Tealive, the well-known Malaysian bubble tea chain, is set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates. The company has signed a master franchise agreement with Dubai-based Eureka Restaurant & Café, paving the way for its first expansion into the Middle East.
The partnership will see Tealive opening five outlets across major UAE cities in 2025, beginning with a flagship store in Dubai set to launch early in the year. This venture aims to capitalize on the growing demand for bubble tea and lifestyle beverages in the region, with plans for further expansion throughout the Middle East.
Bryan Loo, CEO of Loob Holding—the parent company of Tealive—expressed excitement about the move: “The UAE’s dynamic food and beverage market is perfect for Tealive’s innovative offerings. Partnering with Eureka Restaurant & Café will allow us to blend our unique flavors with local tastes and traditions, opening new opportunities in the region.”
Founded in 2017, Tealive has rapidly grown its presence, now boasting over 1,000 locations across East Asia, including international branches in Mauritius and Canada. The UAE launch marks the chain’s strategic move to establish itself in the Middle East, where bubble tea is gaining popularity.
The expansion comes shortly after Taiwanese competitor Gong cha entered the Middle Eastern market by opening a store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of its plan to launch over 300 outlets across the region.
Eureka Restaurant & Café, the UAE partner for Tealive, is a part of the Galadari Brothers Group, which has diverse interests spanning food & beverage, technology, trading, and investments. Led by Abdulwahab Ilyas Galadari, Eureka is well-positioned to help Tealive navigate the competitive UAE market.
With the bubble tea craze continuing to grow, Tealive’s UAE expansion signals a new chapter for the brand as it aims to reach more customers and spread its vibrant lifestyle drinks across the Middle East.