The Crystal Group to
expand its portfolio in UAE

Also eyes opportunities in South East Asia

The Crystal Group, a hospitality group behind a number of successful nightclubs and restaurants, will begin its UAE expansion.

The Lebanon-based group, which entered the Emirati market in 2005, already owns and manages two People clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Jad Matta, Managing Partner, said that a new outdoor rooftop cocktail lounge and restaurant, called 40 Kong is expected to open next Tuesday. It is located on the 40th floor of the H Hotel, on Sheikh Zayed Road. The outlet has a capacity of 90 seated people and 120 standing.

“We are working on expanding this brand and developing it abroad, and we are considering South East Asia as a potential future market,” Matta said. The group has been contacted by several investors in Singapore, making the city-state an interesting destination, according to Matta.

“Dubai has been a platform for us, and it is about time to start exporting concepts from Dubai to the whole world,” Matta said.

Another venture by The Crystal Group is EDEN, a $7 million beach club expected to launch in November. It is a 24/7 destination located on Palm Island. The Crystal Group is a majority shareholder and has other partners.

The Crystal Group has also acquired the franchise of Em Sherif restaurants in Dubai and is working to open the first outlet in early November. Several other outlets are in the pipeline. “The concept of a high end eatery is exportable to Europe, but clubbing requires different standards.”

The Crystal Group was established in 2003, and has since opened many clubs and restaurants: Pier 7, Palais, Alcasar, Crystal, and Métis. It has reduced its operations in the local market due to the turmoil, limiting them only to its club, Pier 7.