Pret A Manger to open store in Dubai Mall

The first store outside of the airport will open in Dubai Mall on February 21

Pret a Manger, something of a British High Street institution, is setting up shop at Dubai Mall. Courtesy of Pret a Manger

There's the Queen, fish n' chips, Rowan Atkinson, Big Ben - and then there's Pret.

As far as British national icons go, the go-to cafe for many a Briton is about as cherished as a member of the royal family.

And finally, you won't need to be heading out of, or into, the country to sample it in the UAE.

After months of speculation where Pret A Manger would set up shop in Dubai, they've finally set a date and location: February 21 at Dubai Mall.

While it's not clear where in Dubai Mall yet, it will be on the ground floor, near the fountains.

Dubai got its first Pret in March 2016, when it opened in Concourse D at Dubai International Airport. Since then, hints have been dropped about a foray into the city, but the company had kept quiet on any details until now.

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The new Dubai Mall location will be run in partnership with Emirates Leisure Retail, which also represents a host of other high-profile UAE favourites like Costa Coffee and Noodle House.

There will be a focus on using local ingredients, with all items prepared in the shop's on-site kitchen each day. There will also be a selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Whether its the on-the-go protein pots, the freshly-baked muffins or the posh sandwiches you're keen on, you should be able to find most of your international favourites on the menu.

It will also feature an "exclusive" range of six hot pots.

Kevin Zajax, Emirates Leisure Retail chief operating officer, said the new store would focus on the brand's culinary offerings.

"Our first downtown store in Dubai Mall will have an expanded food offer, allowing residents and tourists to choose their dining experience – from morning handcrafted coffee on the go, to a lunchtime respite savouring one of Pret’s best-loved sandwich creations, to evening al fresco dining overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa fountains."

The shop will be open daily from 10am until midnight and 10am-1am on Fridays.

Pret partnerships director Michael Haley said he was "delighted" to announce the new store.

“Our freshly prepared, good natural food and organic coffee have been well received by Pret customers at Dubai International Airport.

"Our passionate, hard-working new team have been training in Pret shops around the world, and we will soon be serving fresh breakfast, lunch and evening dishes from the kitchen of our new shop alongside sweet treats and coffees.”