Pret currently has three stores in the UAE, including two at its Dubai international airport | Photo credit: Emirates Leisure Retail

Pret A Manger has announced plans to grow its presence in the United Arab Emirates with up to 20 new stores ‘in the years ahead’ as part of an agreement with long-term franchise partner Emirates Leisure Retail. 
 

The Emirates Group subsidiary currently operates over 300 cafés, restaurants and bars across the Middle East, Australia, Asia, America and Africa. 

Pret currently has three stores in the United Arab Emirates, including two at Dubai international airport, which are operated by Emirates Leisure Retail.  

The announcement marks further progress in Pret’s aim to double the size of the business within five years and a second foray into the Middle East region following an agreement last year with the Kuwaiti franchise group One PM Franchising. 

The coffee and food-to-go chain has also formed franchise agreements with A&W in Canada, Ibersol Group in Spain and Portugal, Carebrook Partnership Ltd in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as reported discussion with Reliance Retail to enter the Indian market. 

“We have a long-standing relationship with Emirates Leisure Retail, who have helped the Pret brand go from strength to strength in the Middle East. This new partnership builds on the great work achieved to date and is a further vote of confidence in the Pret brand across the globe. Together, we hope to bring Pret’s freshly made food and organic coffee to even more people in the region,” said Pano Christou, CEO, Pret A Manger. 

Pret A Manger first entered the UAE market in 2016. The company expects to open in Kuwait in 2022.