Choosing the best POS (Point-of-Sale) system for restaurants in Dubai depends on several critical factors, including government compliance (such as tax invoicing rules), integration with delivery platforms, language and currency support (Arabic and AED), staff ease of use, real-time reporting, kitchen management, and customer service. Dubai’s restaurant scene is highly competitive and tech-forward, requiring a robust, cloud-based POS system that aligns with local regulations and supports business growth.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover:
1. Key Features Required for a Restaurant POS in Dubai
2. Top POS Systems for Restaurants in Dubai (with Pros, Cons & Pricing)
3. Comparative Analysis Table
4. Government & VAT Compliance
5. Final Recommendation Based on Business Type
1. Key Features Required for a POS System in Dubai
To choose the best POS for restaurants in Dubai, it must support the following features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| UAE VAT Integration (5%) | POS must issue VAT-compliant tax invoices as per UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) rules. |
| Arabic Language Support | Helpful for Arabic-speaking staff and customers. |
| Multi-Payment Integration | Support for cash, cards, NFC, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay), and apps like Tabby or Postpay. |
| KDS (Kitchen Display System) | For faster and more organized kitchen operations. |
| Delivery Aggregator Integration | Seamless sync with Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem, Noon Food, etc. |
| Cloud-Based | Enables access to reports and analytics from any location. |
| Inventory & Recipe Management | Helps control food cost and reduce waste. |
| CRM & Loyalty Programs | To engage repeat customers with promotions and point systems. |
| Offline Mode | Business continuity in case of Wi-Fi or internet issues. |
2. Top POS Systems for Restaurants in Dubai
1. Foodics (Most Popular in GCC)
Website: foodics.com
Overview: A cloud-based POS designed in Saudi Arabia, highly tailored for F&B in GCC countries including Dubai.
Pros:
- Full compliance with UAE VAT and e-invoicing
- Arabic and English support
- Advanced inventory, modifiers, combos
- KDS and waiter tablets supported
- Integration with Talabat, Zomato, Deliveroo, Careem, Noon Food
- In-app CRM and loyalty system
- 24/7 support and training in Dubai
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive for small setups
- Requires training due to rich features
Pricing: Starts from AED 400–600/month per terminal
2. Sapaad (Best for Delivery-Heavy Restaurants)
Website: sapaad.com
Overview: Cloud-based POS developed in the UAE, popular with QSRs, cloud kitchens, and delivery-centric restaurants.
Pros:
- Strong integration with delivery aggregators
- Intuitive and mobile-friendly interface
- Loyalty management built-in
- Inventory control with low stock alerts
- Excellent local support in Dubai
- Supports multiple locations and franchises
Cons:
- Not as visually modern as some competitors
- Limited third-party app integrations
Pricing: From AED 299–499/month per location (includes updates and support)
3. Toast (Best for Premium Restaurants & Chains)
Website: toasttab.com
Overview: A U.S.-based cloud POS that supports full-service restaurants, bars, and casual dining in Dubai. Used by premium brands.
Pros:
- High-end hardware with sleek design
- Menu customization and split bills
- Tableside ordering and payment
- Multi-language support
- Advanced analytics and forecasting
Cons:
- Expensive (hardware and licensing)
- Requires stable internet connectivity
- Limited local support in Dubai (through partners only)
Pricing: AED 600–1200/month depending on plan + hardware
4. Lightspeed (Best for Fine Dining & International Chains)
Website: lightspeedhq.com
Overview: A global POS system with strong presence in UAE, suitable for upscale restaurants and hospitality groups.
Pros:
- Highly customizable interface
- Real-time reporting and cloud access
- Multiple payment processors supported
- Employee time tracking and permissions
- Tableside ordering and integrated reservations
Cons:
- Higher cost of setup
- Requires training to use advanced features
Pricing: AED 400–700/month per terminal
5. Slant POS (Best for Startups & Small Cafés)
Website: slantco.com
Overview: Very user-friendly POS system with sleek UI, ideal for small cafés, bistros, and new restaurants.
