Sharjah Municipality has announced that restaurants, cafeterias and food retailers can now apply for permits to prepare and display food during daytime hours in Ramadan, subject to specific conditions and fees.
The permits allow food preparation and cooking during fasting hours, but dine-in service remains prohibited until iftar. Cooking must take place strictly inside kitchen areas only, including outlets located within shopping centres.
The fee for a daytime food preparation permit is set at Dh3,000.
Food display permits before iftar
In addition, Sharjah Municipality is offering a separate permit that allows businesses to display food items outside shops before iftar. This applies to restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops and bakeries.
The fee for a food display permit is Dh500.
However, strict hygiene and safety rules apply. Displayed food must be:
- Placed in enclosed glass cases at least one metre high
- Stored using food-grade packaging
- Kept at appropriate temperatures
Health and safety rules
Jamal Al Mazmi, Director of the Health Control and Safety Department at Sharjah Municipality, said the permits are issued to ensure food is handled hygienically and safely during Ramadan.
According to the municipality, businesses must follow these requirements:
- Food must be placed in stainless steel containers
- Items must be displayed in an airtight glass box (minimum height 100cm) with a sliding or hinged door
- Food must be covered with aluminium foil or transparent food-grade plastic
- Food must be kept at a suitable temperature and not refrigerated or frozen
How to apply
Businesses can submit permit applications through Sharjah Municipality’s commercial licensing portal.
Authorities said inspections will continue throughout Ramadan to ensure compliance with public health standards and Ramadan regulations.
