Steps to Start a Baqala in Abu Dhabi , UAE
If you are thinking of starting a grocery store, then Abu Dhabi is the place for you. You will find several opportunities in this country´s business market. These little stores that go by the name Baqala sell a range of general food products. In addition, the stores are all over Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The current beneficial economic development in this city makes it the perfect place for investors all over the world. Therefore, attracting businessmen and creating a small, but self-sustaining market that relies in grand part on businesses like Baqalas. In this article, you will learn everything there’s to know on how to start your own Baqala Business in Abu Dhabi. In addition, we´ll guide you through the fact that every business setup is different and must follow different procedures. The Abu Dhabi Government has made it an easy and quick process for every individual who has any interest in starting a grocery store. Nevertheless, entering for the first time international markets can be very challenging. Therefore, you will have to rely heavily on guidance and assistance from a third party. 1. What is a Baqala? The term Baqala is a very old word, used in the Arabic language often referring to grocery stores that used to sell various types of seeds, vegetables, and fruits. With a direct translation that means “what is from the ground”. Abu Dhabi’s Development Vision thought of the Baqala initiative as a sustainability concept. Therefore, this program seeks to improve health and safety standards across the UAE. This program states that every grocery store shares the Baqala noun in combination with its own original names with a smaller font. In addition, this naming rule serves the purpose of differentiation between every store. Therefore, all grocery stores in Abu Dhabi go by the name of Baqala and Here you can learn how to calculate rent for commercial property Abu Dhabi’s Baqalas must obey and comply with legal standards regarding store design and facilities. Therefore, all appliances and materials used in the Baqalas must fall under the mandated government norms. Equipment like ovens, refrigerators and even cash registers are standardized for every store. The ADFCA’s (Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority) standards took place for all new and existing stores in 2013. In case a store does not comply with the Baqala guidelines and norms, it won´t be able to open its doors to the public. 1.1 Why were Baqalas implemented? The main reason for this legislative ruling to take action was to reduce and possibly eliminate any pre-existing health hazards. These health risks came as a result of poor hygiene and little supervision. The Baqala program provides an enhanced customer experience in the health and cleanliness areas. Therefore, these positive changes were applied across Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We in C-UAE will make sure that you know everything there is to know to successfully open your own Baqala. 1.2 Permission from DED If you want to get clearance from the DED, the manager will have to surrender a detailed list of every single product that is up for sale at your store. In addition, if you plan to add any other product to your inventory, a new list should be delivered to the DED for its initial approbation. 2. Requirements to start a baqala in Abu Dhabi The Abu Dhabi food control authority´s Baqala requirements are the following: 2.1 Branding & Logo A store can be part of the Baqala program or work as an individual business. An individual store that is not affiliated with the program must use a different version of the official logo. Individuals or partners usually manage these stores, and one of the partners, as the law clearly states, must be an Emirati. The logo for Baqalas is an Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority intellectual property and trademark and any copyright infringement is punishable by law. In addition, The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority is the only one that can approve the use of this logo for any Baqala in the country. Also, affiliated grocery stores can use their own branded trademark if available. Examples of affiliate grocery stores include: Co-operatives: established and managed by food cooperatives. Forecourts, located in petrol stations. Multiples: hyper/supermarket chains and convenience specialists. The guidelines for branding and design regulate: Vision and Mission statements. Logo: design, printing, and editing. Signage: from railroads signs to indoors and outdoors signalization. Uniform: shirts, trousers, shoes, caps, etc. Advertisements: printed ads, flyers, and outdoor propaganda. Merchandising: pens, gifts, bags. Click here and read about the benefits of hiring a professional company in Dubai and getting pro services in dubai. 2.2 Locating and Constructing your Baqala Premises A Baqala is an existing real place, meaning that you will have to find the right location where you can start building your grocery store. According to the law, all the rules and regulations regarding hygiene and health protection are mandatory, including pest control, weather safety, etc. Every Baqala must be present at a minimum distance of five thousand mm (5000 mm) from each other. Similarly, you must comply with environmental, safety, pest control (against vermin and birds) requirements. In addition, your Baqala will need protection from weather conditions such as flooding, storms, and rain (waterproofing). Also, you need to take into account article 12, Regulation No. 6, 2010, which states that the minimum distance from other establishments/activities is 5000 mm. providing a security net for the health and safety hazard efforts that may arise as a result of unsanitary activities going on in nearby establishments. Learn step by step how to obtain an E-commerce license in Dubai 2.2.1. Baqala Store Image Requirements: Any external defects or elements that sit on top of walls need to be covered with plastic or polyvinyl chloride. In addition, external AC compressors lower than 1200mm (distance from the ground) must be covered with a ventilated & powder-coated aluminum cage. 2.2.2. Baqala Storefront (Shop Front) Requirements: Undamaged 10-12mm thick aluminum-framed glass is also mandatory for the
