Costa Coffee's Long-Term UAE Partnership Offers Insights for Franchise Development
Costa Coffee and Emirates Leisure Retail extend their UAE franchise partnership until 2040, building on 26 years of collaboration and 160+ stores.
The extension of Costa Coffee and Emirates Leisure Retail's (ELR) partnership until 2040 provides an example of how a long-term franchise relationship can develop in the Middle East.
A Partnership Built Over 26 Years
Costa Coffee and ELR began their collaboration in 1999, when they opened the first Costa Coffee franchise store outside the United Kingdom.
The partnership has since resulted in more than 160 Costa Coffee stores operating in the UAE. ELR was also recently named International Franchise Partner of the Year at Costa Coffee's International Partner Forum.
From Partnership to Long-Term Commitment
The new agreement extends the relationship until 2040. Costa Coffee CEO Philippe Schailee described the collaboration as an example of the potential of long-standing franchise agreements, while ELR CEO Tyrone Reid highlighted the partnership's 26-year history.
What the UAE Case Shows About Franchise Partnerships
For franchise professionals in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, the Costa Coffee–ELR relationship provides a concrete case of long-term franchise development.
The partnership demonstrates the scale that can be achieved through a sustained relationship between an international brand and its franchise partner, without indicating any new Costa Coffee expansion plans in Saudi Arabia.
Middle East Franchise Editorial Team