Pros:
- Free entry-level plan
- Web and browser based and works on iPads, Android tablets and PC
- Sales tracking, inventory, table management, Kitchen Display System (KDS), loyalty and more
- Can integrate with third-party delivery and CRM
- Transparent pricing
- Multi-language with Arabic support
Cons:
- Not optimized for UAE VAT invoicing (requires add-ons)
- No built-in support team in Dubai (self-service), but has overseas teams with GCC support
Pricing: Free plan + optional paid version (AED 145/month for premium version)
6. Revel Systems (Best for Multi-Branch Chains)
Website: revelsystems.com
Overview: U.S.-based enterprise-grade POS for growing chains with multiple locations across Dubai and beyond.
Pros:
- Advanced sales reporting, loyalty, inventory, and HR tools
- Online ordering and self-service kiosks
- Franchise-level support and scalability
- Offline functionality
Cons:
- Complex setup
- Requires onboarding and training
- More suitable for large restaurants and franchises
Pricing: AED 800–1,200/month per location
7. POSist (Best for Cloud Kitchens & Fast-Food Chains)
Website: posist.com
Overview: India-based POS now widely used in the Middle East, especially in fast-growing QSRs and cloud kitchens.
Pros:
- Special modules for ghost kitchens and dark stores
- Kitchen automation tools
- Detailed sales and order source tracking
- Excellent support for online channels
Cons:
- Overkill for small dine-in cafés
- Initial configuration can be time-consuming
Pricing: AED 300–600/month
3. Comparative Analysis Table
| POS System | UAE VAT Ready | Delivery Integrations | Best For | Price (AED/month) | Local Support | Offline Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foodics | ✅ | ✅ (Talabat, Careem, Zomato) | All types | 400–600 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sapaad | ✅ | ✅ (All major apps) | Cloud kitchens & delivery | 299–499 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Toast | ✅ | Partial (via APIs) | Full-service restaurants | 600–1200 | ❌ (via partners) | ✅ |
| Lightspeed | ✅ | ✅ | Fine dining & hotel F&B | 400–700 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Slant POS | ✅ | ❌ | Startups & cafés | Free–145 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Revel | ✅ | ✅ | Franchises & large brands | 800–1200 | ✅ (via partners) | ✅ |
| POSist | ✅ | ✅ | QSRs & cloud kitchens | 300–600 | ✅ | ✅ |
4. Government & VAT Compliance in Dubai
All restaurants in Dubai must:
- Register for VAT if turnover exceeds AED 375,000/year.
- Issue tax invoices that comply with FTA rules (including TRN numbers, Arabic/English display, 5% VAT breakdown).
- Submit quarterly VAT returns through the FTA Portal.
POS systems like Foodics, Sapaad, POSist, Slant POS and Lightspeed are all FTA-compliant and can auto-generate tax invoices.
Avoid non-compliant POS systems or older local software, as they may not meet invoicing or archiving rules.
5. Final Recommendation Based on Business Type
| Restaurant Type | Recommended POS | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Restaurant | Foodics or Toast | Powerful table management, kitchen integration, multi-language support |
| Cloud Kitchen / QSR | Sapaad or POSist | Aggregator sync, strong delivery workflow, cost control |
| Startup Café or Coffee Shop | Slant POS or Sapaad | Affordable, easy to use, decent features |
| Franchise / Chain | Revel Systems or Lightspeed | Franchise controls, multi-outlet dashboards, HR & logistics tools |
| Luxury Fine Dining / Hotels | Lightspeed or Toast | Premium service experience, fine dining layout, high-end support |
| Food Truck or Kiosk | Slant POS or Foodics Go | Tablet/mobile POS, compact, offline-ready, fast setup |
Conclusion: The Best Overall POS for Restaurants in Dubai
✅ If you’re looking for the most well-rounded POS for any size restaurant in Dubai, Foodics is the best overall. It combines:
- Local compliance (FTA-ready)
- Aggregator integration
- Advanced inventory
- Arabic language
- Local support & hardware options
💡 However, if you’re a cloud kitchen or a restaurant that thrives on delivery, go for Sapaad, as its deep integration with delivery platforms gives it an edge.
For budget-conscious startups, Slant POS offers an affordable entry point with the ability to scale without all the extra add-on costs.
