McDonald’s embraces local flavours with launch of McArabia Sujuk

Press release

Published October 1st, 2013 - 09:55 GMT

Al Bawaba

McDonald’s UAE today announced the launch of its newest addition to the McArabia family. A combination of two succulent sujuk patties, grated carrot, tomato, red onion, shredded lettuce and mayo, wrapped in a soft Arabic flatbread, the McArabia Sujuk represents McDonald’s commitment to balancing its menu with a combination of iconic favourites and familiar local flavours. The McArabia Sujuk is now available in all McDonald’s UAE restaurants for a limited time, while supplies last.

Mr. Rafic Fakih, Partner and Managing Director of McDonald’s UAE commented: “At McDonald’s, we believe in the power of choice, which means balancing our menu with options that suit our customers’ diverse flavour preferences. This exciting addition to our menu offers a modern take on a traditional Arabic favourite, and combines familiar flavours in a fresh new way. We are confident it will be well-received by our customers.

"As is the case with all McDonald’s products, the McArabia Sujuk is built using farm fresh ingredients sourced from our network of trusted suppliers,” concluded Mr. Fakih.

The McArabia Sujuk complements McDonald’s classic McArabia sandwich, which has been a favourite on the McDonald’s UAE menu for 10 years, and combines two grilled chicken patties topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, onions, and garlic mayo, all wrapped together in a warm Arabic flatbread.

Background Information

McDonald’s

In 1917, 15-year-old Ray Kroc lied about his age to join the Red Cross as an ambulance driver, but the war ended before he completed his training. He then worked as a piano player, a paper cup salesman and a Multimixer salesman.

In 1954, he visited a restaurant in San Bernardino, California that had purchased several Multimixers. There he found a small but successful restaurant run by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald, and was stunned by the effectiveness of their operation. They produced a limited menu, concentrating on just a few items – burgers, fries and beverages – which allowed them to focus on quality and quick service.

They were looking for a new franchising agent and Kroc saw an opportunity. In 1955, he founded McDonald’s System, Inc., a predecessor of the McDonald’s Corporation, and six years later bought the exclusive rights to the McDonald’s name and operating system. By 1958, McDonald’s had sold its 100 millionth hamburger