Starbucks Reserve™ Ultra Premium Coffee Line Launches in the UAE

A new high-end destination to experience single-origin coffees at Shangri-La Hotel

Dubai, UAE, September 29, 2013 -- The world's leading coffee retail chain has launched the UAE's first Starbucks Reserve™ store at the Shangri-La Hotel, Abu Dhabi. The new store offers UAE's connoisseurs an opportunity to taste the range of specially selected single-origin coffees, and is also home to the unique Clover® brewing system.
Introducing a new quintessential Starbucks experience, this Reserve store is a stunningly wonderful environment filled with the tempting aromas of some of the world's finest coffees, accompanied by high-end pastries and food offerings.

Rana Shaheen, regional communications and CSR manager at Starbucks MENA, explained the passion that Starbucks brings to the project. “People who really love coffee are always searching for new sensory experiences from their favourite beverage,” she said. “With the opening of the first Starbucks Reserve™ store here in the UAE, we aim to give consumers everything their passion for coffee demands:  exquisite rare beans from exotic locations, hand selected by our master brewers for the ultimate coffee taste experience.  This opening is a very proud moment for us, and we invite anyone who loves coffee to come and taste this wonderful range.”

The Clover® brewing system uses innovative Vacuum-Press™ technology to create every cup of coffee right in front of the customer. It controls brew time and temperature digitally, as even small changes can dramatically affect the outcome of the coffee's taste, giving the customer the ultimate coffee experience.  All of Starbucks' coffees are selected for their quality and carefully roasted to bring out their individual flavours. Starbucks Reserve™ has become a home for this latest machine, offering customers a new era in the coffee industry for the first time in the UAE.

In addition to Starbucks Reserve™ coffee, the store features a sophisticated interior design inspired by Arabic motifs, in addition to a range of delicious snacks and desserts freshly baked each day to accompany the amazing beverages on offer.

Inspired by its location within the Shangri-La Hotel, the new Starbucks Reserve™ is designed in traditional Arabic style full of warm tones and organic textures that complement the hotel's theme. The indoor interior of the store is filled with Arabesque artistic expression conveyed through the souk style ceiling details, floor treatment, wall finishing and fashion function furniture which accommodates single customers and large groups. The terrace which also carries the Arabesque theme overlooks the breathtaking views of the souk canals.

More information on the Starbucks Reserve™ range can be found at www.mena.starbucks.com/en.

About StarbucksSince 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores. To learn more about Starbucks, go to mena.starbucks.com.