His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan will serve as president of Seven Emirates Investment LLC, a newly formed company. He is the grandson of current UAE President, His Highness SheikhKhalifa Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The first 7-Eleven-branded convenience store in the UAE is expected to open in Dubai next summer. The new master franchisee plans to construct 7-Eleven stores as well as convert existing locations to the 7-Eleven brand. 7-Eleven’s entry into the country provides a solution to the UAE government’s strategic initiative to modernize the small-retail environment and bring greater convenience to shoppers.

Internationally popular products like Slurpee® frozen carbonated beverages and Big Gulp® soft drinks, as well as immediately consumable fresh foods, with recipes developed for regional tastes, will be part of the convenience offerings.

7-Eleven and its parent company, Seven-Eleven Japan, will provide start-up support for the newest master franchisee, assist Seven Emirates Investment in implementing their successful strategies of market concentration, team merchandising and item-by-item management, plus establish a field office in Dubai.

“The UAE is a growing and dynamic part of the world and is attracting investment from around the globe,” said 7-Eleven, Inc. President and CEO Joe DePinto. “It is the business gateway to the Middle East and offers an excellent environment for 7-Eleven’s first retail venture in the region.”

The UAE will be the 17th country or region where 7-Eleven® stores exist. Besides the United States, other countries include Canada, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, China (including Hong Kong), The Philippines, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Globally, there are some 53,300 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2013, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.5 billion.