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Taco Bell walked away from the UAE without explanation in 2012. Now it\u2019s betting the market is ready for some Cheesy Gorditas.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJon Small
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t \n\t\tOpinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Taco Bell is heading back to a market it walked away from in 2012. The Yum! Brands-owned chain just signed an exclusive development deal with restaurant operator Americana Restaurants to return to the United Arab Emirates, according to TheStreet<\/a>.<\/p>\n Taco Bell used to operate outlets across the UAE, including multiple locations in Dubai, then left without an explanation. But times have changed. The National News<\/a> reports that way more taco-loving expatriates have moved to the UAE, and they\u2019ve brought a bigger appetite for Mexican food with them. <\/p>\n Plus, Americana\u2019s chairman thinks the chain is finally the right fit for the region. \u201cTaco Bell is the coolest brand in its category, built for a generation that wants great flavor, great value, and a little attitude,\u201d said Mohamed Alabbar.<\/p>\n Taco Bell isn\u2019t alone in looking abroad. Chipotle opened its first Mexico location this year, Chick-fil-A landed in the UK and Singapore, and Dunkin\u2019 is headed back to Puerto Rico in 2027 \u2014 all signs that American fast food is going global.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tedited by
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDan Bova
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\n\t\t\t\tSep 02, 2026\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/header>\n