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How to Start a Retail Sale Via Stalls of Food and Beverages Business with Meydan Free Zone
The retail sale of food and beverages from market stalls sits at the intersection of two of the world’s most dynamic economic forces: the global food and beverage sector, and the fast-growing experiential retail and market culture. The global food and beverages market was valued at USD 8.22 trillion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 14.72 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6%, according to Precedence Research¹.
The global street food market alone was valued at USD 249.55 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2032, according to Future Data Stats², driven by urbanisation, changing eating habits, and growing consumer interest in authentic and affordable food experiences.
The UAE presents one of the most compelling domestic markets for food and beverage stall traders. According to JLL’s whitepaper on the UAE F&B sector³, the UAE’s foodservice market reached USD 19.98 billion in 2024 and is forecast to expand to USD 43.98 billion by 2029, representing a CAGR of 17.09% — one of the highest growth rates in the global F&B industry.
The UAE food market overall is estimated at USD 40.07 billion in 2024, according to Middle East Briefing⁴. The Middle East and Africa region is forecast to post the fastest F&B CAGR of 5.24% globally, according to Mordor Intelligence⁵.
Dubai’s market culture directly supports food stall trading at scale. The Ripe Market, held at Academy Park every weekend from October to May, is described by Visit Dubai as Dubai’s most popular community food market, bringing together local farmers, artisan food producers, and specialty food vendors weekly.
Global Village, which attracted a record 10.5 million visitors in its 2024/25 season, hosts over 250 dining options and food stalls representing more than 90 cultures. The Deira Spice Souk, one of Dubai’s oldest food markets, continues to serve residents and tourists as a permanent fixture of the city’s dry goods and spice trade.
For food and beverage stall operators, this combination of a booming domestic F&B economy, a thriving market culture, and a diverse international consumer base makes Dubai one of the most attractive cities in the world for stall-based food retail.
Who is this for?
4781 — Retail sale via stalls and markets of food, beverages and tobacco products
Activity code 4781.00 covers the retail sale of food, beverages, and tobacco products via stalls or markets. The defining characteristic of this activity is the combination of the product category — food, beverages, and tobacco — and the channel — a stall or marketplace. Businesses operating under this code are authorised to sell food products, packaged beverages, and tobacco products directly to consumers from a stall or fixed marketplace position.
Third-party approval
Retail Sale Via Stalls of Food and Beverages requires post-approval from Dubai Municipality (DM). Unlike pre-approval activities, the license may be issued by Meydan Free Zone first, and Dubai Municipality approval must be obtained after licensing before trading activities commence. Dubai Municipality governs food safety, hygiene standards, stall premises approval, and food handling compliance for all food and beverage stall operations within Dubai. Meydan Free Zone will guide you through the DM approval process.
Anti-money laundering compliance
Retail Sale Via Stalls of Food and Beverages is not classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP) under UAE anti-money laundering legislation. Businesses operating under this activity code are not subject to AML registration or reporting obligations specific to this license category.
References
Precedence Research, Food and Beverages Market Size to Hit USD 8.71 Trillion in 2025 — https://www.precedenceresearch.com/press-release/food-and-beverages-market-size
Future Data Stats, Street Food Market Size & Industry Growth 2030 — https://www.futuredatastats.com/street-food-market
JLL MENA, A Comprehensive Look at the Evolution and Trends in UAE’s F&B Sector — https://www.jll-mena.com/en/trends-and-insights/research/a-comprehensive-look-at-the-evolution-and-trends-in-uaes-fandb-sector
Middle East Briefing, The UAE F&B Market: Opportunities for Businesses — https://www.middleeastbriefing.com/news/the-uae-fb-market-opportunities-for-businesses/
Mordor Intelligence, Food and Beverage Market Size & Share Trends Report 2031 — https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/food-and-beverage-market
