Filipino coffee chain Figaro is taking its brand to the Middle East through franchising.

Figaro has partnered with AKAR Landscaping Service and Agriculture to open its first outlet in the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai Miracle Gardens in the last quarter of the year.

According to Figaro franchise manager Mike Barret, the new location is part of the company’s goal to open two new international outlets a year.

“Average target expansion of the organisation is 15 stores per year (including overseas branches) so the international expansion share would be 14 per cent of the average total expansion target of Figaro,” Barret said.

With a large number of expatriates and tourists from all over the world, the UAE would be a strong market for the brand, added Barret.

The company established its first outlet in 1993 in Makati under the name “F”. It was only in 1994 when it used the banner “Figaro” when it opened an outlet in Manila City. The European-style cafe offers pastries, salads, rice meals, pizza, pasta, bakes, sandwiches, and more besides coffee.

Its international network includes two outlets in Papua New Guinea, two in Malaysia, two in China and one in Saudi Arabia, with a second outlet there expected to open soon.

Figaro says it will also expand into Vietnam by the end of the year.