\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAug 30, 2026\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Taco Bell is preparing to re-enter the United Arab Emirates after a 14-year absence, following a new agreement with Americana Restaurants that also sets the stage for expansion into other Gulf markets. The deal, announced on Sunday, was reported by The National.<\/p>\n
Americana Restaurants has signed an exclusive development agreement with Taco Bell UK and Europe, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, to relaunch the chain in the UAE before a phased rollout across the Gulf region. This marks Americana’s entry into the Mexican-inspired quick-service restaurant segment and builds on its long-standing relationship with Yum! Brands, as Americana already operates KFC and Pizza Hut in several regional markets.<\/p>\n
Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Americana Restaurants, said in a statement that Taco Bell is a brand that appeals to a generation seeking flavor, value, and a bit of attitude. He added that Dubai embraces bold concepts and that the company would start there, perfect its approach, and then scale the brand across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council.<\/p>\n
The companies have not yet announced an opening date or location for the first restaurant. Taco Bell first entered the UAE in 2008 but withdrew in 2012, without a detailed public explanation. A 2025 case study by Ivey Publishing attributed the exit to strategic misalignments and intense competition from established brands. The study also noted that the UAE market has evolved significantly since then, with a growing expatriate population and increased appetite for Mexican cuisine.<\/p>\n
The arrival of Chipotle Mexican Grill in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2024, managed by Alshaya Group, could serve as a precedent. Alshaya, a Kuwait-based franchise operator, has brought several major American brands to the Middle East. Americana and Taco Bell are positioning the UAE as the launchpad for a broader regional push, citing the country’s diverse population, vibrant food culture, and openness to new concepts.<\/p>\n
Taco Bell, founded by Glen Bell in Downey, California, in 1962, is one of the largest Mexican-inspired fast-food chains in the US. Its menu features American takes on tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos, along with signature items like the Crunchwrap Supreme. The brand has built a strong following among younger consumers in the US, with its Live Mas tagline introduced in 2012 reflecting a shift toward a food experience. Globally, Taco Bell operates more than 9,000 restaurants, including over 1,200 across about 40 markets outside the US.<\/p>\n
Taco Bell also has another connection to the UAE: Mubadala Capital, an Abu Dhabi-based asset manager, acquired K-MAC Enterprises, one of the largest Taco Bell franchisees in the US, in 2021. K-MAC operates more than 350 Taco Bell restaurants across 10 US states.<\/p>\n
Sean Tresvant, chief executive of Taco Bell, expressed excitement about continuing the brand’s international momentum in the UAE and connecting with a new generation of fans. Taco Bell will join Americana’s extensive portfolio of restaurant brands, which includes KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Peet’s Coffee, Wimpy, TGI Fridays, Costa Coffee, Baskin-Robbins, and Chicken Tikka, among others. Americana operates across 12 countries and describes itself as the region’s largest out-of-home dining and quick-service restaurant operator.<\/p>\n
\t\t1. INTRODUCTION<\/p>\n
Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tREPORT DESCRIPTION
\n\t\t\t\tRESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
\n\t\t\t\tDATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
\n\t\t\t\tGLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS<\/p>\n
\t\t2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<\/p>\n
A Quick Overview of Market Performance<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tKEY FINDINGS
\n\t\t\t\tMARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO<\/p>\n
\t\t3. MARKET OVERVIEW<\/p>\n
Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tMARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tCONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tMARKET FORECAST TO 2035<\/p>\n
\t\t4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION<\/p>\n
Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tTOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
\n\t\t\t\tBEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
\n\t\t\t\tMOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
\n\t\t\t\tMOST TRADED PRODUCTS
\n\t\t\t\tMOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT<\/p>\n
\t\t5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES<\/p>\n
Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tTOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
\n\t\t\t\tTOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
\n\t\t\t\tTOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
\n\t\t\t\tLOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES<\/p>\n
\t\t6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS<\/p>\n
Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tTOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
\n\t\t\t\tTOP CONSUMING MARKETS
\n\t\t\t\tUNSATURATED MARKETS
\n\t\t\t\tTOP IMPORTING MARKETS
\n\t\t\t\tMOST PROFITABLE MARKETS<\/p>\n
\t\t7. PRODUCTION<\/p>\n
The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tPRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tPRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)<\/p>\n
\t\t8. IMPORTS<\/p>\n
The Largest Import Supplying Countries<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tIMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tIMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tIMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)<\/p>\n
\t\t9. EXPORTS<\/p>\n
The Largest Destinations for Exports<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tEXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tEXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tEXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012\u20132025) AND FORECAST (2026\u20132035)<\/p>\n
\t\t10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS<\/p>\n
The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles<\/p>\n
11. COUNTRY PROFILES<\/p>\n
The Largest Markets And Their Profiles<\/p>\n
This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition
\n PRO<\/p>\n
11.1<\/p>\n
United States<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.2<\/p>\n
