WhatsApp quoteDubai is the UAE's commercial capital — trade anywhere in the UAE with a Dubai DET licence, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. Just as important, choosing Dubai mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate clients recognise without a second thought. The most common businesses Saudi nationals open through GoldenKey are in trading, real estate, hospitality and investment holding, although Dubai supports almost any activity. Typical examples of this activity include café, cloud kitchen, fine dining and catering, which can usually sit together on one Dubai licence.
Why Dubai
A Dubai mainland company can apply for an unlimited visa quota in proportion to its office space, which free zone packages cannot match. To be clear, government and semi-government tenders in Dubai require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
How Dubai works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals. For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with any external approvals the activity requires.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
After the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). For opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Dubai mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder.
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Tenancy contract for the outlet
Pricing
Use the table below to compare packages for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. All prices for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before you pay.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 3,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 12,000 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.
Why the UAE
The UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder. Since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
On the ground, most of our Dubai clients come to us through referrals from other founders, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. In short, our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder happen the same day they are ready. In our experience, because GoldenKey works with the licensing authority, the immigration department and the banks every single week, we know exactly which documents each of them will ask for on a Dubai file.
Prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss opening a restaurant or café in the UAE as a Saudi founder.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Dubai mainland company trade in other emirates?
It can. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
Are Dubai mainland companies subject to corporate tax?
It can. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.
How much office space do I need for a Dubai mainland licence?
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Is restaurant & café allowed in Dubai?
Yes. Saudi nationals can own 100% of a restaurant or café in the UAE. {brand} recommends Dubai for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
Which licence type covers restaurant & café?
Restaurant & Café is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
