UAE Home Kitchen License and Menu Requirements

How to get a home kitchen license in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Menu requirements, labeling rules, and digital menu compliance for home-based food businesses.

## Home Kitchen Licensing in the UAE The UAE encourages home-based food businesses through licensing programs: - **Abu Dhabi**: ADAFSA issues home kitchen licenses under the "Home Food" initiative - **Dubai**: DED and Dubai Municipality jointly regulate home kitchens - **Sharjah & Northern Emirates**: Each emirate has its own program ## Menu Requirements for Home Kitchens Home kitchens must: 1. List all items with accurate descriptions 2. Display prices in AED (VAT-inclusive) 3. Include calorie information if producing more than a threshold volume 4. Label allergens — especially the "Big 8" (gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame) 5. Provide Arabic descriptions alongside English ## Why Digital Menus Matter for Home Kitchens Home kitchens typically sell through Instagram and WhatsApp. A digital menu provides a professional, compliant alternative that can be shared via QR code or link. Qaima's starter plan is designed specifically for single-location businesses including home kitchens.