
Managing high licensing costs ranging AED 10,000 to AED 40,000+
Maintaining ongoing compliance with tobacco control regulations
4-8 weeks from application submission to final license, depending on location compliance and documentation completeness
Let our expert consultants guide you through the approval process. Contact us today for a free consultation.