Sell Your Restaurant or F&B Business in Dubai and the UAE

F&B business sales in the UAE are complex. Lease transfers, NOC from landlord, cash economy clean-up. Dopamine knows the process and the buyers. $0 upfront. 60-90 day target.

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2–3x (strong brands: up to 3.5x)

EBITDA Multiple

6 weeks

To first offer

Hospitality & F&B Groups

Buyer Types

$500K – $8M

Deal-size range

Sector Overview

Restaurant and F&B M&A in the UAE requires sector knowledge that generalist brokers don't have. We understand DED licence transfers, DHA permit handovers, lease assignment negotiations with major Dubai landlords, and how to position a cash-economy business to buyers without destroying value.

We don't list your business publicly. We match you directly with pre-qualified F&B acquirers from our network before any public exposure.

What Buyers Look For

Remaining lease term: minimum 2-3 years, ideally 5+ with renewal option
Clean revenue records: buyers apply heavy discounts to undocumented cash revenue
Landlord NOC: confirmed landlord willingness to assign lease is non-negotiable
Brand transferability: does the business run without the founder's personal reputation?
DHA/municipality permits: all food permits must be current and transferable

Common Deal-Killers

Short or expired lease with no renewal certainty
Revenue significantly under-reported due to cash economy
Landlord unwilling to assign lease (kills deal entirely)
Over-dependence on a single supplier or franchised brand the buyer cannot acquire
Outstanding labour disputes or unpaid staff entitlements

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Common questions

FAQ's

Answers to frequently asked questions.

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What is a restaurant worth in Dubai?

Dubai restaurants typically sell for 2–3x EBITDA. Strong brands with long leases and audited accounts can reach 3.5x. Cash-heavy businesses without clean records trade at the lower end.

Can I transfer a restaurant trade licence in Dubai?

Yes. Trade licence transfers require DED approval, landlord NOC for lease assignment, and DHA/municipality food permits transferred separately. Dopamine manages this process for sellers.

How long does it take to sell a restaurant in Dubai?

Dopamine targets 60–90 days from mandate to close for F&B businesses. Timeline depends on lease length remaining, financial readiness, and buyer appetite in the sector.

Do I need audited accounts to sell my restaurant?

Audited accounts are preferred but not required to start. Dopamine works with management accounts and helps sellers prepare financials for maximum buyer confidence.

What do buyers look for when buying a restaurant in Dubai?

Buyers focus on remaining lease term (minimum 2–3 years preferred), clean revenue records, landlord NOC availability, brand reputation, and staff retention post-handover.