The Espresso Lab was founded by Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi in 2015 | Photo credit: Shamal Holding

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UAE investment firm and hospitality group Shamal Holding has acquired a majority stake in Dubai-based specialty coffee roaster The Espresso Lab for an undisclosed sum. 

Founded in 2015 by Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, The Espresso Lab currently operates a roastery in the Dubai suburb of Al Quoz alongside two cafés in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

The Espresso Lab currently sources specialty coffee from eight countries. It sells an exclusive selection of super-premium packaged coffees online from AED 300 ($81) for an Ethiopian Gesha Village to AED 930 ($253) for a Hacienda La Esmeralda Geisha from Panama. 

Shamal, also the master franchisee for US fast-food chain Five Guys in the UAE, said its investment will support The Espresso Lab’s retail and wholesale growth, including increasing roastery production capacity, which currently stands at 35 tons per month. 

“We invest in brands that embody Dubai’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence. The Espresso Lab perfectly aligns with these values, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to significant growth and a stronger market position,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO, Shamal. 

In a press release, Shamal said that The Espresso Lab will continue to be led by Al Mallouhi. 

“This partnership with Shamal is a testament to our success and reputation. We are thrilled to expand our offerings and bring the world’s finest coffee experiences to more coffee enthusiasts,” Al Mallouhi added. 

The Espresso Lab is Shamal’s second significant hospitality investment over the last 12 months after the business fully acquired high-end restaurant group Sushisamba in December 2023.  

Having held a 50% stake in the Japanese-Latin American inspired fine-dining group since 2014, the deal provided Shamal with full controlling interest of the high-end brand’s nine sites across the UK, the US, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. 

Shamal’s premium hospitality portfolio also includes the Hart Shoreditch and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotels, as well as the ultra-luxury Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai.