London-based specialty coffee group WatchHouse will open its first globally franchised outlet in Dubai this month, partnering with local operator Big Belly Hospitality to expand into the UAE.
The launch will begin with a pop-up espresso bar at Marsa Boulevard in Dubai Creek, followed by permanent locations at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Saadiyat Grove in the first half of next year.
Two additional outlets, including one in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), are planned for the latter part of next year.
“WatchHouse brings something different to the UAE: A thoughtful, design-led approach to coffee that feels both global and grounded,” said Pallav Patel, founder of Big Belly Hospitality.
“From the first conversation, we saw the potential to grow something remarkable here, and this launch is just the beginning.”
The UAE will be WatchHouse’s second international market after the US and its first franchised launch.
The specialty coffee brand entered the US last April, with an outlet on New York’s 5th Avenue and opened a second site in the Chrysler Building this June.
WatchHouse currently operates 20 UK stores and is expanding its international growth strategy.
MD Caroline Ottoy said the company aims to reach 100 global locations by the end of 2028, including 25 in the US and new franchised sites in Singapore and Qatar.
