How long is a Dubai PIC certificate valid?

Five years from the date of issue (Dubai Municipality Food Code, section 3.1.1), unless withdrawn because of poor food safety performance of the establishment (GU64).

How many PICs does a food establishment need?

At least one full-time, on-site certified PIC. Food service establishments preparing high-risk, ready-to-eat or raw foods need a certified PIC present during all shifts (Food Code, section 3.1.1).

What if our PIC leaves?

The establishment can take up to 30 days to designate a new PIC, who should enrol for the training programme and be certified within 45 days (Food Code, section 3.1.1).

Where are certificates checked?

Certificates are issued after the course and assessment, and all qualifications must be traceable on the Foodwatch platform (GU64).

AE · Expiry & renewal tracking

Keep a certified Person in Charge in every Dubai food outlet

Every food establishment in Dubai must employ at least one full-time, on-site Person in Charge (PIC) certified in food safety, present on every shift where high-risk or ready-to-eat food is prepared (Food Code, section 3.1.1). The PIC certificate is valid for five years unless withdrawn for poor performance (GU64).

Dubai Municipality's Food Code applies to every food establishment that imports, sells, offers for sale or distributes free of charge, packages, prepares, displays, serves, manufactures, processes or distributes food, such as restaurants, hotels, cafeterias and cafés, and food service in institutions including hospitals and schools (Food Code, section 1.4).

All food establishments must employ at least one full-time, on-site Person in Charge (PIC) certified in food safety. Food service establishments that prepare high-risk, ready-to-eat or raw foods must have at least one certified PIC present during all shifts. A PIC shows knowledge of food safety by passing a written examination acceptable to the department, and each person who passes receives a certificate valid for five years from the date of issue (Food Code, section 3.1.1).

Dubai Municipality's guideline GU64 on training for food establishments applies to all training programs mandated by its Food Safety Department, including the PIC certification program. It states that the PIC certification is valid for 5 years unless it is withdrawn because of poor food safety performance of the establishment, and that certificates must be traceable on the Foodwatch platform (GU64, Assessment of Training and Certification Process).

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At a glance

Rules	Dubai Municipality Food Code, section 3.1.1; guideline DM-FSD-GU64
Requirement	At least one full-time, on-site certified PIC per food establishment
High-risk food service	A certified PIC present during all shifts
Certificate validity	Five years from the date of issue
Withdrawal	Possible for poor food safety performance of the establishment
PIC leaves	Designate a new PIC within 30 days; certified within 45 days
Records	Certificates traceable on the Foodwatch platform

Scope: Emirate of Dubai. The PIC's name should be displayed behind the cash counter or in another place clearly visible to customers (Food Code, section 3.1.1).

Who is responsible?

The food establishment, which must employ the certified PIC (Food Code, section 3.1.1). The PIC must keep records of which employees have been trained (Food Code, section 6.2).

Food handler refresher training every three years

GU64 also says food handlers must take refresher training every three years, or when their food safety competency is seen to decline. Basic food safety certificates are issued without a validity date, but the Food Safety Department can recommend retraining (GU64, Assessment of Training and Certification Process). Track food handlers' refresher dates as a separate document.

Tracking it with ExpirySuite

Add each PIC's certificate with its expiry date: five years from the date of issue.
Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
Assign a responsible person (for example your outlet manager or HR) so the right person gets the reminder.
If a PIC leaves, add a record for the new PIC's certification, due 45 days after you designate them.
If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Ask the PIC to upload the renewed certificate through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.
Emails arrive in each recipient's language, Arabic included.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Dubai PIC certificate valid?: Five years from the date of issue (Dubai Municipality Food Code, section 3.1.1), unless withdrawn because of poor food safety performance of the establishment (GU64).
How many PICs does a food establishment need?: At least one full-time, on-site certified PIC. Food service establishments preparing high-risk, ready-to-eat or raw foods need a certified PIC present during all shifts (Food Code, section 3.1.1).
What if our PIC leaves?: The establishment can take up to 30 days to designate a new PIC, who should enrol for the training programme and be certified within 45 days (Food Code, section 3.1.1).
Where are certificates checked?: Certificates are issued after the course and assessment, and all qualifications must be traceable on the Foodwatch platform (GU64).

Sources

Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.

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A ready template for food safety PIC certificate (Dubai Municipality) (UAE) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.

Reminders on time

Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each food safety PIC certificate (Dubai Municipality) (UAE) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.

Assign an owner

Give each food safety PIC certificate (Dubai Municipality) (UAE) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.