Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee is preparing to enter the Middle East market following a $1 billion minority stake acquisition by Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, according to World Coffee Portal.
The capital injection from the Emirati state investor is designated to support Luckin Coffee's international footprint. The brand currently operates more than 36,000 stores across mainland China alongside over 300 international outlets in Southeast Asia and the United States.
Luckin Coffee leadership confirmed plans for commercial openings across the Gulf Cooperation Council, with initial focus centered on the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The transaction marks a notable cross-border equity arrangement linking UAE sovereign wealth directly with a major Chinese consumer retail enterprise.
Sources
- World Coffee Portal · 2026-09-29
- Gemini News Search — Industry News · 2026-09-28
