WatchHouse is bringing its architecturally designed spaces and elevated guest experience to the UAE this October
Originally founded in London, WatchHouse, has grown into one of the city’s most acclaimed Modern Coffee brands, known for its architecturally designed Houses and elevated guest experience, is set to open its first location in the United Arab Emirates this October. With more than 20 Houses across the UK and 2 in the US, this move marks the brand’s first international franchise partnership and a significant step in its global growth story.
Partnering with Big Belly Hospitality, an established operator in the UAE’s food and beverage sector, WatchHouse has signed a master franchise agreement to bring its Modern Coffee concept to the UAE, beginning with a six-month espresso-focused residency at Marsa Boulevard, a seasonal waterfront development along Dubai Creek, with four further Houses to open in 2026 in the UAE.
Rooted in WatchHouse’s commitment to craft, experience, and design, the new space has been developed in collaboration with Kirill Borisov, the designer behind WatchHouse Canary Wharf and Hanover in London. It takes inspiration from the Creek’s historic trading past and the architectural traditions of the UAE. Warm, earth-toned materials and wind tower-inspired forms reference barjeel design, fusing regional heritage with the clean, functional modernism that defines the WatchHouse aesthetic.
Roland Horne, CEO and Founder of WatchHouse, said: “Dubai has always been a city that marries ambition with taste, heritage with innovation, making it a natural step in our ambition to bring WatchHouse to a truly global audience. From the material palette to the menu, this House is a love letter to what we do best, designed for a region that’s not just ready for Modern Coffee, but hungry for it.”
Damon Conn, Growth and Business Development Director at WatchHouse, added: “We’ve always believed WatchHouse could travel, but only if it was done in a way that stayed true to the brand’s core beliefs. In Big Belly Hospitality, we’ve found a partner who truly shares our vision and values. This partnership is the result of months of collaboration and a shared ambition to bring Modern Coffee to life with purpose and precision. It’s the start of something meaningful.”
Pallav Patel, Managing Founder at Big Belly Hospitality, said: “WatchHouse brings something truly different to the UAE: a thoughtful, design-led approach to coffee that feels both global and grounded. From the first conversation, we saw the potential to grow something remarkable here, and this launch is just the beginning.”
Following the Marsa Boulevard opening, the franchise will expand across the UAE, with new locations launching at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Saadiyat Grove in the first half of 2026. A permanent House in Dubai’s DIFC has also been signed, with one further site confirmed and set to be announced later in the year.
The UAE launch builds on WatchHouse’s international presence, following successful openings in New York City – including Houses on 5th Avenue and in the Chrysler Building – as the brand continues to scale its vision of Modern Coffee for a global audience
