Arby's recently unveiled a development agreement with Shahia Foods Limited Company to expand in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement marks Arby’s first entry into the Middle Eastern nation, according to a Jan. 27 press release.
"We are thrilled to expand our strong relationship with Shahia Foods to bring Arby's premium meat stacks to guests across Saudi Arabia," said Michael Haley, president and managing director of International for Inspire Brands. "As a fast-growing region with the potential for hundreds of Arby's locations, the Middle East is an important cornerstone in the next chapter of the brand's global expansion. We are confident in Arby's runway for continued growth across the region and beyond."
Founded in 1964, Arby’s is the second-largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world, the release stated. The agreement is scheduled to take effect later this year.
"Arby's differentiated market positioning and convenient guest experience are a perfect complement to our thriving Dunkin' business," said Saud Abdullah Al Athel, Shahia Foods Limited Company CEO, in the release.
Shahia Foods operates more than 500 Dunkin' locations across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Germany and plans to expand further, according to the release.
"With a wide variety of delicious meat stacks served fresh every day, the brand is uniquely positioned to meet local preferences and will resonate strongly with Saudi guests," said Abdullah Al Athel.
Arby's operates more than 3,500 restaurants worldwide, including locations in Canada, Mexico, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, and Egypt, the release stated.