Chipotle expands in UAE with third Abu Dhabi restaurant

The new branch spans over 237.7 sq. m. and is located at Yas Mall.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its third restaurant in the UAE in partnership with international franchise retail operator Alshaya Group.

Located at the Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, the new restaurant spans over 237.7 sq. m. and is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time on weekdays and until 12 a.m. local time on weekends.

“We look forward to bringing Chipotle's delicious culinary offerings and menu of real ingredients to more guests throughout the Gulf region, the next being Qatar,” said Jeff Kellen, president of Hospitality at Alshaya Group.

In April of last year, Chipotle began its expansion into the Middle East with the opening of a restaurant at The Avenues, Kuwait, marking the company’s first entry into a new market in over a decade.

Since then, Alshaya Group has opened six Chipotle restaurants, three in Kuwait and three in the UAE.

A seventh location is set to open at Villaggio Mall in Doha in September, with additional restaurants planned for the UAE and Kuwait by the end of the year.

Chipotle’s existing international portfolio of owned and operated restaurants includes over 60 locations in Canada, 20 in the United Kingdom, six locations in France, and two in Germany.

In North America, the company currently owns and operates approximately 3,800 restaurants and is targeting 8 to 10% growth per year for the foreseeable future, with at least 80% including a Chipotlane.

Chipotle plans to open between 315 and 345 new restaurants this year, with a long-term target of 7,000 locations in North America.