Sheikh Mohammed Saud Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department, today inaugurated the 40th outlet of Dunkin' Donuts at the Qanat Al Qasba, the popular leisure and entertainment destination in Sharjah.
With the opening of this outlet, Dunkin' Donuts - the world's largest coffee and baked goods chain with a sizeable presence in the Middle East and North Africa region - has once again demonstrated its commitment to the region, for which it has an investment outlay of more than AED10 million spread over the next three years.
Mr. David Rodgers, General Manager, Dunkin’ Donuts, said: “For this year alone we have lined up more than 15 new outlets as our products continue to expand their appeal in the region. Within a decade of commencing operations in the UAE, we have become one of the most established players in the coffee and donuts sector, catering to a multi-national community of customers across the UAE; all of whom appreciate the superior quality of ingredients we insist on using within our products.”
“As our Asian operations maintain the tempo, we foresee the Middle East and North Africa region too offers tremendous potential for our business. With booming economies and the consequent fast-growing retail sector, the increase in annual per capita retail spend in this region is expected to touch US$ 8,400 by 2010, from the current US$3,500. This is against comparable figures of US$ 12,000 per annum in the United States and US$ 8,000 for Europe, latest industry estimates suggest,” remarked Mr. Rodgers.
“Dubai is already experiencing a retail boom and is estimated to see a 209 per cent growth in retail space to 4.25 million m² by the end of the decade, say industry statistics. Thus the potential for retail outlets and food chain franchises including Dunkin’ Donuts is enormous in the coming years,” pointed out Mr. Rodgers.
The Qanat Al Qasba was reopened to the public in April 2005 following extensive redevelopment and is a popular community location for both UAE residents and visitors; featuring canals, restaurants and cafés and a 300-seat theatre. The chief landmark of Qanat Al Qasba is the ‘Eye of the Emirates’ - the highest observatory wheel in the region, which offers stunning panoramic views.
Dunkin’ Donuts outlet at Qanat Al Qasba will serve the entire brand’s specialties; including a complete menu of internationally recognized coffee, donuts and iced beverages. It will also serve items customized to suit regional taste preferences.
At the end of fiscal 2006, there were over 7,000 Dunkin' Donuts outlets worldwide generating total system-wide sales of US$4.7 billion. Across the company’s UAE stores, celebrations are also planned to mark its 10th year of operations within the Emirates. Several promotions and other initiatives have been lined up to commemorate this anniversary, which occurs in May.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
