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Gong Cha Debuts in United Arab Emirates

The international bubble tea brand enters the UAE market as part of an expansive growth strategy across the Middle East.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Tea

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pearl milk tea cup, representing the international brand's expansion into the UAE market.
International tea chain Gong Cha has launched its first store in the United Arab Emirates, partnering with Shahia Foods Group to accelerate its Middle East expansion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Gong cha has officially opened its first store in the United Arab Emirates. This milestone marks a significant step in the company's aggressive expansion plans throughout the Middle East region.

Why it matters

The regional rollout is a central component of Gong cha's strategy to quadruple its total global footprint over the next five years. Through a strategic partnership with Shahia Foods Group, the chain aims to establish a dominant presence in local markets.

Gong cha currently operates 12 outlets across Saudi Arabia, following its regional entry in Riyadh in August 2024. The company now intends to scale operations to reach at least 300 total stores throughout the Middle East.

The players

Gong cha

This international tea chain specializes in bubble tea and operates a vast network of stores globally.

Shahia Foods Group

This organization operates as a master franchisee for major food and beverage brands, including Dunkin', within the Middle East.

The details

Gong cha enters the UAE market through a master franchise agreement with Shahia Foods Group, which also holds the license for Dunkin'. The brand previously focused its regional development on Saudi Arabia before broadening its scope to include the UAE.

Timeline

  1. January 2024: Gong cha signed a master franchise agreement with Shahia Foods Group.

  2. August 2024: The company opened its first Saudi Arabia store in Riyadh.

  3. October 2026: Gong cha made its official debut in the United Arab Emirates.

Culture Shift

The expansion follows the brand's stated goal to quadruple its global footprint over five years. This movement reflects a broader trend of international food and beverage chains aggressively targeting the Middle East to secure long-term market share.

Consumers in the UAE can expect new access to the chain's bubble tea menu as the brand establishes its physical retail footprint. The development signals an increase in retail options for those looking to purchase this specific beverage in the region.

The takeaway

The brand's rapid regional growth indicates a maturing market for bubble tea in the Middle East. Customers should watch for further store openings as the partnership between the chain and its regional licensee continues to scale.

What happens next

Gong cha is scheduled to continue its regional expansion with planned launches in Bahrain and the UAE throughout 2025.

Further reading

Learn more about the evolving market for Tea across global regions.

Source note: This article includes information reported by World Coffee Portal.

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Does the arrival of new international bubble tea chains improve dining options in your area?