Dubai, UAE — Dubai-based Al Ijaza Cafeteria, one of the city’s most iconic casual dining brands, has announced plans to expand into Malaysia through a franchise model, marking the beginning of its international growth strategy across the Gulf and Pan-Asian markets. Widely recognized for its popular sandwiches, fresh juices, and nostalgic Dubai café culture, since 1990, Al Ijaza Cafeteria has built a loyal customer following over the years and remains one of the most talked-about local café brands in the UAE.
Al Ijaza Cafeteria will participate in Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2026, one of Southeast Asia’s leading franchise exhibitions, taking place from 21–23 May 2026 in Malaysia. The participation will provide the Dubai-based café brand with a strategic platform to showcase its franchise opportunities, connect with international investors and business partners, and support its expansion plans across Malaysia, the GCC, and Pan-Asian markets through franchising.
The café gained international attention after His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, shared his visit to the café on Instagram, further strengthening the brand’s popularity among residents and tourists alike. The recognition from the Crown Prince highlighted Al Ijaza Café as a beloved homegrown dining destination representing Dubai’s vibrant food culture.
Azeem.A.K , Managing Director of Al Ijaza Cafeteria, Dubai
As part of its global expansion plans, Al Ijaza Café is now preparing to franchise its concept across Malaysia, the GCC, and selected Pan-Asian countries. The company believes that the demand for authentic Dubai-born food brands is growing rapidly in international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, where consumers are increasingly exploring Middle Eastern flavors and casual dining concepts.
Azeem A.K., Managing Director of Al Ijaza Cafeteria, Dubai, stated: “Al Ijaza Cafeteria has become a well-loved Dubai brand with a strong emotional connection among customers, and we believe the concept has tremendous international franchise potential. Our vision is to expand the brand to over 100 outlets within the next 5 to 10 years across the GCC, Southeast Asia, and other international markets. Through franchising, we aim to bring the unique taste, culture, and dining experience of Al Ijaza Cafeteria to new audiences around the world while maintaining the quality and authenticity that made the brand successful in Dubai.”
To support its expansion efforts, Al Ijaza Café will participate in the Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition (FIM 2026), taking place from 21–23 May 2026, organized by the Malaysian Franchise Association. The exhibition is considered one of the leading franchise platforms in Southeast Asia and is expected to attract franchise investors, retail operators, and international business leaders from across the region.
A.K Abdurahiman Founder of Al Ijaza Cafeteria, Dubai
A.K. Abdurahiman, Founder of Al Ijaza Cafeteria, Dubai, said: “From our famous Hassan Mathar sandwiches to our refreshing juices and signature food offerings, Al Ijaza Cafeteria has always been about creating simple, affordable, and memorable dining experiences for people from all walks of life. We are proud that our flavors have become part of Dubai’s food culture, and through franchising, we now look forward to introducing the Al Ijaza experience to customers across the Gulf, Asia, and international markets.”
Jaseem A.K , Executive Director of Al Ijaza Cafeteria stated that franchising will play a key role in scaling the brand internationally while maintaining the quality, affordability, and customer experience that made the café successful in Dubai. Through strategic franchise partnerships, the company aims to establish Al Ijaza Café as a recognizable international café brand originating from the UAE.
Jaseem A.K , Executive Director of Al Ijaza Cafeteria
With Dubai continuing to position itself as a hub for globally scalable hospitality concepts, Al Ijaza Café’s international expansion reflects the growing influence of UAE-born food brands entering new international markets through franchising and cultural culinary experiences.
