Whether you’re opening a new restaurant, upgrading an existing kitchen, or replacing a failed unit, grease trap installation in Dubai and across the UAE is a legal requirement for every commercial food establishment. At GTC, we handle the complete process — from site assessment and sizing to municipality-approved installation and certification.
With 15,000+ traps serviced and installations across all seven emirates, we ensure your system meets Dubai Municipality, ADAFSA, and local authority standards from day one. Call +971 58 570 7110 for a free site inspection.
Why Proper Grease Trap Installation Matters
A poorly installed grease trap doesn’t just fail to capture FOG (fats, oils, and grease) — it creates a chain of expensive problems:
- Municipality fines up to AED 100,000 for non-compliant installations (Dubai Municipality Administrative Penalties Schedule)
- Kitchen shutdown orders — inspectors can close your kitchen immediately if the grease trap is incorrectly installed or undersized
- Sewer line blockages costing AED 5,000–15,000 in emergency plumbing repairs
- Insurance claim denials — most commercial kitchen policies exclude damage caused by non-compliant waste management
- Failed DM inspections that delay your trade licence renewal
The cost of proper installation is always less than the cost of getting it wrong.
Our Installation Process: 8 Steps to Full Compliance
Step 1: Free Site Assessment
Our engineer visits your kitchen to evaluate drainage layout, available space, water flow rate, and menu type. This determines the exact trap size and placement needed. No charge, no obligation.
Step 2: Sizing Calculation
We calculate the required trap capacity using the Dubai Municipality formula:
Flow Rate (GPM) = Number of fixtures × Drainage fixture unit value
For restaurants, the general rule is: meals served per hour × 2.5 litres = minimum trap capacity. A 200-seat restaurant serving lunch and dinner typically needs a 500–1,000 litre underground interceptor.
Step 3: Municipality Application
We prepare and submit the installation application to the relevant municipality, including site plans, sizing justification, and drainage diagrams. This covers Activity Code 900017 (Waste Management Services) requirements.
Step 4: Unit Selection & Supply
We supply DM-approved grease traps from our warehouse — all models from compact AG1 under-sink units to large C-type underground interceptors. Every unit ships with a manufacturer warranty and compliance documentation.
Step 5: Professional Installation
Our certified technicians handle all plumbing connections, drainage tie-ins, and structural work. Underground installations include excavation, concrete backfill, and waterproofing. Typical installation takes 4–8 hours depending on complexity.
Step 6: Flow Testing
We run water through the complete system at full capacity to verify flow rates, confirm no leaks exist, and ensure the trap captures grease effectively before the kitchen goes live.
Step 7: Municipality Inspection
We coordinate the DM inspection appointment and ensure an engineer is present to answer any technical questions. Our installations have a 100% first-time pass rate.
Step 8: Handover & Documentation
You receive the DM approval certificate, installation report, warranty documentation, and a recommended maintenance schedule. We also set up your first cleaning appointment.
Types of Grease Traps We Install
| Model | Type | Capacity | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AG1 | Under-sink (SS) | 15 USG / 57L | Small cafes, kiosks, single-sink prep areas | AED 850 |
| AG2 | Under-sink (SS) | 25 USG / 95L | Medium cafes, bakeries, juice bars | AED 1,050 |
| AG3 | Floor-mounted (SS) | 40 USG / 151L | Restaurants up to 100 seats | AED 1,500 |
| AG3K | Floor-mounted (SS) | 40 USG / 151L | High-volume kitchens, hotels | AED 1,800 |
| AG4 | Floor-mounted (SS) | 100 USG / 379L | Large restaurants, food courts | AED 2,800 |
| AG5 | Floor/underground | 135 USG / 511L | Hotels, catering facilities | AED 3,500 |
| B-Type PVC | Underground | 500–1,000L | Multi-outlet food courts, malls | AED 4,500 |
| C-Type PVC | Underground | 1,000–5,000L | Large hotels, industrial kitchens | AED 7,500 |
| PVC Custom | Underground | Custom sizing | Non-standard layouts, retrofits | On survey |
| Stainless Steel | Any position | 15–500L | Premium kitchens, HACCP-certified facilities | AED 1,200 |
Not sure which size you need? Use our Grease Trap Size Calculator or call us for a free sizing consultation.
How to Choose the Right Grease Trap Size
Undersizing is the #1 installation mistake in the UAE. An undersized trap overflows, fails inspections, and needs cleaning twice as often. Here’s how to get it right:
The Sizing Formula
Required capacity (litres) = Peak flow rate (L/min) × Retention time (minutes)
For most UAE commercial kitchens:
- Small cafe (under 50 meals/day): AG1 or AG2 (57–95L)
- Medium restaurant (50–200 meals/day): AG3 or AG4 (151–379L)
- Large restaurant (200–500 meals/day): AG5 or B-Type (511–1,000L)
- Hotel/food court (500+ meals/day): C-Type or custom (1,000L+)
Factors That Increase Required Size
- Heavy frying (Indian, Chinese, Arabic cuisines) — increase capacity by 25%
- Multiple kitchen zones draining to one trap
- Dishwasher discharge connected to the grease trap line
- Limited access for cleaning (less frequent = larger trap needed)
Municipality Requirements by Emirate
Every emirate has its own regulatory body, but the core requirement is the same: all commercial kitchens must have a properly installed, regularly maintained grease trap.
