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.