Baja Fresh Mexican Grill announced the grand opening of its first international location at the entrance of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The new, 900-square-foot restaurant is owned and operated by 12-year industry veteran Khalil Asfour of Vetra Investments. Asfour also owns and operates a number of other concepts and has secured the rights to develop Baja Fresh’s sister brand La Salsa, with plans to open its first location in Dubai later in 2010.

“I am very excited to introduce the distinctive flavors of Baja Fresh to the sophisticated Dubai market,” Asfour says. “The excellent food and service of the Baja Fresh concept is a great mach to the Dubai quality of living.”

“We are confident that our newest restaurant will be a great addition to the culturally diverse pallets of the city’s residents and guests,” says Baja Fresh president Charles Rink. “We are proud to welcome Khalil Asfour as our first international franchisee. We look forward to future growth in Dubai, and other international locations.”