DEAL Holdings Launches The FAB Group to Redefine Middle East Dining; Chef Colin Clague Appointed Global Culinary Director
DEAL Holdings, one of the UAE’s most innovative investment and development companies, has announced the launch of The Food & Beverage Group (The FAB Group) — a dynamic new hospitality platform aimed at transforming the Middle East’s culinary and lifestyle landscape.
The FAB Group will bring together world-class chefs, global partnerships, and homegrown creativity to introduce next-generation dining experiences, bakery concepts, and lifestyle destinations across the UAE and the GCC.
In a landmark move, DEAL Holdings has appointed Chef Colin Clague, an award-winning culinary expert known for his global experience, as the Global Culinary Director and Partner. His leadership will play a key role in elevating the region’s gastronomic standards.
“With The FAB Group, we are creating a platform that celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and creativity,” said Abdalla Al Mheiri, CEO of DEAL Holdings. “Our ambition is to redefine how people experience food and social life in the region — combining global excellence with the warmth and authenticity of our local communities.”
Expanding Culinary Excellence Across the Region
Over the next five years, The FAB Group plans to launch at least 25 venues across the UAE, alongside partnerships with leading culinary innovators from the UK and Europe. The portfolio will include Michelin-level fine dining restaurants, chef-led premium casual venues, artisanal cafés, and boutique lifestyle concepts.
The Group’s first two restaurant locations will open at Vida Hotel & Residences, Emirates Hills, creating over 90 new jobs in Dubai, with a focus on nurturing local talent and strengthening the UAE’s hospitality ecosystem.
Building the Foundations of Culinary Innovation
As part of its expansion, DEAL Holdings has invested in a 45,000-square-foot Central Kitchen & Bakery facility in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi. The facility will serve as The FAB Group’s research and development hub, supporting innovation, quality control, and large-scale production.
The hub, built to international HACCP standards, will feature advanced automation, temperature-controlled distribution, and dedicated R&D kitchens to support both internal restaurant brands and external clients with high-quality bakery products, desserts, sauces, and ready-prep components.
The FAB Group is also exploring additional production sites in Dubai to meet increasing regional demand and strengthen its distribution network.
A Vision Rooted in Lifestyle and Community
The launch of The FAB Group reinforces DEAL Holdings’ long-term commitment to investing in infrastructure, innovation, and community-driven platforms that align with the UAE’s strategic growth in hospitality and tourism.
“Our investment into The FAB Group is about more than restaurants — it’s about building an ecosystem that enables world-class concepts to grow from within the UAE,” said Abdullah Mohammed Al Mheiri, Chairman of DEAL Holdings. “We are investing in people, ideas, and innovation to establish a foundation for sustainable and scalable excellence.”
The FAB Group’s creation represents a pivotal moment for the UAE’s evolving dining scene, setting new standards for culinary innovation, sustainability, and community engagement across the region.
