7-Eleven Cuts Ribbon on First Middle East Store

DUBAI — 7-Eleven Inc. has planted its banner in the Middle East.

Seven Emirates Investment LLC, a master franchisee of 7-Eleven, opened its first store in the United Arab Emirates on Oct. 6, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held a week later. The store, which is the first 7-Eleven location in the Middle East, is located near downtown Dubai and the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa Tower.

The new 2,000-square-foot store carries approximately 2,500 products that are both typical of 7-Eleven stores and special to this part of the world. The currently company-operated store employs 18, who reflect the diversity of the United Arab Emirates, according to 7-Eleven.

"We worked closely with Seven Emirates and our parent company Seven-Eleven Japan to ensure we are providing the neighborhood with the products they expect from 7-Eleven, as well as fresh foods typically consumed there," said Chris Tanco, 7-Eleven's executive vice president and head of International. "Guests to this store can find 7-Eleven favorites like Slurpee and Big Gulp beverages, fresh foods and high-quality, value-priced 7-Select snacks."

The prepared-fresh-daily foods include Arabian, Indian and Asian lunch-box meals, like chicken biryani and rice balls. Also for meal or snack times, the store carries samosas, curries and falafel wraps, hummus, Greek and tabouleh salads. In addition, Orange date muffins and Umm Ali are among the pastry and dessert selections.

The store features include an indoor counter facing outside where customers can eat and charge their mobile devices; a mini-office area with ATM, bill payment and copier machines; and delivery bicycles outside for on-demand service. 

According to 7-Eleven, the location is operated by Seven Emirates and expected to be franchised in the future after the infrastructure that supports 7-Eleven stores is fully built. This includes partnerships with third parties that would make and deliver fresh foods daily and 7-Eleven’s proprietary retail information system.

Seven Emirates plans to open a second store in December in the high-profile Dubai Marina neighborhood.

Dallas-based 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses 10,700 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, there are nearly 57,400 7-Eleven stores in 17 countries.