Marka brews up Harper’s Bazaar Cafe in Dubai

Marka, the retail investor that listed on the Dubai Financial Market in September, said that it would open the world’s first Harper’s Bazaar Cafe in Dubai.

In a statement, Marka said that the outlet is set to open before November next year, with a target to open nine other branches in the Middle East by 2020.

The launch will be in partnership with Hearst Magazines International, a unit of Hearst Corporation, the US publisher of magazines, said Marka.

Marka shares commenced trading on the DFM on September 25.

It was a “greenfield” IPO, meaning it had no trading track record or substantial assets.

However, the company’s strategy is focused on the sports, hospitality and fashion segments of the retail business and high-quality casual dining outlets in retail centres.

The company said earlier that it planned to offer these high-value products through top-end malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, then expand to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, aiming to become the “leading retail operator in the GCC”.

Jamal Al Hai, Marka’s chairman said: “We have a bold growth strategy, and we’re committed to introducing new and unique concepts in partnership with leading international brands that reflect and support the Middle East’s rapidly growing stature in the global retail and hospitality landscape.”

Harper's Bazaar was first published in 1867 and now the magazine has 31 editions worldwide.

In 2007, the magazine launched Harper's Bazaar Arabia in Dubai with a special focus on popular culture, art, fashion, and beauty.

"The cafe will be a sophisticated, immersive Harper's Bazaar experience, capturing the chic, provocative elegance that defines the brand," Marka said in the statement.

Unnamed retail outlets are also slated for launch early next year at The Beach in Dubai Marina, Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road in Dubai and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, according to the company.

Last month, Marka said it would open a further four fashion outlets in Dubai next year.

The company said it would open Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Berenice and Essentiel Antwerp, along with a fourth, affordable luxury brand, in the later part of next year at the emirate’s City Walk.

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