Tim Hortons Middle East CEO Hesham Almekkawi (left) and Union Coop CEO Mohamed Al Hashemi (right) | Photo credit: Tim Hortons Middle East

Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has partnered with Dubai-based Union Coop to open stores within the retail group’s shopping centre network. 
 

Writing on LinkedIn, Tim Hortons Middle East CEO Hesham Almekkawi said the coffee chain will open outlets in eight shopping centres this year before expanding across Union Coop’s 27-site estate in 2025. 

In a press release, Tim Hortons Middle East said the UAE is a vital market for its growth in the Middle East and serves as a hub for cultural exchange. The coffee chain currently operates 86 UAE outlets. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Union Coop in this exciting venture. Our shared values and commitment to the community make this collaboration a natural fit. We look forward to bringing the unique Tim Hortons experience to even more customers through Union Coop’s extensive network,” Almekkawi said. 

Founded in Ontario in 1964, Tim Hortons now operates more than 5,800 outlets across 18 markets globally. 

The coffee chain entered the Middle East in 2011 with a store in Dubai and is licensed in the region by AG Café – a joint venture between UAE-based retail conglomerate Apparel Group and investment company Gateway Partners.  

The Dubai-based franchisee currently operates 300 stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.