Katsuya will expand its presence in the Middle East following its successful debut of its first stand-alone restaurant in the area in 2014. Sbe plans to increase the brands representation in the marketplace with five new locations planned to debut in late 2016/early 2017.

A pairing of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, Katsuya has become a globally recognized culinary experience that will now join development plans in Villagio in Doha, Doha Festival City, Mall of Egypt in Cairo, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Dubai, and Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai.

Katsuya at Villagio in Doha will debut as the first Katsuya to launch in Qatar followed by a prime location in Qatar’s largest retail destination at Doha Festival City.

In addition, the Mall of Egypt development will provide the ideal backdrop for Katsuya’s dynamic and sensory experience in Cairo. The location at Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will be an exciting addition to the thriving hospitality ventures planned to emerge in downtown Dubai. The secondary location in UAE will be at Madinat Jumeirah, marking it the first Katsuya to open within a Five-star resort development in the Dubai marketplace.

“Since our launch in Dubai and Kuwait, Katsuya has become a namesake international brand known for its exceptional cuisine, breath-taking design, and luxury experience. It is with great pleasure that we embark on this innovative stage for the brand in the Middle East market,” says John Kolaski, COO of sbe Restaurants. “The fast growing leisure market is incomparable and we are thrilled to be a part of the upward expansion of these destinations as never-before-seen retail developments take shape. Katsuya is a beloved culinary event by many across the world and we are excited to bring this to a brand new consumer base.”