German Doner Kebab announces Saudi expansion plans

The Scottish headquartered chain has signed up The Ajlan Company as the master franchisee for Saudi Arabia, which has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world to grow their presence in the Middle East.

Plans are in place to open 100 outlets over the next 10 years, with the first store scheduled to open its doors in Riyadh by August this year.

The expansion into Saudi Arabia further strengthens German Doner Kebab’s presence in the Middle East, where it already has 19 stores in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman. GDK also has stores in the UK and Sweden.

German Doner Kebab is part of the Hero Brands fast food portfolio and is owned by the Glasgow-based Sarwar family.

Global CEO, Imran Sayeed (pictured), says: “We are very excited to be announcing our ambitions for Saudi Arabia as our growth plans for the Middle East gather further momentum.

“Our idea of a gourmet kebab that is healthy and nutritionally balanced has resonated with consumers in the region, disrupting and opening up a new area of the fast food marketplace.

“The Ajlan Company shares our vision and offers great synergies for German Doner Kebab in Saudi Arabia, bringing an experienced infrastructure and a commitment to rapid growth.”