Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 February 2018 – Popular eatery and global brand wagamama, managed by RMAL Hospitality, ALFAHIM’s hospitality arm, has opened its UAE flagship restaurant at one of the world’s busiest shopping malls, The Dubai Mall, bringing the number of locations across the UAE to five, with two more planned in 2018.
wagamama was founded in London’s Bloomsbury district in 1992 with a clear purpose: to create a place for positive eating where the food satisfies the senses and the soul. It embraces a ‘kaizen’ philosophy meaning ‘good change’, constantly striving to create and make things better. This ethos has remained with the brand for more than two decades, focusing on positivity, freshness and continuous improvement.
RMAL hospitality opened the first Wagamama at Crown Plaza on Sheikh Zayed Road followed by the Greens, JBR and Palm Jumeriah in 2004, 2007 and 2015, respectively. Continuing to reinforce the brand’s ‘positive eating + positive living’ philosophy, the new wagamama in Dubai Mall serves an array of freshly cooked to order Asian-inspired food.
Signature dishes include chili squid, tossed with seven spiced shichimi, the iconic chicken katsu curry, and wagamama ramen, a house specialty and worldwide favorite since wagamama’s beginning. A selection of fresh juices, prepared to order include choices such as super green with apple mint celery and lime and raw juice with carrot, cucumber, tomato, orange and apple.
The menu which is created to soothe, nourish and inspire, includes a wide variety of both rice and noodle dishes and is also complimented by fresh salads, sharable sides, mocktails and dessert options. A mini-menu has been designed for kids ensuring that there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
ALFAHIM’s Chairman, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, said “We are pleased to have opened our fifth branch in the UAE marking an important milestone for the group in the hospitality sector. In line with our overall geographic and demographic expansion in the UAE we are also planning on growing further this year. As an Emirati conglomerate, we are committed to offering top-notch hospitality and reaffirming the UAE as an attractive touristic destination with unequivocal customer experiences for residents and visitors, alike.”
Located in the Star Atrium of the iconic mall, wagamama is within walking distance to world renowned tourist attractions, the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. It is the first wagamama restaurant in the UAE to feature the same interior design as London’s flagship branch in Covent Garden with a modern interior featuring sleek mirrors and communal tables. Comfortably seating 156 guests and spanning over 4000 square feet the restaurant also boasts an outdoor terrace.
Jihad Hazzan, COO of ALFAHIM Hospitality, added, “First and foremost, I’d like to take this valuable opportunity to thank the RMAL Hospitality team for a successful launch and for their speed in readiness operationally, all of which were done in record time. We are delighted to be celebrating another opening with our UK-based Wagamama partners with more in the pipeline in the next three to five years. Our strong relationship dates back 14 years when we opened the first UAE branch in Dubai. Combining wagamama’s innovative approach to the restaurant’s concept with ALFAHIM Hospitality’s customer-focused mindset is the winning recipe for our lasting partnership.”
The opening marks a new chapter in the wider expansion plans for the restaurant brand across the UAE and a growing presence in neighboring GCC countries. Restaurants in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are also in development for later this year.
wagamama boasts 180 restaurants across 23 countries worldwide, while the GCC count stands at a strong 11.
Elias Madbak, Director of Operations at RMAL Hospitality, franchise partner for the brand in the UAE commented: “Our strategy is to deliver world-class experiences to the UAE. The launch of our fifth wagamama at the iconic The Dubai Mall, will allow the discerning UAE public along with visiting tourists a chance to enjoy food that’s good for the soul-served quick, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The arrival of wagamama at The Dubai Mall is a significant milestone for the brand as we continue our expansion across the UAE.
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