Step-By-Step Guide To Setting Up A Food Vending Machine In Dubai

So, your vending machine’s stocked, looking fresh, and ready to hit the town. But before you park it in a mall or office building, you’ll need one thing sorted first, a thumbs up from Dubai Municipality. You first need to obtain a permit to set up a food vending machine in Dubai. 

Thinking of Setting Up a Food Vending Machine in Dubai?

You’ll need a permit from the Food Safety Department. And no, it’s not just paperwork to keep you busy. This permit proves your food is safe to eat and saves you from future headaches or fines. Here’s how to get it done, the proper Dubai way.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility To Set Up A Food Vending Machine In Dubai

First things first, check if your business fits the bill. Only food preparation or food trading establishments with the right activity listed on their Trade License can apply. If vending machines aren’t mentioned in your licence, sort that out before anything else.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Sorted

Time to gather your paperwork. Here’s what you’ll need, depending on what you’re selling:

For all vending machines:

• A valid Trade License with vending activity listed

• A contract showing permission from the location owner

• Upload clear pictures of your vending machine with the stock

If you’re storing food items like salads, sandwiches, or ready-to-eat meals, add on these certificates:

• Supplier’s license and a valid Food Safety Management System (FSMS) certificate
  
• Shelf-life test reports of your food items
  
• Machine specifications and a detailed SOP covering hygiene, stocking and storage
  

If your machine holds perishable items, don’t miss a step. Food safety rules here are strict for a reason.

Step 3: Apply Through The Dubai Municipality Website

No need to leave your desk. Just head to the Dubai Municipality portal and follow these steps:

• Log in to the website
  
• Select the Food Vending Machine Permit service
  
• Upload all the required documents
  
• Wait for their response, it’ll either be:
  Approved
  Rejected
  Or they might ask you to fix something and re-upload
  

Once it’s approved, go ahead and pay the fee. After that, you’ll get your permit both via the website and by email.

Step 4: Pay The Fee (It’s AED 200)

You’ve got several options for paying the AED 200 permit fee. Pick the one that’s easiest for you:

Mobile apps:

• Dubai Municipality App
  
• Dubai Now App
  

Website:

• Dubai Smart Government Portal
  

In person at Al Ansari Exchange:

• Cash or cheque (made out to Al Ansari Exchange)
  

Payment methods accepted:

• Noqodi
  
• Direct debit
  
• Credit card
  
• Apple Pay
  
• Samsung Pay
  

Step 5: Follow the Rules, Every Time

Getting the permit is one thing. Keeping it is another. To stay in the clear, follow these rules to the letter:

• Only prepare food in licensed kitchens that meet the Dubai Food Code
  
• Use certified suppliers only
  
• Ensure proper storage, transport, and display inside the machine
  
• Your permit is valid for up to one year, based on your rental agreement
  
• You may need extra permits from other departments; sort those separately
  
• If you mess up food safety standards, Dubai Municipality can cancel your permit

Also Read: Dubai’s New Bread For All Vending Machine Is Winning Hearts On The Internet

So Here’s How You Set Up A Food Vending Machine In Dubai!

There you go. You’re all set to bring your vending machine dream to life, clean, safe and fully approved in true Dubai style.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/simonapilollatnf