Arada’s hospitality and entertainment division has partnered with internationally acclaimed Tashas Group, founded by Natasha Sideris, to open a series of new restaurants across the GCC
The AED100 million investment will support two brands: the premium café tashas and the upcoming Café Sofi. Together, the partners plan at least 10 outlets over the next two years, with five already in the pipeline, including tashas Aljada in Sharjah this December.
All new locations under the joint venture will be non-alcoholic. The partnership reflects a shift in UAE communities, bringing premium dining and lifestyle experiences to emerging suburban hubs beyond traditional city centres.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “This partnership with Tashas Group reflects our ambition to create vibrant, community-centric destinations where great design, wellness, and hospitality intersect. Food and beverage is a vital part of Arada’s lifestyle offering, and we’re investing in a brand that shares our focus on quality, creativity and experience. With this joint venture, we’re not just expanding our portfolio, we’re reinforcing our commitment to developing well-rounded communities that bring people together.”
Natasha Sideris, Founder and CEO of Tashas Group, said: “Arada is a company that aligns with our values and long-term vision. This partnership enables us to bring both tashas and our new concept, Cafe Sofi, to new locations in the region. We aim to deliver dining experiences that combine beautiful food, thoughtfully designed environments and a high standard of service.”
Tashas Group has grown from a single café in South Africa to nearly 40 locations worldwide, creating design-led restaurants that serve as social hubs across multiple emirates. Cafe Sofi will make its debut in South Africa in September 2025, inspired by Natasha Sideris’s mother, Sophia, and designed as an intimate, elegant concept with refined favourites, from salads to cakes.
This joint venture aligns with Arada’s broader expansion into retail, hospitality, and wellness, complementing its existing portfolio of F&B brands including Boost Juice, Hungry Wolves, The Reformatory Lab, Kashtat Amina, and Em Sherif.