Award-winning Global Brand Brings Unique Dining Experience to Dubai's Gate Village

Dubai: 29 September, 2008 - DIFC Lifestyle Group, the newly formed group of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), today announced the launch of London's award-winning restaurant ZUMA's Dubai outlet, bringing for the first time to the Middle East the flavours of the Far East with its internationally acclaimed style of Japanese cuisine.

As a key component of The Gate Village of DIFC Lifestyle alongside the promenade of luxury boutiques and galleries, the world's fourth ZUMA restaurant will be located within the architectural signature building of the 110-acre DIFC. The location has been strategically chosen within the Gate Village to be accessible to Dubai's visitors and residents, as well as to appeal to both the local and international business community.

Occupying 11,000 square feet over two floors, the design of the latest ZUMA creation focuses on space with the striking addition of a three-dimensional feature wall alongside the lounge.

Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Sugat, CEO, DIFC Lifestyle Group, said: "We welcome the first ZUMA restaurant in the region at our luxury cluster that has become the hallmark of premium brands. Bringing the unique and unforgettable dining experience of ZUMA to Dubai is a step in our mission to become one of the world's ultimate luxury lifestyle providers.

"Finest restaurants, luxury boutiques and art galleries will continue to be key elements of DIFC Lifestyle as we remain steadfast in our commitment to partnering with the world's best on all fronts."

ZUMA, the brainchild of German chef Rainer Becker, offers a sophisticated cuisine philosophy inspired by the informal Japanese dining style called Izakaya.  Becker developed the ZUMA concept of authentic Japanese cuisine after returning to London from six successful years of working in Tokyo, learning the intricacies of both Japanese food and culture.

Rainer Becker, co-founder and CEO, ZUMA, said: "Although ZUMA has an established following in London, we see the ZUMA Dubai restaurant as evolving, just like the city, adapting to changes in the business and social scene. We will continue to offer the quality food and beverages that have become synonymous with the ZUMA concept. Our dishes will feature ZUMA's trademark ingredients sourced from Asia, and adapted to suit the local market."

The first ZUMA restaurant was launched by Becker in 2002 in London's Knightsbridge. Its overwhelming success saw the launch of ZUMA in Hong Kong in 2007, followed by ZUMA Istanbul in February 2008.     

The London restaurant has won major international awards, including Restaurant of the Year in the UK's Tatler Restaurant Awards. ZUMA Hong Kong was recently listed as one of the world's most exciting new restaurants on Condé Nast Traveller's 'Hot Tables'. Chef Rainer Becker has also been recognised in the industry, with awards including Harper's Bazaar and Moët Chef of the Year.

Promising 360-degree living, DIFC Lifestyle Group seeks to contribute to the development of Dubai as a preferred choice for high living and a global networking hub for the well-heeled business executive.

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About DIFC Lifestyle:
DIFC Lifestyle, the latest addition to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has been developed to shape the financial district as a people-friendly destination, not just for the professionals working there. Located at 'The Gate District' beyond the signature DIFC archway, it epitomises a unique integration of iconic buildings and contemporary living.

With over 175 nationalities working in a variety of sectors within the DIFC community, its diversity is reflected in the repertoire of activities offered by DIFC Lifestyle. Simultaneously, the exclusive and self-contained environment is fast emerging as a popular retail and cultural epicentre for the city of Dubai, drawing increasing footfall from outside the DIFC grounds.

Promising 360? living, DIFC Lifestyle offers avant-garde experiences to Dubai's residents and visitors alike. It captures a myriad of moods for high-end fashion, fine dining and rich culture through an eclectic mix of luxury boutiques, selective restaurants, museums, art gallery and a performing arts centre, which further add to the DIFC appeal as a resort destination. Temperature controlled walkways, set amidst meticulously manicured landscapes, create a sophisticated ambience for people that cherish a value-added life.

About DIFC:
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. Since November 2004, over 650 firms have registered at DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition, their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.  In March 2008, the City of London's Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) ranked Dubai as the region's fastest growing financial hub.  For more information please visit www.difc.ae.

About ZUMA:
ZUMA was co-founded by Rainer Becker and the Waney Family in 2002. ZUMA London, the first restaurant to open, remains the brand's flagship. All of ZUMA's management and chefs are extensively trained in London before working in ZUMA's international locations. The Dubai restaurant is part of ZUMA's expansion plan, which will see new restaurants in the world's most cosmopolitan cities over the next five years.

ZUMA Dubai's local shareholders include Gulu Waney and his business partner Premal Shah.

Leading the opening team is Elmar Pichorner as operations director, Dorlit Buth as general manager and Colin Clague as executive chef.

For more information visit the ZUMA website: http://www.zumarestaurant.com

For Further Information:
Agency:
Dina Samhout
Associate Account Manager
Jiwin Public Relations
A member of the Media Services Group
Phone: +971-4-3755247
Email: Dina.Samhout@jiwin.ae

Tarek Sakik
Associate Account Director
Jiwin Public Relations
A member of the Media Services Group
Phone: +971-4-3613593
Email: Tarek.Sakik@Jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2008