Jamie Oliver to open another Dubai restaurant
Jamie Oliver is planning to expand his restaurant empire around the world and the celebrity chef could be set to open a second eatery in Dubai.
The 38-year-old already runs the popular Jamie's Italian establishment at the Marina Pavillion Festival City and is now looking to increase his presence in the Middle East.
Oliver has 34 Italian restaurants in the UK, netting him nearly £94 million in 2012, according to Reuters. Book sales and TV work have also boosted his coffers.
Currently, the chef only has four overseas eateries, but he is hoping to raise this to 20 in the near future.
John Jackson, chairman of the Jamie Oliver Group of Companies, commented: "In 2013 we will continue our international restaurant expansion and delivering outstanding products with real added value, great customer service and a range of delicious and nutritious meals."
As well as the new restaurant in Dubai, the company is planning to launch establishments in Istanbul, Moscow, St Petersburg, Canberra and Singapore.
The firm is also said to be considering opening branches in Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Beijing, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia. The first ever Jamie's Italian was launched in Oxford in 2008 and the brand has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Dubai provided the setting for Oliver's first overseas venture and he opened the doors to the establishment in January 2011.
The city is renowned for its gourmet restaurants and has a reputation for attracting wealthy tourists, which makes it an ideal place to open a high-end joint.
Oliver is not the only famous chef to target this lucrative market. Gordon Ramsay was once involved at the Verre restaurant - which was widely considered to be one of the best eateries in the emirate - although he ended his association with the establishment in 2011.
Marco Pierre White also recently headed the Titanic restaurant, but reports this week (June 4th) have suggested the British chef will now close the branch.