Nando’s, the renowned South African multinational brand known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, is deepening its investment in the UAE through a measured expansion strategy that combines new openings with targeted refurbishments across its existing portfolio.
At a time when dining brands are under increasing pressure to stay relevant in a fast moving and competitive market, Nando’s is focusing not only on expanding its footprint, but also on strengthening the customer experience across existing locations. The approach reflects a broader understanding of how the UAE’s dining landscape is evolving, with brands expected to balance accessibility, consistency and relevance across both legacy sites and emerging communities.
Over the past 23 years, Nando’s has grown into one of the UAE’s most recognised casual dining brands, now operating 24 locations across the country. That growth has been shaped by changing consumer habits, shifting residential patterns and rising expectations around dining environments, convenience and overall brand experience.
Following the recent opening of its Mall of the Emirates restaurant, Nando’s has just opened a new restaurant in DAMAC Hills 2, bringing the brand into one of Dubai’s rapidly growing residential communities. At the same time, it is investing in upgrades to parts of its existing network, including the recent revamp of its Sheikh Zayed Road restaurant, alongside planned renovations at The Greens in Dubai, Al Zeina in Abu Dhabi, and Al Qasba in Sharjah. Later this year, the Al Zeina restaurant is expected to become the first licensed Nando’s in the UAE, reflecting the brand’s continued evolution in response to changing consumer demand.
Further reinforcing its long term commitment to the UAE market, Nando’s has also recently signed a new lease in Business Bay, signalling continued confidence in the country’s leadership, vision and long term growth potential. The development also reflects how mature casual dining brands are increasingly looking beyond traditional expansion, with refurbishment, format evolution and offer enhancement becoming just as important as new openings.
“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,” said George Kunnappally, Managing Director at Nando’s UAE. “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.”
As the brand continues to invest in both new and existing locations, its current trajectory reflects a wider emphasis on sustainable growth, operational relevance and adapting to the realities of a changing dining market.
For more information about Nando’s UAE and all its locations, please visit www.nandos.ae