Sharjah Restaurants Must Secure Permits For Ramadan Food Sales

With Ramadan 2025 set to begin on March 1, food establishments in Sharjah are now required to apply for permits to prepare and display food during the holy month, as per Sharjah City Municipality's latest regulations.

The municipality has introduced two types of permits, each with specific fees and conditions, to regulate food sales and ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

Types of Permits Available:

1. Food Preparation and Sales Permit (AED 3,000)

- Applies to all food outlets, including those inside shopping malls.
- Food preparation must take place inside the kitchen; no cooking is allowed in outdoor spaces.
- Dine-in service is not permitted during fasting hours—food must be served off-site.

2. Food Display Permit (AED 500)

- Available for restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, and sweet shops.
- Allows businesses to display food outside their establishments before Iftar.
- Food must be stored in non-corrosive metal containers and displayed inside a glass box (at least 100 cm high) with a hinged or sliding door.
- Chilled or frozen foods are not allowed; items must be stored at an appropriate temperature.

Where to Apply for the Permits

Businesses can submit applications through various service centers, including:

- Municipal Drawing Center (Al Nasiriyah)
- Tasareeh Center
- Al Raqam Wahed Center
- Municipality 24 Center
- Al Saqr Center
- Al Rolla Center
- Al Khalidiya Center
- Al Suraa Wa Al Diqah Center
- Saif Center
- Al Malomat Center
- Al Saada Center
- Tawjeeh Center

Sharjah Municipality is urging businesses to apply early to avoid delays and has emphasized strict adherence to food hygiene and safety standards. Restaurants and food vendors must follow all permit conditions to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

As Ramadan draws near, food businesses across Sharjah will be preparing special dishes and traditional treats for Iftar, making these permits essential for a smooth and legally compliant operation during the holy month.