USA: McDonald’s to open 100 new outlets in Middle East

NEW YORK, Feb 21 — The burger wars that have been playing out in North America, pitting fast food giants against mid-sized brands, are poised to be repeated in the Middle East.

At the largest food trade fair in the Middle East, Gulfood, it was revealed that McDonald’s is expected to open 100 new outlets this year with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, reported HotelierMiddleEast.com on February 20.

Currently, the Golden Arches has 833 restaurants in 17 markets in the Middle East and Africa – a growth rate of between 10 to 15 per cent every year.

Meanwhile, US-based burger chain Smashburger also announced plans to add another 50 to 70 outlets in the Middle East this year as part of a larger strategy to become an international presence.

Popular New York burger institution Shake Shack in Madison Square Garden also recently opened its first international outposts, with locations in Dubai and Kuwait City. — AFP-Relaxnews