Seattle's Best, a new branded coffee chain, is investing Dh15 million to set up 12 retail outlets in the UAE within the next 18 months.

It is scheduled to open its second outlet at Al Ghurair City today, giving coffee lovers a new option.

The chain has already established its first retail outlet in Abu Dhabi.

The new restaurant, which also houses Cinnabon, the international makers of world-famous cinnamon buns, is the second new-concept outlet in the UAE, where two international brands will be served to customers.

"By offering two international brands under one roof, we are giving our customers value-added service," said Walid Hajj, managing director, United Restaurant Development.

He said his organisation was pumping in Dh15 million to promote the two brands in the country. "By mid-2003, we should have 12 stores in prominent locations in the UAE. By then, the brands will also have over 50 outlets in the GCC market."

Hajj pointed out both brands would have a strong presence in the Gulf.

"We have one outlet in Bahrain, two in the UAE and 12 in Saudi Arabia. Our franchisees in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait are coming up with new outlets in those countries, which will help us to position ourselves more prominently in the region."