Russo’s is at it again in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).

Launching off of its meteoric growth across the region, Russo’s New York Pizzeria announced a signed franchise agreement in the U.A.E. The chef-driven, Houston-based Italian restaurant brand known worldwide for its fresh ingredients has signed the agreement with its well-established U.A.E. restaurant developer and operator, Prime Hospitality. The new restaurant is slated to open in early 2016 at Dubai’s Silicon Oasis, the sleek and futuristic home of Dubai’s rising tech industry.

“Russo’s New York Pizzeria is already becoming a household name in the UAE. We’re bringing the very best of traditional Italian fare and spreading it across the country with a trendy and family-friendly atmosphere,” says founder and CEO Chef Anthony Russo. “Silicon Oasis is leading the charge of tech companies in the UAE, and Russo’s is proud to be an original part of this state-of-the-art community. We will be the first to give Silicon Oasis hand-crafted New York-style pizza and hand-made pastas, soups, salads, and sandwiches, in a cozy yet luxurious setting.”

The Silicon Oasis location will feature a warm, friendly environment with modern design elements Chef Anthony has created for his locations around the globe. This will reflect the advanced design of Silicon Oasis, the mixed-use technology park of the future. The development boasts one of the most developed infrastructures in the region and a precisely planned economic ecosystem built to strengthen business in the area.

Russo’s Restaurants brings its proven concept and menu innovation to Silicon Oasis, blending generations of the Russo’s family Italian recipes. Through Chef Anthony’s handpicked ingredients and a commitment to research and development, the brand has continued to stay ahead of culinary trends. A prime example is the development of a full line of gluten-free pizzas and pastas—a sincere response to the request for great-tasting, gluten-free menu selections from health-conscious families and thousands living with celiac disease worldwide.

“Chef Anthony’s focus is on his authentic Italian recipes that he has painstakingly perfected to adapt to the region, featuring fresh, local seafood, Halal meats, risotto and saffron, truffle mushroom soup, eggplant pizza, gnocchi pasta, and Mediterranean-influenced dips and spreads,” says international franchise development manager Suzanne Boyadjian. “Our delicious food coupled with Chef Anthony’s custom-designed interior and the seasoned management team of our franchise partner is sure to culminate in exceptional guest service and great success at our Silicon Oasis location.”

Silicon Oasis marks the next step in Russo’s bold initiative to open 28 locations across the Middle East. The family-focused original Italian concept has established an ever-growing presence in the U.A.E. Locations have opened in Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, Sahara Centre in Sharjah, and Jumeirah Centre and The Greens in Dubai. The Russo’s brand will continue to open new franchised locations and expand further across the region.

Russo’s Restaurants offers a rare franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in proven brands that are entirely chef created, chef inspired and chef driven. Russo’s New York Pizzeria is the only authentic New York-style pizzeria as a franchise concept. “We have a bold plan in place for the next three years. Russo’s is on course to add 30 restaurants, more than doubling our number of domestic and international locations,” said Jim Carr, director of franchise development for Russo’s Restaurants. “The Middle East is just the beginning. We are hosting initial talks with developers throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Far East, and our domestic expansion continues to flourish.”