Hummingbird launches into ME with Dubai Mall store

The Hummingbird Bakery has announced expansion plans across the Middle East with the first branch opening at The Dubai Mall, Dubai on 25 September 2012.

The American bakery, which opened its first branch on Portobello Road in London in 2004, has signed an agreement with Daud Arabian which will see more than 20 Hummingbird’s open over the next ten years in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon and Egypt.

Tarek Malouf, founder of The Hummingbird Bakery, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to now be in the final stages of becoming an international brand. Since opening our first bakery on Portobello Road in London back in 2004, it has always been our mission to bring American baking to London. This is something we have achieved. We now look forward to the exciting challenge of bringing The Hummingbird Bakery’s brand of high quality American baking to the world.”

Daud Arabian is a subsidiary of The Daud Group of Oman. It was selected as The Hummingbird Bakery’s preferred franchise partner on the basis of its wealth of experience in bringing a diverse selection of internationally recognised casual dining brands to the Middle East & India. The Daud Group’s portfolio of brands include California Pizza Kitchen, YO! Sushi, Morelli’s Gelato, Gourmet Burger Kitchen,Trader Vic’s, and Pinkberry.

Sami Daud, CEO, said: “We always seek to invest in brands that we see substantial, ready-made opportunities for within the Middle East; The Hummingbird Bakery is no exception. The company offers something completely unique both in terms of the character of the brand and the exceptionally high quality of its products.

“The Hummingbird Bakery already benefits from widespread awareness amongst our target audiences thanks to its great locations across London and excellent reputation. We are proud to be adding the brand to our portfolio.”