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BAHRAIN, May 31, 2010: Diyafa Holding has expanded their hospitality portfolio with the recent announcement of a franchising agreement with Ghia Holdings, owners of the Abdel Wahab Restaurant chain. The restaurant known for its signature Lebanese cuisine, has found fame beyond Beirut and across the region. The agreement is part of Diyafa Holdings’ overall business strategy to engage in a prominent role within the hospitality sector through selective franchise agreements with key international brands besides developing their own brands in specific market segments.
According to Amer Al Khan, CEO of Diyafa Holdings W.L.L, “The company is focused on achieving a balanced portfolio of business services which includes Food & Beverage, Retail & Hospitality businesses. The franchise agreement with Ghia Holdings, a well-respected name in the hospitality business infuses added synergy to our quest to be a leading service provider. Such agreements are part of our overall approach to maintain an ‘organic growth’ within the GCC and MENA region in the first 3 to 5 years of operations. Our operational expertise along with the high standards and popularity of the Abdel Wahab brand should make for a successful combination, and we are confident the restaurant will offer residents of Bahrain a true taste of Lebanese cuisine that is well relished and loved in the region,” he said.
Abdel Wahab, owned and operated by Ghia Holdings, one of the most famous Lebanese cuisines. Its oriental décor featuring damascene walls, brass ornaments and blown glass elements, is an invitation to enjoy true Lebanese hospitality. Abdel Wahab Restaurant “Bahrain” will be located at the Bahrain World Trade Centre.
Commenting on the promising tie-up, John Claude, CEO of Ghia Holdings said: “As a well respected name in the business, we are extremely selective in our choice of partners, and we strongly believe that Diyafa Holding offers the right fit to our expansion plans in the region. This franchise agreement is an excellent testimony of the Abdel Wahab brand’s growing popularity in the region, and the high demand for quality Lebanese cuisines. We will persist in exceeding the expectations of food enthusiasts in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and we hope that this new cuisine will add another milestone to our success record.”
Ghia Holdings is one of the most dynamic restaurant groups in Lebanon, owning and operating 6 restaurant chains of different style, décor and cuisine. In addition to the flagship restaurant Abdel Wahab, Ghia Holdings runs the famous Al Bakawat Café, alongside Duo, Al Sayara, Shah and Al Paladar, featuring appetizing favorites from international, French, Moroccan and South American cuisines, that cater for all age groups from business people to families and young adults.
“Diyafa Holding is yet to engage in several key partnerships during the course of this year. After their agreements with Shakespeare & Co. and Abdel Wahab, they will be in pursuit of more prominent partners of the same standard and potential, which will help them deliver upon their vision,” concluded Al Khan.
Notes:
Global Banking Corporation B.S.C. (c) [GBCORP] is an Islamic investment bank incorporated in the Kingdom of Bahrain in June 2007. GBCORP pursues a dynamic business model, primarily focusing on the core business areas of private equity, real estate and infrastructure development, energy, asset management, advisory services in corporate finance and capital markets and portfolio management services, backed by a management team with a cumulative experience and expertise of more than 30 years in international banking.
GBCORP’s shareholders and members of the board are prominent personalities, representing the leading business institutions from within the region and bring a wealth of liquidity and sectoral expertise to the organization.
GBCORP’s business strategy is to capitalize on new opportunities to transcend global boundaries and serve as a unique accelerator for investments from within the GCC to potential markets in the MENA region, South East Asia and North America.
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For more information, contact:
GBCORP
Zain Al Shaker
Head of Corporate Communications
Mobile +973 36 97 11 17
Maryam Al Busmait
Associate
Mobile +973 36 02 11 13
