The Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons has entered into a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Union Coop to expand its presence across the UAE. The collaboration will see Tim Hortons opening new outlets within Union Coop’s shopping centre network.
According to Hesham Almekkawi, CEO of Tim Hortons Middle East, the coffee chain is set to launch stores in eight shopping centres this year, with plans to further expand across Union Coop’s 27 locations by 2025.
In a press release, Tim Hortons highlighted the importance of the UAE market to its growth strategy in the Middle East, noting that the country serves as a vital hub for cultural exchange. Currently, the chain operates 86 outlets within the UAE.
“We are excited to collaborate with Union Coop on this venture. Our shared values and commitment to serving the community make this partnership a natural fit. We look forward to bringing Tim Hortons’ unique experience to even more customers through Union Coop’s extensive retail network,” Almekkawi said.
Tim Hortons, founded in Ontario in 1964, now operates over 5,800 stores across 18 markets worldwide. The brand entered the Middle East in 2011 with its first store in Dubai, under the licensing of AG Café—a joint venture between UAE’s Apparel Group and investment company Gateway Partners.
AG Café now operates more than 300 stores across the GCC, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.