Tasti D-Lite signed a master franchise agreement for the United Arab Emirates. The country’s first Tasti D-Lite Center will open in Dubai in the first quarter of 2010, soon to be followed by an opening in Abu Dhabi and an additional 12 locations in the coming years.

Tasti D-Lite UAE—operated by brothers and joint managing directors Saeed Kalafchi and Masoud Kalafchi—is the master franchisee who will introduce and expand the Tasti D-Lite brand in the United Arab Emirates. The Kalafchis have been involved in managing a number of their family business activities in trading, retail, distribution, and manufacturing across the Gulf region, employing more than 1,000 people. Following the openings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, additional centers will be opened in both cities as well as Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

“The healthy food segment is definitely very attractive and Tasti D-Lite has a strong and unique offering to fill that niche,” says Saeed Kalafchi. “We want everyone in the U.A.E. to experience Tasti D-Lite and with our capabilities, coupled with Tasti D-Lite’s management and operational experience, we plan to roll out new locations as quickly as possible.”

“We are extremely excited to be entering the United Arab Emirates with a franchisee group with great business experience and a true passion for Tasti D-Lite,” says Jim Amos, Tasti D-Lite’s chairman and CEO. “The U.A.E. has become a hot market for light frozen desserts and we’re confident that Saeed and Masoud will capitalize on this opportunity and build the same kind of loyal customer following for our healthier treats in that market as Tasti D-Lite has built in the U.S.”