KUDU, the leading Saudi quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand, has announced the opening of its first franchise outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking its official international debut in Kuwait.
The new restaurant is located at Al-Kout Mall in the Fahaheel area, after granting the franchise rights to Las Palmas Restaurant Group, one of Kuwait’s most prominent operators with a strong track record and extensive expertise in franchise development.
With its deep understanding of the Kuwaiti market, Las Palmas Restaurant Group will ensure that the authentic KUDU experience is delivered in line with the brand’s international standards, while maintaining the high quality and consistency that KUDU is known for.
This landmark step represents the beginning of KUDU’s international expansion journey, with Kuwait selected as the brand’s first global market due to its advanced food and beverage sector and strategic position within the region.
The move serves as a gateway for KUDU’s planned expansion across the Gulf Countries, the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia over the short to mid-term.
The opening of the Al-Kout Mall branch has already shown highly positive indicators, with strong consumer demand and enthusiastic reception from Kuwaiti customers.
The response reflects growing interest in KUDU’s modern, fresh fast-food offering, which combines regional taste preferences with more than 37 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector.
Commenting on the launch, Rakan AlRashed, Chairman of KUDU, said: “This international launch marks a significant milestone in KUDU’s growth journey and reflects our vision of taking Saudi-born brands beyond borders. It is the first step toward building KUDU as a multi-brand, multi-nation group, while continuing to deliver the quality and authenticity that our customers trust.”
KUDU further stated that its strategic partnership with Las Palmas Restaurant Group includes plans to open at least 20 restaurants across Kuwait in the coming years. These will be rolled out through diverse operating formats, including food court locations, high-street outlets, and drive-thru restaurants, ensuring broad accessibility and convenience for customers.
Abdulmohsen Al Mutairi, CEO of Las Palmas Restaurant Group, added: “KUDU represents a remarkable Saudi success story, and bringing the brand to Kuwait is both an honor and a responsibility. This partnership is built on mutual trust, and we look forward to establishing a strong and sustainable presence that preserves the brand’s heritage while delivering excellence to Kuwaiti consumers.”
We are extremely proud and happy to be KUDU’s first international franchise partner Based on our experience; we strongly recommend KUDU as a franchise opportunity for other markets and countries seeking a proven, high-quality Saudi brand.”
This achievement further strengthens KUDU’s position as one of Saudi Arabia’s most successful and forward-looking homegrown brands. With a scalable business model and a growing multi-brand portfolio, KUDU continues to expand its regional and international footprint, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of Saudi brands on the global food and beverage landscape.
