Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Understand What Code 5630.95 Actually Covers
This activity code applies specifically to businesses that prepare and serve sweets and candies on-premises for immediate consumption, such as luqaimat stalls, artisan chocolate counters, and halva bars. It does not cover packaged confectionery retail, Western patisseries, or ice cream shops, so confirming your format fits is the essential first step.
Tap Into a Trillion-Dollar Global Market
The global confectionery market reached USD 912.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 1.15 trillion by 2029 at a CAGR of 4.3%. Entering Dubai's market now positions your business within one of the fastest-growing food segments worldwide.
Leverage Dubai's Multicultural Consumer Base
With over 200 nationalities living in the UAE, demand spans Emirati, Arabic, South Asian, East Asian, and Western confectionery traditions simultaneously. A single well-positioned outlet can serve a remarkably diverse customer base without needing to relocate or expand geographically.
Capitalise on Viral Arabic Confectionery Trends
The 2024 Dubai Chocolate trend, featuring pistachio cream and kataifi shredded wheat, originated locally and was adopted globally by 2025. This demonstrates that traditional Arabic ingredients prepared fresh in Dubai can generate significant international commercial momentum.
Plan Around Ramadan and Eid Peak Seasons
Ramadan and Eid represent the highest seasonal demand periods for on-premises sweet preparation, with qatayef, maamoul, and kunafa prepared fresh and served to order. Building your operational capacity and staffing around these peaks is critical to maximising revenue.
Secure DM Food Safety Approval Before Opening
Code 5630.95 requires a Dubai Municipality post-licence food safety approval through the FoodWatch system, as preparing sweets for immediate consumption falls within DM's food safety framework. This approval must be obtained before you begin serving customers, making it a non-negotiable step in your setup timeline.
Choose the Right Business Format for Your Concept
The licence accommodates a wide range of formats including traditional Arabic sweet parlours, artisan candy shops, premium chocolate counters, and mobile festive stalls at markets or heritage events. Identifying your specific format early helps you align your Meydan Free Zone application, fit-out, and operational plan from the start.
How to Start a Sweets and Candies Preparing Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
Code 5630.95 occupies a distinctive position within the beverage serving class: the preparation and serving of sweets and candies as the primary food product from a beverage-adjacent sweets and candy counter or parlour. In the UAE, this format spans the full spectrum from traditional Arabic sweet stalls preparing luqaimat and kunafa on-premises to artisan candy shops, specialist halva bars, premium chocolate counters, and confectionery parlours. The global confectionery market reached USD 912.34 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% to USD 1.15 trillion by 2029, according to The Business Research Company¹. The UAE’s multicultural population of 200-plus nationalities creates demand for confectionery traditions spanning Emirati, Arabic, South Asian, East Asian, and Western formats from a single consumer base.
The 2024 Dubai Chocolate viral trend, pistachio cream and kataifi shredded wheat, originated in Dubai and was adopted globally in 2025, demonstrating how traditional Arabic confectionery ingredients can generate international commercial momentum. Luqaimat, deep-fried dough balls in date syrup, is the UAE’s national sweet and is prepared live at market stalls, heritage festivals, and traditional sweet shops. Ramadan and Eid generate the highest seasonal demand for on-premises sweet preparation, with qatayef, maamoul, and kunafa prepared fresh and served to order. Code 5630.95 carries a Dubai Municipality post-licence food safety approval requirement as food preparation for immediate consumption falls within DM’s food safety framework.
Who is this for?
5630.95 - Sweets and Candies Preparing
Code 5630.95 covers the on-premises preparation and serving of sweets and candies for immediate consumption from a specialist outlet. It expressly excludes the manufacture and retail sale of packaged confectionery for resale through supermarkets or groceries (ISIC divisions 10–11 and 47); patisserie and Western baked pastry operations (5629.94); and ice cream shop operations (5610.98). All operators must obtain DM food safety approval through FoodWatch before commencing service.
In short: if you prepare and serve sweets and candies for immediate on-premises consumption from a dedicated sweet preparing outlet, DM post-approval applies and you are in. If you manufacture packaged confectionery for retail resale, you are not under this code.
Third-Party Approval
This activity requires Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department approval after the Meydan Free Zone licence is issued but before operations commence; operators must register on DM FoodWatch, submit a food safety plan, pass inspection, and obtain a food safety certificate before serving customers.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This activity is not classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business or Profession (DNFBP) under UAE anti-money laundering legislation, and operators are not subject to AML registration or reporting obligations specific to this licence category.
References
- ¹ The Business Research Company / Research and Markets, Bakery and Confectionery Global Market Report 2025
- ² Dubai’s Best, The Best Arabic Sweets in Dubai 2025
- ³ HiDubai / Focus, The Ultimate Guide to the Yummiest Arabic Sweets in Dubai
- ⁴ Grand Bake, Top 10 Traditional Arabic Sweets in Dubai: Order Online
- ⁵ MyBayut, Popular Arabic Sweets and Desserts: Kunafa, Baklawa and More
