Ramadan 2025: Sharjah restaurants require permits for daytime cooking, iftar food displays
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Restaurants and food establishments in Sharjah can now obtain special permits to prepare and sell food during the day throughout Ramadan, the Sharjah City Municipality announced on Monday.
The municipality has introduced two types of permits, each with specific conditions and fees. One permit allows restaurants to prepare and serve food off-site during fasting hours, while the other covers food display outside eateries before Iftar.
Eateries, including those inside shopping malls, can apply for a permit to prepare and sell food during the day. However, dining inside the restaurant is not allowed. Food preparation must be confined to designated kitchen areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The permit fee for this category is set at Dh3,000.
A second permit allows food establishments such as restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops, and bakeries to display food outside their premises before Iftar. Specific conditions apply:
- Food must be displayed on the front sidewalk, provided the area is not sandy.
- Display units must be made of non-corrosive metal and enclosed in a glass box of at least 100cm with a sliding or hinged door.
- Food must be covered using food-grade aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
- The temperature must be maintained appropriately—neither chilled nor frozen.
- Only food prepared at the establishment, in line with its approved activity, can be displayed.
The permit for displaying food outside an establishment costs Dh500.
According to the latest astronomical calculations, Ramadan is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, lasting for 30 days. The municipality emphasized that all participating food outlets must strictly adhere to the outlined requirements to maintain hygiene and public health standards.
Sharjah has long been known for its structured approach to food regulations during Ramadan, ensuring both businesses and the public observe the traditions of the holy month while maintaining food safety. Businesses interested in securing permits can now apply through the relevant municipal channels.