Dubai: The Aussie-themed Outback Steakhouse expects to carve out a niche of the casual dining market with the opening of a new outlet in the Dubai Mall. This is the second venue for the outlet in the UAE and comes just eight months after the first opened in Dubai Festival City.
"As the UAE recovers from the effects of the [global] economic downturn, a pick-up in consumer spending, an easing in credit availability, as well as an expected influx of tourists for the rest of this year and the next, will all encourage cash flow into the leisure and entertainment sector," said Esmail Al Abbas, vice-chairman of Al Abbas Group, which holds the franchise for the Outback Steakhouse.
"The financial situation is taking a turn for the better, and the economy is about to bounce back shortly. This being the case, we are confident we will be able to meet the targets that we set. By opening the second outlet now, we are well set to meet demand when the market stabilises.
"The Dubai Mall is the ultimate shopping destination, and the various in-mall attractions have played a major role in increasing the footfalls. Our cost-benefit analysis proves that we only stand to gain in the long run."
