The specialty coffee chain currently operates 189 stores across 24 markets, with a growing presence in the Middle East and agreements in place to significantly scale its European store network
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The Dubai head office will be a better focal point for further international outlet growth | Photo credit: Nico Bakista
Japanese specialty coffee group % Arabica will open a new global headquarters in Dubai, UAE, this year.
The boutique coffee chain, which currently operates 189 stores across 24 markets, currently has its headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, where it opened its first flagship store in 2014.
% Arabica said the Dubai head office will provide a better focal point for further international outlet growth.
The brand currently operates 134 stores across Asia – 82 of which are in mainland China – but has focused on the Middle East and North Africa for expansion over the last 12 months, reaching 45 stores across Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The specialty coffee group has also identified Europe as its key growth market for the next 12-24 months and will ‘soon’ open stores in France, Hungary, Spain and Turkey. % Arabica also has franchise agreements in place to launch in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Russia, according to its website.