Zuma announces arrival in Abu Dhabi

DIFC, Dubai, UAE: 6 March 2013 - Rainer Becker, co-founder and creator of Zuma, the iconic London restaurant that has successfully launched six different outposts throughout the world, including Dubai, is coming to Abu Dhabi in late 2013. This announcement comes in conjunction with further expansion into New York City early 2014.

The opening of Zuma Abu Dhabi is the result of the restaurants incredible popularity in the middle east and this new addition to the Abu Dhabi restaurant scene will take a similar pioneering approach to that of the launch of Zuma Dubai, the first stand-alone, independent licensed venue in the DIFC, Dubai's financial hub.

The new restaurant will be located on Sowwah Square on Al Maryah Island, representing the core of Abu Dhabi's new Central Business District; The Manhattan of Abu Dhabi. For the design of the interior, Rainer Becker challenged Nori Muramatsu of Studio Glitt to create a concept for the restaurant that looks very different to Zuma Dubai but still captures the style and elegant ambiance of the Zuma restaurants around the world.

Taking successful elements from Dubai, Zuma Abu Dhabi will offer guests a dedicated valet and entrance from its surrounding venues with a private glass elevator to bring guests down into the main dining room. Unlike Dubai, Abu Dhabi will be set on one floor but will still incorporate distinct lounge, bar and restaurant areas along with a small semi-private dining room. The new Zuma will also reflect the three core elements of its izakaya dining style with a signature robata and sushi counter located around the main dining room complimenting dishes from the kitchen. The bar and lounge will also feature a DJ counter with live entertainment in the evenings.

Since opening its doors in London in 2002, Zuma has become a landmark destination venue, the success of which created a launch pad for the global expansion of its award-winning restaurants, including Dubai. Zuma Dubai was the first destination restaurant to open in the DIFC and has gone on to win innumerable awards, including a ranking at #83 in the World's Best Restaurant Awards 2012.

The creation of Zuma was the vision of one man, Chef Rainer Becker whose initial ambition for Zuma has proven over the past decade to be limitless in its cultural appeal and timeless in its ethos. Of the new opening Becker comments, "Zuma for me was simply bringing all the elements I enjoy from dining under one roof, I prefer a fun, informal dining experience and wanted Zuma to have an open lounge area and bar around the dining area. This, along with the food which is designed for sharing, creates a very relaxed vibe."

Abu Dhabi will signal further planned openings in the Middle East, a key expansion market for the company.

For bookings, please call 04 425 5660
Email reservations@zumarestaurant.ae,
or book online at www.zumarestaurant.com

Opening Hours: Zuma Restaurant Zuma Lounge & Bar

Lunch

Sat-Thu 12.30pm-3pm Sat-Wed 12:30pm-1am

Friday Brunch: Thu & Fri 12:30pm-2am

12:30pm-3:30pm

Dinner

Sat-Wed 7pm-midnight

Thu & Fri 7pm-1am

Located in Podium 6 at The Gate Village in Dubai International Financial Centre, ZUMA offers its guests complimentary parking. For location details, please visit: www.zumarstaurant.com

About ZUMA
ZUMA was co-founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney in 2002. The first ZUMA restaurant to open was in London's fashionable Knightsbridge area and 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 venture was the fourth site to open in the Group's expansion plan, the most recent sites being Miami in 2010 and Bangkok in 2011. Over the next few years, Zuma will be looking to continue opening new restaurants in some of the world's most cosmopolitan cities.

Leading the ZUMA Dubai team is Ajaz Sheikh as Director of Operations for the Middle East.

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

Awards received:

World's Best Bars

Mr Porter

January 2013

BBC Good Food Awards 2013

Best Asian

January 2013

CIEH Certificate of Compliance for Food Safety

November 2012

Favourite Business Lunch