Dubai Municipality requires all commercial kitchens to install and maintain approved grease traps. Non-compliance fines range from AED 2,000 to AED 50,000. This checklist covers every requirement for passing a DM inspection: trap sizing, cleaning frequency, documentation, and common violations. Use it before your next inspection to avoid fines and kitchen shutdowns. Print this page or save it as a PDF and keep it in your kitchen office.
Pre-Inspection Checklist
This checklist mirrors what Dubai Municipality inspectors look for during a routine or surprise inspection. Go through each section and tick off the items. Any unchecked box is a potential violation.
Installation Requirements
☐ Grease trap is a DM-approved model (Type A, B, or C based on kitchen size)
☐ Trap is correctly sized per DM formula (flow rate x retention x storage factor)
☐ Trap is installed by a licensed contractor with valid Dubai trade license
☐ Installation certificate is on file and accessible
☐ Trap is accessible for inspection (not blocked by equipment, shelving, or storage)
Maintenance Requirements
☐ Active cleaning contract with a DM-approved cleaning company
☐ Cleaning frequency meets DM standards (monthly for high-volume kitchens, quarterly minimum for all others)
☐ Cleaning certificates from the last 12 months are on file
☐ Waste manifests showing proper disposal at approved facilities are available
☐ Before/after photos from last 3 cleanings are documented
Documentation Requirements
☐ Valid trade license displayed in a visible location
☐ Food safety permit is current (not expired)
☐ Grease trap maintenance log book is maintained with dates, company name, and signatures
☐ Emergency contact for cleaning company posted in kitchen (visible to staff)
☐ Municipality certificate from most recent cleaning displayed near the trap
Operational Requirements
☐ No food waste being dumped directly into drains
☐ Strainers installed on all sink drains to catch solids
☐ Staff trained on proper grease disposal procedures
☐ Used cooking oil collected separately in designated containers (not poured into the trap)
☐ Trap lid sealed properly with no odor leaks or damaged gaskets
DM Fine Schedule
Dubai Municipality enforces a progressive penalty structure. First offenses receive warnings with fines. Repeat violations escalate to higher fines or forced closure. These amounts are current as of 2026. For a deeper breakdown, read our complete guide to grease trap fines in Dubai.
| Violation | First Offense | Second Offense | Third+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| No grease trap installed | AED 5,000 | AED 10,000 | Kitchen shutdown |
| Overdue cleaning | AED 2,000 | AED 5,000 | AED 10,000 |
| No maintenance records | AED 2,000 | AED 5,000 | AED 10,000 |
| Improper waste disposal | AED 5,000 | AED 10,000 | AED 50,000 |
| Undersized trap | AED 3,000 | AED 5,000 | Mandatory upgrade |
| Blocked inspector access | AED 2,000 | AED 5,000 | Kitchen shutdown |
Cleaning Frequency Requirements by Kitchen Type
The required cleaning frequency depends on your kitchen type, daily output, and trap size. This table shows the DM minimums alongside our recommended schedule based on years of servicing UAE kitchens.
| Kitchen Type | Min Frequency | Recommended | Trap Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cafe / kiosk | Quarterly | Monthly | AG1 – AG1.5 |
| Restaurant (50-100 covers) | Monthly | Bi-weekly | AG2 – AG3 |
| Hotel kitchen | Bi-weekly | Weekly | AG3K – AG4 |
| Cloud kitchen | Monthly | Bi-weekly | AG2 – AG3 |
| Food court | Weekly | Twice weekly | AG4 – AG5 |
| Catering company | Monthly | Bi-weekly | AG3 – AG4 |
Common Inspection Failures
Based on hundreds of inspections across Dubai, these are the five most frequent reasons kitchens fail DM grease trap checks. Fix these before the inspector arrives.
- Missing or expired cleaning certificates. The inspector’s first ask is always the paperwork. If your last cleaning certificate is older than the required interval, that is an automatic violation. Keep certificates from the past 12 months in a folder near the trap.
- Grease trap too small for kitchen capacity. A cafe that expanded to a full restaurant menu often still runs on the original small trap. If your menu or seating count has grown, re-check your sizing calculation.
- No waste manifest from the cleaning company. Cleaning the trap is only half the compliance. The waste must be disposed of at a DM-approved facility, and the manifest proving that must be on file. Ask your cleaning company for this after every service.
- Staff pouring used cooking oil directly into drains. This is the most expensive mistake. A single incident of pouring oil into the drain system can result in an AED 5,000 fine. Train every kitchen staff member, including new hires, on oil collection procedures.
- Trap lid not properly sealed. A broken or missing gasket lets odors escape into the kitchen and signals poor maintenance to inspectors. Replace gaskets as soon as they crack or lose their seal.
How GTC Helps You Stay Compliant
Grease Trap Cleaning LLC is a DM-approved cleaning company operating across all seven emirates. Here is what we provide with every cleaning:
- Complete documentation package — cleaning certificate, waste manifest, and before/after photos delivered after every service
- Automated cleaning reminders — we track your schedule and notify you before service is due so you never miss a deadline
- Free trap sizing assessment — not sure if your trap meets DM requirements? We will calculate the correct size at no cost
- Same-day emergency cleaning — if an inspection is scheduled or your trap is overflowing, we respond the same day
- 24/7 service across all emirates — call +971 58 570 7110 any time
Need a Compliance Check Before Your Next Inspection?
Call us for a free assessment. We will review your trap, documentation, and cleaning schedule to make sure everything passes.