Abu Dhabi is quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s leading F&B destinations. An emirate that still maintains the charm of traditional homegrown favorites they are emirate is famed for, whilst also opening its arms to welcome world-renowned international brands.
The Michelin Guide which launched in Abu Dhabi last November has carried on the momentum from the revered Guides’ UAE debut in Dubai.
Whether it’s the growing pop-ups at Yas Island, the food halls which act as a hub of activity for the community, or indeed the likes of Hakkasan and COYA in Emirates Palace and Four Season respectively, Abu Dhabi’s charm is that it is truly a destination where innovative dining concepts and world-class chefs can sit side by side with neighborhood restaurants that have been passed through the ages.
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With this in mind then, it should perhaps be no surprise then that the number of restaurants in the UAE capital has risen by 22% in the past three years, with over 50 opening since the start of 2023 alone. It’s a statistic that we at Gates Hospitality are proud to soon be adding too, with the debut of our first brand in the capital.
It’s a market that we’ve held off on for a while, but with development in the capital taking shape, be it the growing infrastructure, the cementing of itself as the sports capital of the GCC with a range of international sports events taking place every year, or the focus on heritage, culture, and arts, it’s a market that we believe we can make a meaningful contribution too.
Instead of rushing into a market that we perhaps don’t know enough about, or indeed the timing of which isn’t quite right, we wanted to ensure that when we did enter the emirate, we could do it delivering on the quality, consistency, and reputation that our customers, developers, landlords, and owners rely on us for.
Folly Moo is a new concept under the Folly brand that is set to launch in Q2 this year. A humble grill it will offer a completely different type of cuisine to Folly, whilst also ensuring that the brand standards of quality and experience that saw Folly featured in the Michelin Guide migrate south to the capital.
Relaxed and friendly, and yet located in the five-star opulence of one of the emirates glistening hotels, Folly Moo is set to showcase the very best of Abu Dhabi hospitality, and we look forward to extending a relaxed and friendly welcome to both residents and tourists to the emirate.
- Abu Dhabi has its own goals to welcome 20 million tourists a year by 2030, and whether it’s with us or elsewhere, it’s fair to say that they’ll be spoiled for choice as to where to dine.
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