| Emirate | Regulatory Body | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Dubai Municipality (DM) | DM-approved trap + Activity Code 900017 installer + quarterly inspection |
| Abu Dhabi | ADAFSA (Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority) | ADAFSA food safety licence + approved waste disposal contractor |
| Sharjah | Sharjah Municipality | Municipality-approved trap + installation permit + annual renewal |
| Ajman | Ajman Municipality & Planning | Commercial kitchen licence + approved grease management system |
| RAK | Ras Al Khaimah Municipality | Building permit approval + compliant drainage connection |
| Fujairah | Fujairah Municipality | Municipality approval + certified installer |
| UAQ | Umm Al Quwain Municipality | Municipal approval for all food establishment drainage systems |
We handle municipality paperwork for all seven emirates. Download our compliance checklist to see exactly what inspectors look for.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong sizing: Installing a 57L trap for a 200-seat restaurant. It will overflow within days and fail every inspection.
- Connecting dishwasher discharge: Hot dishwasher water (60°C+) melts trapped grease and pushes it into the sewer line. Dishwashers need a separate drainage path.
- No access panel: Installing a trap without adequate access for cleaning means the entire unit must be removed for servicing — expensive and disruptive.
- Incorrect gradient: The inlet pipe must slope toward the trap at 2% minimum gradient. Flat or reverse-gradient pipes cause backflow.
- Skipping the vent: Unvented traps create negative pressure that pulls water through the trap seal, releasing sewer gases into the kitchen.
- DIY installation: Unlicensed installations void your DM compliance status. Only Activity Code 900017 contractors are authorised to install grease traps in Dubai.
Industries We Serve
- Restaurants & cafes — from single-outlet to multi-branch chains
- Hotels & resorts — multiple kitchen zones, banquet facilities, pool bars
- Cloud kitchens & dark kitchens — space-constrained layouts needing compact traps
- Food courts & malls — shared drainage systems with centralised traps
- Catering companies — high-volume, intermittent-use kitchens
- Bakeries & confectioneries — butter and oil-heavy operations
- Supermarket delis & food prep areas
- FM companies — managing grease traps across multiple client sites
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does grease trap installation cost in Dubai?
Under-sink installations start from AED 850 for a basic AG1 unit. Floor-mounted traps (AG3–AG5) range from AED 1,500–3,500 installed. Underground B-Type and C-Type interceptors start from AED 4,500–7,500+ including excavation and backfill. We provide free site surveys with exact pricing.
Do I need a permit to install a grease trap?
Yes. In Dubai, the installer must hold Activity Code 900017 and the installation must be inspected and approved by Dubai Municipality. We handle the complete permit process for all seven emirates.
How long does installation take?
Under-sink units: 2–4 hours. Floor-mounted units: 4–6 hours. Underground interceptors: 1–3 days depending on excavation requirements and site access.
Can you replace an existing grease trap?
Yes. We remove the old unit, assess whether the existing plumbing connections can be reused, install the replacement, and handle disposal of the old trap. Replacement installations are typically 30% faster than new installations.
What happens if I don’t install a grease trap?
Dubai Municipality can impose fines from AED 2,000 to AED 100,000, issue kitchen closure orders, and refuse trade licence renewals. Your insurance may also deny claims related to drain damage or flooding.
Do you install grease traps outside Dubai?
Yes. We install across all seven UAE emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
What brand of grease traps do you supply?
We supply DM-approved stainless steel and PVC models manufactured locally in the UAE. All units meet Dubai Municipality specifications and come with manufacturer warranties. View our full grease trap comparison guide.
Can you install a grease trap in an existing kitchen?
Yes. Retrofit installations are common when restaurants change ownership, expand, or face DM compliance orders. We design the installation around your existing layout with minimal disruption to kitchen operations.
Grease Trap Installation Services by Emirate
We provide licensed grease trap installation across all seven UAE emirates. Each emirate has specific municipal requirements — click your emirate for local regulations, pricing, and service details:
- Abu Dhabi — ADAFSA-compliant installation for restaurants, hotels, and catering facilities
- Sharjah — Sharjah Municipality approved installation across all commercial zones
- Ajman — Licensed installation for Ajman’s growing food service sector
- Ras Al Khaimah — Installation for RAK hotels, resorts, and restaurants
- Fujairah — East coast installation services including free zones
- Umm Al Quwain — UAQ installation with municipality compliance documentation
Already have a trap installed? See our maintenance plans or find the best cleaning company for ongoing service.
Get a Free Site Inspection
Our engineer will visit your kitchen, assess the drainage layout, recommend the right trap size, and provide a fixed-price installation quote — all at no cost.
Call +971 58 570 7110 or request a callback. Same-day inspections available across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, and UAQ.