Pakistan’s New Yorker Pizza announces UAE entry with landmark franchise MoU
Women-led Rawalpindi branch shines during UAE National Day celebrations
DUBAI/RAWALPINDI – New Yorker Pizza has taken a defining step toward international growth after signing a Mutual Cooperation MOU with prominent Emirati businessman and philanthropist Suhail Al Zarooni.
The agreement, unveiled during a UAE National Day celebration at the brand’s Falcon Complex branch in Rawalpindi, positions the Pakistani chain for its planned UAE debut within the coming year.
The announcement marked a symbolic moment in the brand’s evolution as it targets a strong presence in the Emirates with the support of Al Zarooni and his companies. The gathering also highlighted the longstanding cultural and economic connections shared by the two countries.
Cultural tribute
The event opened with the national anthems of the UAE and Pakistan, setting the tone for a night themed around unity and partnership.
Special guest of honour Suhail Al Zarooni, a Guinness World Record holder and founder of the Al Zarooni Foundation, joined the celebrations as attendees recognised his extensive philanthropic and educational contributions.
New Yorker Pizza CEO Syed Adil Babar confirmed the brand’s intention to open its first UAE outlet within the next year, expressing confidence in the partnership’s long-term potential. UAE-based shareholder Syed Tabish Zaidi described the Emirates as a “second home for millions,” underlining the enduring people-to-people ties that shape bilateral relations.
The cultural programme included a musical tribute video penned by UAE-based poet Shahab-ud-Din Shahab, as well as an emotional recitation by Sarwat Zehra Zaidi. Renowned poet and civil servant Rehman Faris moderated the evening.
Women empowerment
The backdrop of the announcement was symbolic: New Yorker Pizza’s Falcon Complex branch, Pakistan’s first pizza outlet run entirely by an all-women staff.
The branch has earned widespread recognition, with celebrities such as Hira Mani and Sania Saeed applauding the initiative publicly. CEO Syed Adil Babar dedicated the branch to his mother, Syeda Ishrat Babar, a retired principal whose lifelong dedication to education inspired the concept.
The event reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to creating inclusive spaces and new opportunities for women in the food service sector.
Domestic growth
Alongside its move toward international expansion, New Yorker Pizza continued strengthening its footprint within Pakistan by signing six new franchise agreements. These additions add to the brand’s 12 operational outlets in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Wah Cantt, Kamra and Gujar Khan.
The new franchises have been awarded to Eesha Khalid and Soha Sarfaraz in Lahore, Abdul Ghaffar in Faisalabad, Brig (r) Khanzada in Swabi, Fauzia Yasmeen in Sialkot and Aziz Awan in Multan. Once operational, the new outlets will significantly enhance the chain’s presence in some of the country’s most commercially active cities. The event also drew notable cultural personalities, including Saadi Faraz, son of famed poet Ahmed Faraz, and Pereha Ikram and Marium Hussain, daughters of acclaimed Sufi singer Abida Parveen.
New Yorker Pizza
Established in 2012, New Yorker Pizza has become one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands. Known for its signature New York-style pizzas, including the country’s largest 21-inch stuffed crust options with up to four flavours, the chain has built a strong following. Select branches offer an expanded breakfast line-up, including granola bowl options, while several outlets operate 24/7. The brand emphasises premium imported ingredients such as 100% mozzarella cheese, contributing to its bold flavour profile.