Filipino Flavors Slated For Middle East Footprint

Dubai-based Al Ahli Holding Group will open no fewer than 20 Philippine-themed food and beverage outlets called “Little Manila” across the Middle East and beyond over the next five years. Six Filipino brands will be grouped into Little Manila franchise outlets: Binalot, a Filipino quick-serve chain known for banana-leaf-wrapped dishes; Jay-J’s, a chicken chain; Fruitas, a tropical fruit shake chain; Mochicreme, an ice cream brand; Zagu, a milkshake franchise; and Fiftea, a concept serving tea mixes. The first outlet will open in Dubai in the next few months.