First Waitrose store opens in the Middle East

Waitrose will unveil its first store outside the UK at the Dubai Mall. Located on the Lower Ground level, the 55,300ft² store is currently the largest supermarket in the Downtown Burj Dubai area.

Waitrose entered into a licensing agreement with Fine Fare Food Market LLC to open the store at The Dubai Mall and the second Waitrose store will open at the Dubai Marina Mall, which is currently under construction and expected to open towards the end of this year.

"Waitrose has tremendous brand equity, and will appeal to a wide spectrum of shoppers. The opening of Waitrose is a reflection of The Dubai Mall's objective of bringing in as many unique shopping experiences as possible to the city," said Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall.

Waitrose at The Dubai Mall has been designed by London-based design consultancy Kinnersley Kent Design to reflect the ambience of a Waitrose supermarket in Britain.

The store will offer an assortment of Waitrose branded products in addition to locally sourced products, with features including its delicatessen, cheese, fresh fish, meat, patisserie and hot food counters, and it will only sell Halal-certified food in the main store arena.

The store features a fully-functional scratch bakery, interactive butchery, fishmongers and a market-style fresh fruit and vegetable area, and it also carries a selected range of John Lewis non-food products.

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