What's brewing? New tea lounge opens in Dubai

Pakistani cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad; former captain Rameez Raja, Merill J. Fernando, Ajay Sethi, former captain Wasim Akram; Sir Viv Richards and Sanjay Manchanda at the opening of the Dilmah t-lounge in Dubai on Wednesday.

Sri Lankan tea brand Dilmah made its UAE foray by launching a 't-lounge' at Ibn Battuta Mall on Wednesday.

Twelve international cricketers including Sir Viv Richards and Wasim Akram, Nakheel CEO Sanjay Manchanda and founder of Dilmah, Merill J. Fernando, attended the opening of the t-lounge in Dubai. The outlet is co-owned by former Pakistan cricket team captain Rameez Raja and chairman of Channel 2 Group Ajay Sethi.

Talking to Khaleej Times, Sethi said up to eight more t-lounge outlets would be opened in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the next three years.
"Dubai is a commercial hub for the region and we will expand the presence of this brand to other Gulf countries in the next stage," he said.

The t-lounge was first conceptualised in 2003 by Fernando. Since then, it has established itself as a premium venue for tasting a selection of fine tea and tea concoctions.

Sethi said the t-lounge would fill a gap for a premium product and concept in the UAE which has a high tea consumption.

"Tea consumption is high and it is the most preferred beverage in the UAE and the Middle East. With the new t-lounge, people now have a choice of different exotic tea brews along with other light treats," he said.

"We have our own tea estate and it's our commitment to consumers to offer the finest tea in Sri Lanka. Innovation is key to Dilmah and we offer a variety of blends that don't compromise on taste and quality," he said.

Rameez Raja said: "Tea is very personal to me and I need to have at least 30 to 50 cups a week. Everyone knows how a good cup of tea helps to rejuvenate. The t-lounge offers just that - a perfect venue to meet, have a conversation and enjoy delectables with a wide selection of tea."

- muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com