New Zealand based gourmet burger chain BurgerFuel has its sights firmly set on the Middle East following the opening of yet another store in the region.

The new store is Dubai’s seventh, and it is situated in Al Barsha Mall, a shopping precinct located in the city’s west.

Farah George Farah, general manager of Al Khayyat Investments, BurgerFuel’s franchise partner in the United Arab Emirates, said the mall is close to developments such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina and The Palm, and it is a popular spot with locals.

He said BurgerFuel is now the largest gourmet burger brand in Dubai, and it is enjoyed by expats and locals alike, reports The New Zealand Herald.

Chris Mason, head of international markets, BurgerFuel said he was delighted by how well the company is being received in the region.

“We are pleased to see so much interest coming from local developers who have seen BurgerFuel take off and want to see our concept in their malls or buildings.”

BurgerFuel aims to attract experienced master franchisees with extensive knowledge of these local markets.  

The company currently has stores in four Middle Eastern countries –  the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt, and it has plans to expand into Kuwait, Qatar, Libya, Lebanon and China.