Al Baik, a fast-food brand from Saudi Arabia that has garnered a cult following thanks to its signature crispy chicken and reasonable prices, has finally landed in the UAE. The brand this week opened its first UAE branch in one of The Dubai Mall's food courts. On Wednesday, customers were seen queuing up for a taste of the fast-food favourite. The new 355-square-metre venue serves more than just the fried chicken it is so famous for. A wide array of seafood, grilled dishes, vegetarian options (such as falafel sandwiches), side dishes, desserts and beverages are available. The launch has been organised in collaboration with ServQuest, a company by Abu Dhabi's National Holding, which said it is "dedicated to operating and expanding Al Baik across the seven emirates". “Many visitors to Saudi Arabia return with fond memories of Al Baik,” said Karim Hajjali, chief executive of ServQuest. "Likewise, Saudis and former KSA residents living overseas will often find themselves craving for Al Baik dishes. "We are proud to partner with this much-loved brand on its long-awaited arrival to the UAE and are delighted to introduce diners in Dubai to the unmistakable taste of one of the kingdom’s unmissable culinary treats." Al Baik was founded in Jeddah in 1974 and has since amassed a huge following. It has previously been named by <em>CNN </em>as one of the eight foreign fast-food chains worth trying. It also regularly features in surveys of most popular brands in the region. Given its popularity, it comes as no surprise that the brand is expanding exponentially. It recently opened an eight-lane drive-thru for food trucks in the Saudi city of Tabuk that attracted a queue of cars more than four kilometres long. Al Baik also opened two branches in Bahrain towards the end of 2020.
