USA Coffee chain Caribou Coffee's Middle Eastern Master Franchisee has launched a flagship coffee shop at the Dubai International Financial Center. The Arabian Coffee Company, owned by The Al Sayer Group of Kuwait, plans to establish the chain in 12 markets in the Middle East, with 10 outlets in Kuwait and 12 in the UAE this year. In the long term the company aims to establish 250 coffee shops over the next 10 years.

"We are extremely happy to announce the launch of our flagship coffee shop location in Dubai at the DIFC location," says Arabian Coffee Company general manager Ammar Daoud. "As a group, we are well aware of the Middle Eastern traditions and its passion for coffee drinking, it is primarily these nuances that were a great motivation factor for us to introduce the Caribou Coffee experience to the region."

Caribu Coffee Vice President, Global Franchising Christopher Rich adds: "On behalf of Caribou, I would like to thank the Al Sayer Group for their contribution towards the roll out of an extensive expansion of the Caribou Coffee chain in the Middle East where coffee enjoys a traditional significance. Since Dubai is considered the trend capital of the region, this coffee shop will enable us to lend the Caribou touch, to an age old coffee drinking tradition."