The leading brand in Saudi Arabia’s coffee shop market faces increasing competition from local operators, while benefiting from a pause in expansion by its US-based competitor, Starbucks.
The US coffee chain Dunkin’ has achieved a significant milestone, opening its 800th store in Saudi Arabia with its franchise partner, Shahia Food Limited Company.
Since opening its first branch in the Al-Olaya district of Riyadh in 1986, Dunkin’ has continued to grow, with the latest outlet located in the Al-Arid residential area of Riyadh.
Dunkin’ has seen rapid growth in recent years. By October 2012, the brand had 100 stores in Saudi Arabia, and in December 2022, it reached 600 locations, following the opening of 30 stores in a single day in October of that year.
Despite Dunkin’s leading position, local competitors, including Jeddah-based Barn’s with 775 stores, as well as Kyan Coffee, Coffee Address, and Overdose, are catching up quickly.
Starbucks, Dunkin’s US rival, reached 400 stores in Saudi Arabia by July 2023, with its regional franchise partner Alshaya Group announcing plans to expand further. However, Starbucks has slowed its expansion due to ongoing customer boycotts over its perceived stance on the Gaza conflict. Despite this, Saudi Arabia remains its largest market in the Middle East with 488 locations.
Dunkin’, part of Inspire Brands, operates more than 13,700 outlets across 40 countries, including around 1,000 stores across nine MENA markets.