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How to Start a Cloud Kitchen or Food Business…
How to Start a Cloud Kitchen or Food Business in Ras Al Khaimah (2025 Guide)
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is quickly becoming a hotspot for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the booming food delivery and online restaurant industry. With affordable licensing options, access to top delivery partners, and low operational costs, starting a cloud kitchen in RAK is a smart move in 2025.
Whether you’re an independent chef, food preneur, or established brand looking to expand, this guide will help you understand the steps to start a cloud kitchen or food-related business in Ras Al Khaimah.
✅ Why Start a Cloud Kitchen in Ras Al Khaimah?
Low setup and operational costs
100% foreign ownership through Free Zones like RAKEZ
No dine-in space required = lower rent and staff costs
Access to Talabat, Zomato, Deliveroo, and other delivery platforms
Easy licensing for online food ventures and catering
Virtual kitchen and commissary options available
Step-by-Step: Start a Cloud Kitchen or Food Business in RAK
1. Define Your Food Concept
Decide whether you’re launching:
- A single-brand cloud kitchen
- Multi-brand delivery kitchen
- Catering or meal prep service
- Bakery, dessert bar, or niche cuisine concept
2. Choose Your Business Setup Type
Most food businesses in RAK operate through:
- RAKEZ Free Zone – Ideal for startups & SMEs
- DED (Mainland) – If you plan to trade directly across the UAE
3. Apply for Trade License
License types:
- Food & Beverage License (commercial kitchen or catering)
- Food Trading License (if importing/selling packaged items)
- Online Delivery Kitchen License (for virtual restaurants)
Licensing is done via RAKEZ or RAK Municipality (for on-ground kitchens).
4. Secure Kitchen Space
Choose between:
- Dedicated kitchen unit
- Shared commissary/cloud kitchen space
- RAKEZ-approved food units in industrial zones or food clusters
Ensure the facility meets food safety and hygiene regulations.
5. Get Food Safety & Municipality Approvals
Submit kitchen layout plans, food handling procedures, and undergo hygiene inspections to obtain:
- Food Establishment Permit
- RAK Municipality Kitchen Approval
6. Set Up Delivery & Logistics
Partner with UAE’s leading food delivery platforms:
- Talabat
- Deliveroo
- Careem
- Noon Food
Use delivery management tools and integrate POS software for smooth operations.
7. Apply for Visas & Hire Staff
You can apply for:
- Investor visa
- Chef/kitchen staff/workers’ visas
- Delivery driver permits (if operating in-house logistics)
8. Launch Your Brand
- Build your food brand on social media and food aggregators
- Offer promotions via food apps
- Run targeted Google and Meta ads to boost visibility
📄 Documents Required
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Business name approval
- Tenancy agreement or kitchen lease
- Kitchen layout plans (for approvals)
- Emirates ID/visa copy (if applicable)
- Food safety plan (for health authority)
💼 Our Setup Services Include:
- Cloud kitchen license in RAKEZ or mainland
- RAK Municipality food approvals
- Commissary kitchen space support
- Trade name registration & visa assistance
- Branding, POS, and delivery partner onboarding
📍 Launch Your Food Business in RAK with Ease
Cloud kitchens are the future of food entrepreneurship. Ras Al Khaimah gives you the ideal launchpad with low costs, reliable infrastructure, and access to the entire UAE market.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and complete setup support.
