The UAE is one of the most exciting places to open a restaurant with its diverse diners, a vibrant food scene, and constant demand for something new. But with that opportunity comes pressure to get everything right, from your concept and design to regulatory approvals and guest experience.
At Casia Robinson Studio, we help F&B entrepreneurs and hospitality brands design spaces that do more than just look good; they function, flow, and reflect the story you’re telling. If you’re planning to launch in Dubai here are a few key things to keep in mind, along with how we support you throughout the process:
1. Design for the Right Audience
Every neighbourhood and emirate has its own mix of cultures and preferences. Whether you’re targeting tourists in Downtown Dubai or a local community in Sharjah, the design should speak directly to your audience. We help clarify your vision and translate it into a space that feels intentional and relevant.
2. Choose the Right Location and Make It Work
Location is more than rent and visibility. It’s about layout potential, licensing ease, parking, and the surrounding experience. We collaborate with clients from the early stages, reviewing sites and advising on spatial possibilities before you commit.
3. Create an Experience, Not Just a Look
In the UAE, guests expect an atmosphere. Your restaurant should offer more than just a good meal, it should feel memorable. Whether your brand leans minimal, industrial, tropical, or nostalgic, we design interiors that help create shareable moments while still prioritising operational flow.
4. Navigate Local Regulations with Confidence
The fit-out process in the UAE involves multiple approvals from fire safety to food control and civil defence. We’ve worked on projects across the region and understand what’s needed to move efficiently through compliance, from kitchen layout to material specs.
5. Plan for Back-of-House Efficiency
We don’t just design what guests see. Our layouts account for prep areas, service circulation, and storage details that directly affect your team’s daily operations. A beautiful space should work just as well behind the scenes.
6. Design with Flexibility
Many restaurants here operate across different times of day. We consider lighting, layout, and ambience that can adapt, ideal for cafés that turn into lounges or brunch spots that evolve into dinner venues. We also guide clients on outdoor seating, weather considerations, and municipality requirements.
7. Support You From Concept to Launch
From mood boards and material sourcing to construction management and styling, we offer full support. If you’re an overseas operator or new to the UAE market, our team can serve as your local partner on the ground, keeping things moving while protecting the integrity of your brand.
