Dubai: Al Islami Foods, a leading provider of halal food products, yesterday launched the UAE's first healthy fast-casual restaurant chain, Al Farooj Fresh.
In collaboration with the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, Al Farooj will offer wrap sandwiches that no other company offers and will be healthier.
"If you go to any mall around the globe, what do you find in the food courts?" asked Al Janahi, CEO of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment.
"The same fast-food brands and the same quality and people want something different. I think this is the first time we have something from this region which has put in a very high system of hygiene, quality and freshness," he said.
Al Farooj Fresh has started with nine branches and plans to extend into the GCC and Middle East markets. The halal food trade is currently worth an estimated $500 billion annually, catering to the demands of 1.8 billion Muslims in 112 countries. Abdul Baset Al Janahi said that the UAE contribution is very small but will increase in the future.
Demand
"The more the consumer becomes aware of halal and the rules of halal, the more this number will grow," said Al Janahi.
Salem Abdullah Lootah, CEO of Al Islami Foods said, "The demand for halal restaurants is growing globally, which has created immense need for these specialities."
Al Janahi said that as the UAE strives to become a bigger player on the international economic stage, entrepreneurship is even more critical to the success of business.
