UK hospitality design firm Harrison opens in Dubai

International hospitality design consultancy Harrison is establishing an office in Dubai to service the growing number of projects it is spearheading across the United Arab Emirates. The Dubai office will be an addition to the company's existing offices in the UK and USA.

Harrison's Middle East headquarters will be headed up by long-serving Harrison director Jon Bentley, who has worked in the UAE for a number of years.

Bentley said: “The UAE offers tremendous potential for Harrison as we have significant international experience and can bring creative design ideas to the market fresh out of London, knowing that they will work on an operational level and inspire the ever-maturing Dubai market.

“Our global success with high profile hospitality brands such as Nando’s, Pizza Hut, Bella Italia and Giraffe demonstrates our ability to design durable and profitable hospitality venues, adapted to the varying needs and expectations of differing cultural nuances.”

Specialising in international brand rollouts as well as concept creation and development, Harrison’s Middle East clients include Meraas Holding, Al Tayer Group, Meraki, Jumeirah Group and Food Fund International.

The consultancy’s recent openings include Bentley Bistro & Bar on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi and Eat Greek restaurant at the Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai - both Food Fund International projects.

Harrison moved into the USA recently with an office in Texas, handling architectural and hospitality design projects for clients including T.G.I. Friday’s and YO! Sushi. The company has also expanded in the UK over the last five years and now employs over 40 design specialists, working with clients such as Young’s, Mango Tree, Rezidor Hotel Group, Whitbread and Delaware North, as well as the Harrods and Selfridges stores.