Maui Wowi Hawaiian announced today it has expanded into the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the signing of a new master franchise
agreement with Dubai Enterprises LLC. The agreement extends the Maui Wowi
Hawaiian brand to a new region of the globe.
    Dubai Enterprises, led by Partner and General Manager Yahya Almazrouei, is a
diversified real estate development firm ($20 million USD portfolio) that also
owns and operates franchises and distributorships in a number of industries.
The company’s restaurant interests are managed by
Director of Operations Khaled Shokry. Mr. Shokry is a 20-year veteran of the
food and beverage industry, with experience gained through leadership positions
at Yum International (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell) and Fired Up Inc. (Johnny
Carino’s).
    Maui Wowi met Mr. Shokry at the U.S. Franchise Development
Conference which took place in Cairo, Egypt,
on October 24-25, 2007.
The objective of the conference, sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service and Egypt’s International Economic Forum, was to introduce new
American franchise concepts to countries in the region.
    Dubai Enterprises intends to open its own chain of Maui Wowi retail outlets
as well as to sell its own sub-franchises to entrepreneurs throughout the UAE.
The first locations are anticipated to open on Sheikh
Zayad Road in the heart of Dubai’s business and hotel district and
in the Emirates Mall. Future locations under consideration include the Dubai
Mall and Metro Dubai train stations.
    Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the only one-stop destination for authentic Hawaiian
products outside the fiftieth state. In addition to serving premium Hawaiian
Kona-blend coffee, espresso, and cappuccino, as well as its healthy fruit
smoothie drinks, Maui Wowi stores and free-standing units offer a full
selection of genuine Hawaiian lifestyle merchandise.
    Maui Wowi Hawaiian is known for its Aloha Spirit, adhering to the values of
family, harmony, and balanced living. The company is committed to an
environmentally-aware philosophy that abides by the principles of sustainable
living.
    United Arab Emirates
is a highly developed economic power with the world’s
fifth highest per capita GDP. Less than 20 percent of its population of 4.44
million are UAE citizens, making the country one of the most diverse on the
planet. Its highly educated residents enjoy food on-the-go—in
fact, “consumer ready”
products account for 75 percent of all retail food sold.