Valuing a café or restaurant in the UAE
For a food business a buyer does not count revenue; they count what is left for the owner after rent, wages and purchases, and how stable that profit is.
What raises and lowers the value
- Lease terms: length, indexation, renewal rights
- Owner profit after all costs, not just revenue
- Dependence on one location and footfall
- The team: a chef or manager the quality hangs on
- Share of orders via delivery platforms and their commissions
- Condition of equipment and valid licences
What a buyer checks
- Monthly accounts for 12–24 months and till data
- The lease and how long it still runs
- Licences, permits and inspection results
- Cost structure: rent, staff, ingredients
- Reviews and order trends on the platforms
Frequently asked questions
How is a café valued in Dubai?
Usually owner profit over 12–24 months is taken and a multiple applied that reflects lease length, location and dependence on the team. The result is a range, not a single number.
Why does the lease affect the price so much?
If the lease ends soon or renewal is unclear, the buyer risks losing the main asset — the location. That cuts the price sharply.
Do delivery platforms affect the valuation?
Yes. A high share of platform orders means commissions and dependence on someone else’s rules, and buyers price that in.
What should I do before selling?
Tidy the accounts, extend the lease, document recipes and processes, and reduce dependence on specific staff.
This material is informational and is not legal, tax or investment advice. A valuation is a range, not a guaranteed deal price.