Cafe for Sale in Dubai and UAE: Listings, Prices and Checks (2026)
Short answer: Cafes and coffee shops for sale in Dubai and the UAE are listed on BusinessFinder.me in areas such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, Deira, Nad Al Hamar, Nad Al Sheba and Al Mizhar. Asking prices currently range from about AED 120,000 for a small coffee business to AED 1,500,000 for an established cafe. Before you buy, check the lease (Ejari), the licence activity, Dubai Municipality food approvals and verified sales, and confirm whether any brand or franchise rights come with the sale.
Which cafes are for sale in Dubai right now?
These cafes and coffee businesses were listed on BusinessFinder.me on 19 October 2026 (asking prices; they can change):
- Running coffee business for sale in Dubai, Nad Al Hamar, Dubai: AED 120,000
- Cafe and restaurant for sale in Dubai, Riggat Al Buteen, Deira, Dubai: AED 300,000
- Profitable wellness cafe for sale in Dubai, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai: AED 400,000
- Coffee shop business for sale in Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai: AED 700,000
- Antique cafe business for sale in Dubai, Jumeirah, Dubai: AED 1,500,000
- Running coffee shop for sale in Dubai, Al Mizhar, Dubai: AED 250,000
See all current cafes for sale in Dubai. If you want a smaller, lower-cost food business, compare cafeterias for sale in Dubai.
What kinds of cafes can you buy?
| Type | What makes it work | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty coffee shop | Quality coffee, a loyal community and good baristas | Reliance on one head barista; high equipment value |
| Cafe-restaurant | Breakfast, brunch and all-day dining | Larger kitchen, higher staff costs |
| Wellness or themed cafe | A clear concept and a loyal niche audience | A narrow customer base |
| Takeaway coffee | Low rent, high volume and drive-through or car-window service | Small margins per cup |
| Franchise cafe | A known brand and set systems | Whether the franchise transfers, royalties and supply rules |
What should I check before buying a cafe?
- Lease: the rent, service charges, remaining Ejari term and the landlord’s consent to transfer. Malls and boulevard locations often have extra charges.
- Licence: a valid licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), or the free zone, with the right food activity. Check any extra permits, such as outdoor seating, and whether they transfer.
- Food safety: Dubai Municipality approvals, recent inspection results, and staff health and food-safety certificates.
- Sales: POS, delivery-app and bank data for 6 to 12 months, including the average order value and daily covers.
- Costs: coffee beans and food costs, salaries, utilities and delivery commissions.
- Equipment: the espresso machine, grinders, fridges and ovens: their ownership, condition and service contracts.
- Brand: whether the name, social media accounts, recipes and supplier accounts are included.
How are cafes priced in Dubai and the UAE?
Cafe prices usually combine the fit-out and equipment, the key money for the location, and goodwill from existing sales. Prime locations with high footfall command premium prices, but only steady, verified profit justifies them. Compare the asking price with what it would cost to build a similar cafe from scratch, and ask the seller to separate the equipment value from the goodwill.
How do I buy a cafe step by step?
- Shortlist cafes and visit them at peak and quiet times.
- Sign an MoU covering the price, deposit, inclusions and timeline.
- Complete due diligence on the licence, lease, approvals and finances.
- Get landlord consent and update Ejari.
- Transfer the licence ownership through DET, or open your own licence.
- Update the food approvals, utilities, delivery-app accounts and staff visas.
- Pay the balance against signed documents.
See our full guide on how to buy a business in Dubai, or list your cafe for sale.
How do I sell a cafe in Dubai?
Buyers decide fast when the information is clear. Prepare your licence, Ejari, food safety approvals, 12 months of sales reports, the monthly rent and costs, and a full equipment list. Set a price based on your profit and the value of your fit-out, and say clearly what is included. Then post your cafe on BusinessFinder.me with good photos of the interior, counter and seating. Keep the cafe running normally during the sale, because a drop in trade can lower the price. For more selling options, read where to sell a business in Dubai.
Key takeaways
- Cafes for sale in Dubai are currently listed on BusinessFinder.me from about AED 120,000 to AED 1,500,000.
- The lease, the location and verified sales matter more than the fit-out.
- Check the licence activity, food approvals and any franchise terms.
- Ask for the equipment value and goodwill to be priced separately.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a cafe for sale in the UAE?
BusinessFinder.me lists cafes and coffee shops for sale, mainly in Dubai, with asking prices in AED. You can contact sellers directly.
How much does a cafe cost in Dubai?
On 19 October 2026, cafes and coffee businesses on BusinessFinder.me were listed from about AED 120,000 to AED 1,500,000, depending on location, size and profit.
What licence does a cafe need in Dubai?
A trade licence with the right food activity, from DET for mainland cafes, plus Dubai Municipality food safety approvals.
Can I buy a franchise cafe in Dubai?
Yes, but check whether the franchisor will approve you as the new franchisee, and what fees, royalties and supply rules apply.
Is a cafe or a cafeteria a better investment?
A cafeteria usually costs less and relies on volume. A cafe has a higher spend per customer, but its fit-out and rent are often higher. Compare verified profit for each.
Last updated: 19 October 2026