Dubai, 23 March 2014
Fortnum & Mason, London's most celebrated store, launched its first stand-alone shop in the UAE Middle East on Thursday March 20th 2014. The new three-storey store features Fortnum & Mason's world-famous products, and offers a range of options for dining. At the launch, the company welcomed a number of local and international VIPs including the United States Ambassador to the UAE, Mr. Michael Corbin and his wife.
The new 9,400 sq ft store occupies a highly desirable site in the world's second most important retail centre. Adjacent to The Address in Downtown Dubai, Fortnum & Mason, a store that was established over 300 years ago, directly faces the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The Dubai shop is managed in conjunction with Al Khayyat Investments (AKI), which operates the Middle Eastern franchises of a number of brands in several industries.
The ground floor consists of a retail space, and is an edit of the famous Fortnum's food hall, consisting of tea, biscuits, jams, sweetmeats and chocolates. Daily in-store tastings of jam and tea will offer customers the opportunity to try Fortnum's products, making shopping there an interactive and delightful experience. The world renowned hampers are of course central to the gift offering, and customers are able to choose from a range of hampers as well as create their own with the Bespoke Hamper Service.
On the first floor is The Tea Salon. Inspired by the elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly London this is where guests may enjoy a light lunch, classic English afternoon tea and all-day dining. On the top floor is the Ice Cream Parlour, where Fortnum's famous signature ice cream, the Knickerbocker Glory, is served. Each restaurant has a large and beautiful terrace offering a bird's-eye view of the daily performances of the Dubai Mall Fountain.
'This is a momentous event in the history of Fortnum's”, said Ewan Venters, Chief Executive of Fortnum & Mason. “We have always been outward-looking by nature, and have a tradition of serving customers around the world, so when the chance came along to secure such a fabulous site in such an important destination, it was just too good to resist. We feel the mix of Fortnum's traditions and the vibrancy of Dubai will be a powerful combination. Also, there's the fact that tea, for which Fortnum's is renowned, is the drink of choice for many people in the Middle East. We are also pleased to be working with AKI, who have a strong reputation for delivering high-quality customer experience in the region.'
Jonathan Knight, CEO of the Retail Division of Al Khayyat Investments (AKI), added: 'We are privileged to be working with Fortnum & Mason in establishing its first store overseas. Fortnum & Mason is recognised worldwide for offering luxury products and services, and we are thrilled that these are now available to residents of Dubai and the UAE, and to the millions of visitors to the area. We look forward to a strong and enduring relationship with Fortnum & Mason.'
The company opened its second store in Britain in November last year, having previously operated a single outlet for the preceding 307 years. Founded by a footman to Queen Anne in 1707 in the exclusive London neighbourhood of Piccadilly,- Fortnum's has had a long association with the Royal Households and is today the proud holder of two Royal Warrants for Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales.
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