FAB Group aims to lead in hospitality, dining and branding innovation across MENA

FAB Group, a new lifestyle and culinary venture created by UAE-based investment and development company DEAL Holdings, plans to launch popular boutique brands featuring Michelin-star talent from the UK and Europe across the MENA region, while also creating immersive culinary and lifestyle experiences.

FAB Group is committed to opening a minimum of 25 locations in the UAE over the next five years, with additional flagship destinations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and the Red Sea.

Along with enhancing the region's growing reputation as a global culinary hub, the launch of FAB Group will support local talent, providing access to employment opportunities with roughly 800 jobs set to be created in the UAE alone over the next five years, and more across the wider GCC.

Andrew Cullen, FAB Group Regional F&B Director said: "Over the course of the next few months, we will be making some hugely exciting announcements which will significantly enhance the region's F&B offerings and redefine how the industry is perceived both on a regional and global level.

"The Middle East is already widely regarded as a leader in this space, with many of the world's biggest brands now operating in the region. Our ambition is to build on the fantastic work which has already been carried out and strengthen MENA's global status."

Abdalla Al'Mheiri, DEAL Holdings CEO added: "We are thrilled to introduce FAB Group to the Middle East market, marking a significant moment for the region's hospitality sector, which continues to thrive.

"Created by DEAL Holdings, FAB Group has big ambitions, and we are fully committed to making strategic investment, enabling the brand to evolve with a clear direction while achieving its long-term objectives."

FAB Group's portfolio will span fine dining, contemporary cuisine, café culture, nightlife, wellness concepts, and luxury brand collaborations. Several flagship projects are already in development and will be announced in the coming months.

A major investment and development company, DEAL Holdings boasts a substantial number of branded residences, hospitality projects and commercial real estate across the MENA region.

Frozen yogurt brand TCBY signs new Qatar agreement

TCBY, the frozen yogurt brand, has announced a new multi-unit franchise development agreement with Sterling Restaurants, a subsidiary of the Al Muftah Group.

The company has over four decades of experience managing TCBY locations in Qatar and deep ties to the region's business landscape, while Al Muftah Group has been a cornerstone of Qatar's economy for over 60 years. 

Under the agreement, Sterling Restaurants plans to open more than 10 new TCBY locations across Qatar within the next five years. While this agreement currently focuses on TCBY, there is potential to introduce TCBY's sister brand, Mrs. Fields Cookies, in the future. 

Initial stores are slated for high-profile areas in prominent malls, with the first opening anticipated in 2025. 

TCBY, under Famous Brands International, is owned by Pearl Street Equity, a US-based single-family office.

UAE halal food and beverage market to surpass US$5.5 billion by 2022

The UAE Halal Food & Beverages Market By Product Type (Meat Products, Beverages, Bakery, Candy & Chocolate), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online & Others), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012-2022 report, published February 2018 by TechSci Research, has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

According to the report, the UAE halal food and beverage market is expected to surpass US$5.5 billion by 2022.

Increasing Muslim population, rising per capita income and growing e-commerce are among the major factors boosting demand for halal food products in the UAE. Rising acceptance for halal food among non-Muslims, stringent import and export regulations and policies regarding halal food and beverages, and rising standards of food quality are further anticipated to spur growth in this market during the forecast period.

Some of the major players operating in UAE halal food and beverage market include Al Islami Foods, Amana Foods, One Foods Holdings, Khazan Meat Factory, Al Kabeer Group ME, Albatha, Midamar, Prairie Halal Foods, JM Foods, Al Rawdah, Nestlé Dubai Manufacturing, Agthia, Americana Group, and Aujan Industries Company.