Nando’s is pressing ahead with new restaurant openings alongside a programme of refurbishments across its existing portfolio, as the South African chain looks to deepen its footprint in the UAE’s dining market
The brand, which has operated in the UAE for 23 years, now runs 24 locations across the country. Its latest opening is in DAMAC Hills 2, one of Dubai’s growing residential communities, following a recent launch at Mall of the Emirates.
Nando’s has also signed a new lease in Business Bay, signalling its intent to extend its presence in the emirate.
Alongside new openings, Nando’s is channelling investment into parts of its existing network. The Sheikh Zayed Road restaurant has already undergone a revamp, with further renovations planned at The Greens in Dubai, Al Zeina in Abu Dhabi, and Al Qasba in Sharjah.
Nando’s UAE expansion: New sites, revamped restaurants and a licensed first for Al Zeina
The Al Zeina site is expected to reach another milestone later this year, when it is set to become the first licensed Nando’s restaurant in the UAE – a development the brand says reflects changing consumer demand.
“Over the past two decades, we have seen the UAE dining landscape grow and evolve in incredible ways, and Nando’s has grown alongside it. From new openings to revitalising some of our most iconic restaurants, our focus remains on creating welcoming spaces where guests can enjoy great food and great moments together. The next chapter of our journey is about bringing Nando’s experience even closer to communities across the country,” George Kunnappally, Managing Director at Nando’s UAE said in a statement.
The strategy reflects a pattern emerging across the sector, where established casual dining brands are placing as much emphasis on refurbishment and format evolution as they are on opening new sites.
Rising expectations around dining environments, convenience and consistency are driving operators to look at their existing estates with fresh eyes, rather than relying solely on expansion to remain relevant.
Nando’s trajectory in the UAE – from its first site to a 24-location network – has been shaped by shifts in residential patterns and consumer habits over more than two decades.
The brand’s current approach, balancing new community locations with upgrades to legacy sites, suggests it is positioning itself for the next phase of that journey with a focus on operational relevance and sustainable growth.
