Waitrose today opened the first of two stores in Dubai - its first shops outside the UK.

The 55,000 sq ft store in the Dubai Mall in downtown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has been opened as part of a licencing partnership with Fine Fare Food Market (FFFM). It is located next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Dubai.

In early December, a second, 26,000sqft Waitrose store will open in the Dubai Marina Mall. Plans are already in place for more stores in the region, if suitable sites can be found and secured.

FFFM will run the daily operation of the stores, supported by the Waitrose team in the UK. Mark Price Waitrose managing director, said: “Growing our business internationally through a strong strategic partnership will support our long term growth plans.”

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