Get ready for a groundbreaking moment in the UAE’s fast-food scene as Albaik, the Saudi-born sensation, prepares to unveil its first-ever fried chicken drive-thru in Dubai. The highly anticipated Albaik drive-thru is set to open soon in Al Rashidiya, bringing the iconic flavors of this regional favorite to the country’s largest city.
Albaik’s two years of unstoppable growth
It has been two years since Albaik’s debut in the UAE, and the homegrown fast-food phenomenon shows no intention of slowing down. Although the extraordinary queues witnessed during the brand’s initial launch have subsided, each new opening in the UAE – whether in Dubai, Sharjah, or at Expo 2020 – has been met with resounding success, reinforcing the limitless potential for the brand’s growth.
Where to find the Albaik drive-thru in Dubai
The drive-thru will be located at the Eppco petrol station in Al Rashidiya, which can be found here on Google Maps. This marks the eighth outlet to open in the UAE in the past two years, with more locations planned for the future.
What will be on the Albaik drive-thru menu?
The drive-thru will feature a limited menu that includes crowd favorites, even if not every item the brand is known for is available. In 2021, when the menu was restricted, it was limited to 10-piece chicken fillet nuggets, both regular and spicy. However, the brand confirmed to Esquire Middle East that the limited menu this time around will offer an even more extensive selection.
Grand opening plans
The Albaik drive-thru is scheduled to have a soft opening next week, followed by an official grand opening during Eid Al Fitr on April 20, 2023.
Bypassing the queues
Customers can avoid lengthy wait times by ordering through the Albaik app, ensuring a smoother experience at the drive-thru.
The secret to Albaik’s global success
Esquire Middle East recently delved into the factors behind their incredible growth. Established in 1974, Albaik was exclusively available in Saudi Arabia’s western province, including Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, until 2020. In 2021, the brand ranked third on YouGov’s Best Brands in Saudi Arabia list, yet its influence has always been global.
The iconic red-and-yellow chicken in a top hat logo has come to represent various aspects for Saudi Arabia, the diaspora, and the Muslim world. These include business innovation, a great equalizer in Saudi society, and a cult-like brand loyalty akin to the Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee or California’s In-N-Out Burger.
Saudi entrepreneur Shakour AbuGhazalah first opened Albaik in a warehouse in Jeddah’s Sharafiyah district nearly 50 years ago. The family secured an exclusive agreement with a foreign company for the “proprietary use of deep-fried chicken spice blend and equipment.” Although the spice blend remains a secret, the chicken is believed to be fried in a pressure cooker using a technique called “broasting.” Read more here.