China<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.3<\/p>\n
Japan<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.4<\/p>\n
Germany<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.5<\/p>\n
United Kingdom<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.6<\/p>\n
France<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.7<\/p>\n
Brazil<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.8<\/p>\n
Italy<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.9<\/p>\n
Russian Federation<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.10<\/p>\n
India<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.11<\/p>\n
Canada<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.12<\/p>\n
Australia<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.13<\/p>\n
Republic of Korea<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.14<\/p>\n
Spain<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.15<\/p>\n
Mexico<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.16<\/p>\n
Indonesia<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.17<\/p>\n
Netherlands<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.18<\/p>\n
Turkey<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.19<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.20<\/p>\n
Switzerland<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.21<\/p>\n
Sweden<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.22<\/p>\n
Nigeria<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.23<\/p>\n
Poland<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.24<\/p>\n
Belgium<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.25<\/p>\n
Argentina<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.26<\/p>\n
Norway<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.27<\/p>\n
Austria<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.28<\/p>\n
Thailand<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.29<\/p>\n
United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.30<\/p>\n
Colombia<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.31<\/p>\n
Denmark<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.32<\/p>\n
South Africa<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.33<\/p>\n
Malaysia<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.34<\/p>\n
Israel<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.35<\/p>\n
Singapore<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.36<\/p>\n
Egypt<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.37<\/p>\n
Philippines<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.38<\/p>\n
Finland<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.39<\/p>\n
Chile<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.40<\/p>\n
Ireland<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.41<\/p>\n
Pakistan<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.42<\/p>\n
Greece<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.43<\/p>\n
Portugal<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.44<\/p>\n
Kazakhstan<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.45<\/p>\n
Algeria<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.46<\/p>\n
Czech Republic<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.47<\/p>\n
Qatar<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.48<\/p>\n
Peru<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.49<\/p>\n
Romania<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports<\/p>\n
11.50<\/p>\n
Vietnam<\/p>\n
Market SizeProductionImportsExports
\n\t\tLIST OF TABLES<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tKey Findings In 2025
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Value: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tPer Capita Consumption, by Country, 2022\u20132025
\n\t\t\t\tProduction, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImport Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExport Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)<\/p>\n
\t\tLIST OF FIGURES<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\tMarket Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Value: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tConsumption, by Country, 2025
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Volume Forecast to 2035
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Value Forecast to 2035
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Size and Growth, By Product
\n\t\t\t\tAverage Per Capita Consumption, By Product
\n\t\t\t\tExports and Growth, By Product
\n\t\t\t\tExport Prices and Growth, By Product
\n\t\t\t\tProduction Volume and Growth
\n\t\t\t\tExports and Growth
\n\t\t\t\tExport Prices and Growth
\n\t\t\t\tMarket Size and Growth
\n\t\t\t\tPer Capita Consumption
\n\t\t\t\tImports and Growth
\n\t\t\t\tImport Prices
\n\t\t\t\tProduction, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tProduction, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tProduction, by Country, 2025
\n\t\t\t\tProduction, In Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tImport Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2025
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExports, In Value Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)
\n\t\t\t\tExport Prices, By Country: Historical Data (2012\u20132025) and Forecast (2026\u20132035)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Aug 30, 2026 Taco Bell is preparing to re-enter the United Arab Emirates after a 14-year absence, following a new agreement with Americana Restaurants that also sets the stage for expansion into other Gulf markets. The deal, announced on Sunday, was reported by The National. Americana Restaurants has signed an exclusive development agreement with Taco<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18020,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[259],"tags":[9204,15483,2222,15487,4797,415,416,15486,15485,2488,15484,15482],"class_list":["post-18019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mexican-restaurants","tag-alshaya-group","tag-americana-restaurants","tag-chipotle-mexican-grill","tag-crunchwrap-supreme","tag-kfc","tag-mexican-restaurant","tag-mexican-restaurants","tag-mubadala-capital","tag-pizza-hut","tag-taco-bell","tag-uae","tag-yum-brands"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/vive.im\/@dnc\/117184801237837123","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18019"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18019\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18020"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diningandcooking.com\/restaurants\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}