McDonald's to open 100 outlets in MidEast in 2012

McDonald's is expected to open around 100 new outlets in the Middle East in 2012, with a focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to Caterer on the sidelines of a conference at Gulfood today, Yousif Abdulghani, managing director of McDonalds ME Development Company said: "We're growing by 10-15% each year, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE having the biggest growth potential."

He added that the fast-food firm would not be entering any new markets within the region this year as it was focusing on "growing from within".

During the "Adapting your brand" conference, Abdulghani revealed that McDonalds had 833 restaurants in 17 markets in the Middle East and Africa region at the end of 2011.

"Our growth in this region shows the huge potential of quick-service restaurants here," said Abdulghani.