June 2025, United Arab Emirates: There’s a new flame on the beachfront. Nando’s UAE has officially opened its newest location in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a two-storey flagship that now stands as the brand’s largest restaurant in the region, anchoring it firmly in one of Dubai’s most high-traffic, lifestyle-driven neighbourhoods.
Located on The Walk, the new restaurant spans two levels with both indoor and outdoor seating, and holds the largest capacity of any Nando’s outside the United Kingdom. It brings the brand’s Afro-Portuguese spirit into the everyday rhythm of one of Dubai’s most recognisable neighbourhoods. Surrounded by the beach, hotels, residential towers and constant foot traffic, it’s a space made for group catch-ups, casual meals, late-night diners and post-beach cravings.
“This space reflects everything we believe dining should be – vibrant, welcoming and grounded in the community it serves,” said George Kunnappally, Managing Director of Nando’s UAE. “JBR brings together so many people from different walks of life, and that’s what Nando’s has always been about. We’re proud to open a casa that feels right at home in the middle of it all.“
Inside, the space reflects Nando’s signature Afro-Portuguese design with textured finishes, earthy colour palettes, and a layout built around movement, from long tables to tucked-away corners. But what truly sets this restaurant apart is its art. As one of the largest collectors of contemporary Southern African art in the world, Nando’s has filled the JBR location with one of the most significant installations from its global collection, making it as much a cultural space as a dining one.
The JBR opening caps off a busy Q2 for Nando’s UAE, following new launches in Al Wahda Mall, Khalifa City and Dubai Investment Park. While each site was chosen for its growth potential, JBR stands out for its visibility, volume and ability to place the brand at the centre of one of Dubai’s most active neighbourhoods.
For more information about Nando’s UAE and all its locations, please visit www.nandos.ae.
