Jollibee Expands UAE Presence With 25 Outlets By 2020

Jollibee, Philippines’ leading fast food chain, is expanding its presence across the UAE to reach 25 outlets in the country by 2020. In line with its strategic launch plan, the brand has recently opened its 12th store in Al Ain Mall and it is set to open two more outlets over the next quarter at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Mall and Dubai’s Deira City Centre.

The opening of the new outlets falls in line with the brand’s vision to expand its presence across the GCC. As such, the UAE plays a significant role in the company’s regional development plan and translates Jollibee’s commitment to the region as a vital growth market.

In an aim to further cater to the Gulf, Jollibee has also widened the scope of its menu options to ensure it satisfies the diverse palates of the UAE. Jollibee has introduced new offerings that include the double patty beef burger, the spicy chicken burger and spicy chicken tenders, in addition to its regular serving of their flagship products Chickenjoy and Jolly spaghetti.

“The UAE is a key expansion market for the brand, ever since we launched our first outlet in Dubai Mall in 2015. As we continue to grow, our commitment to offer diverse choices and optimum value for money remains firm,” commented Mr. Hisham Al Gurg, CEO, Jollibee UAE. “The awareness of the brand in the UAE is increasing rapidly. The launch of the new restaurants is driven by strong demand from customers, thereby bringing the brand closer, not only to the larger Filipino community present in the country, but also to several other nationalities, which we hope will now have the opportunity to experience a new culinary delight.”

An essential area of growth for the fast food chain is the soon-to-be launched chatbot ordering under the brand name of “Bee Talks”. Customers will be able to place their orders with the ease of a click via Jollibee’s Facebook Messenger or through their mobile browsers for home deliveries.

“We remain dedicated to supporting the growth of the F&B sector, particularly the quick service restaurants segment in the country, with the launch of several additional restaurants over the coming years and by generating outstanding innovations within the sector to help contribute to the UAE’s mission of building a prosperous economy”, Mr. Al Gurg added.

The GCC food and beverage industry is expected to continue to grow at 7.1 per cent annually, reaching USD 196 billion by 2021, from the current USD 130 billion, according to MENA Research Partners. Jollibee aims to be a leader in the sector for quick service restaurants in the region and contribute to the ever-growing demand from regional consumers. A number of factors, including favorable demographics, evolving lifestyles and broadening taste palates, will provide it with innumerable growth opportunities as they are crucial drivers that are anticipated to boost the industry.

Jollibee’s expansion plans in the UAE follow the brand’s ambitious overseas growth goals, as it plans to venture into new markets, such as the United Kingdom this year. The brand has also recently teamed up with Coca Cola as its beverage partner, adding to its range of drinks for summer to ensure greater customer satisfaction.

Jollibee was launched in 2015 in the UAE, where it operates under Golden Bee restaurants Pvt. Ltd. The Filipino chain has 39 outlets in the GCC, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.