London's Zuma plans to open Abu Dhabi restaurant

Zuma, the iconic London restaurant, has announced plans to bring the brand to Abu Dhabi by the end of 2013.

Rainer Becker, co-founder and creator of Zuma, which has successfully launched six outposts at the wound the world, including Dubai, will open in the UAE capital in late 2013, a statement said.

It added that further launches in the Middle East were likely as the region was a "key expansion market for the company".

The announcement comes in conjunction with further expansion into New York early 2014.

"The opening of Zuma Abu Dhabi is the result of the restaurants incredible popularity in the Middle East and this new addition to the Abu Dhabi restaurant scene will take a similar pioneering approach to that of the launch of Zuma Dubai," the statement said.

The new restaurant will be located on Sowwah Square on Al Maryah Island, in the heart of Abu Dhabi's new Central Business District.

Taking successful elements from Dubai, Zuma Abu Dhabi will offer guests a dedicated valet and entrance from its surrounding venues with a private glass elevator to bring guests down into the main dining room.

Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi will be set on one floor but will still incorporate distinct lounge, bar and restaurant areas along with a small semi-private dining room.

The bar and lounge will also feature a DJ counter with live entertainment in the evenings.

Zuma Dubai was the first destination restaurant to open in the DIFC and was ranked 83rd in the World's Best Restaurant Awards 2012.

Last year, Dubai’s Zuma restaurant said it sourced the largest truffle to be imported to the UAE weighing in at 349g, with a market value of AED52,350 ($14,251).