Children Selling Homemade Food in Dubai Will Now Need Licences

Children hoping to sell homemade drinks, baked goods or other food items in Dubai must obtain the necessary licences and approvals before making any sales, according to guidance issued by Dubai Municipality.
The municipality clarified that all food sales activities, regardless of their size or location, require prior approval from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, which is responsible for issuing commercial permits. Once licensed, businesses fall under Dubai Municipality's food safety inspection and monitoring systems.
The requirement applies to food stalls set up outside family homes as well as those operating in other community settings. According to the municipality, specialised inspection teams and digital systems are used to ensure food safety standards are maintained across licensed food and beverage businesses.
The authority added that it supports home-based enterprises, provided they operate within the applicable regulatory framework and obtain the required approvals.
For families seeking supervised opportunities, the municipality pointed to initiatives such as the Young Entrepreneur Initiative, held in Nad Al Sheba and Al Barsha. These events allow children and young people to sell food products under established food safety monitoring procedures.
Residents were also advised to ensure all required licences are in place before allowing children to operate food stalls, with the municipality noting that licensing is a prerequisite for food safety oversight.