Thursday, February 3, 2011

Tim Hortons is coming to Abu Dhabi, I can barely contain myself

It's true, the first Tim Hortons shop is due to open April 5 in the new Mushrif Mall on the outskirts of the city, mall management has confirmed. (Cautionary note: Apparel Group, the operators, have not confirmed. UPDATE nor has Tim Hortons international HQ - still examining the region, nothing signed that kind of stuff)

I am beyond excited. When I land at Pearson in Toronto, the first thing I do is get in the (always incredibly long) line for a medium with milk. Words cannot express just how much Canadians love this coffee. Please, help me express it in the comments.

This is my hand, it was my Tim Hortons. Summer 2009
And a double-double (I'd say triple-triple but that is just heart attack country) thanks to A Canadian in Abu Dhabi reader Mounir for the tip he emailed in this morning. A tip he had even confirmed with a call to the mall's operators. He is the very best sort of tipster. This is part of a big expansion by the Canadian chain, a little more about that end here, from a Globe and Mail story last June.

There are 24,000 of us in the UAE, and I'd wager most felt a jump in their heartbeat when they heard the news. A few immediate reactions from other excited Canadians in my proximity to get us started:

"We're moving. Can we rent IN Mushrif Mall?"
"If we can get a Canadian Tire and a Shopper's Drug Mart, we're never leaving."
"For the love of all the Timbits in the world."

And then the British people:
"I think you are going to need to explain 'double-double'." (editor)
"Oh great, the Canadians are staying now."
"Who is Tim Horton?" 

15 comments:

Jennifer J said...

WHOA, I just emailed this around to my fellow Canadian expats, there's one dude in our office with a precious stash of coffee that he brews on special occasions - - he is going to be psyched!

rosh said...

Wahaha @ the Brits! Great News!

rosh said...

But I have to confess, I've been Starbucked! Though I never give in to Krisy Kreme. Timmies all the way. I just hope they keeep the prices reasonable in the UAE.

mezba said...

I just returned to Canada from visiting Abu Dhabi and Dubai (just before the visa rules came in effect hehe)... and honestly I NEVER missed Tim Horton's while I was there (a whole month away from home). :-D

There's just too much other stuff to eat and Mc Donald's coffee beats Tim Horton's any day (at least here - the McD's have much better coffee now).

But of course rest of Canada will disagree with me :-)

Dave said...

I know when I went to Canada I couldn't believe the marketshare that Tim Horton's has - would it be 85% saturation? And it was good coffee, good food and cheap when compared to other outlets. I say bring it on!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks God I'm not Canadian. It's so sad to have your life spin around some brand.

Ann Marie said...

Dear Anonymous,

It makes me said that you are so grumpy.


Love,
Ann Marie

Unknown said...

Does Tim Hortons have birthday cakes made out of timbits?

Ann Marie said...

I don't think so but that is one AMAZING idea Elina! :)

Anonymous said...

olalaaaaaaaaaaaa I just came from Montreal and I adore Tim Hotons Coffee yupiiiiiiii.

Amani

Ninaaa said...

Hmmm.. It's June 1st & no sign of Tim Hortons yet :(((((

Ninaaa said...

It's June 1st already & no sign of Timmies yet!! :((((

AdoubleZ said...

I just found it in AbuDhabi :) , its in the new mall called Mushrif Mall ,the shop is in the ground floor.

here is a picture : < http://www.flickr.com/photos/amjadzarzar/6080872769/ >

AdoubleZ said...

I found one in Abu Dhabi :)!!!....its in this new mall called ( Mushrif Mall) , located in the ground floor a few steps after the east entrance.

here is a picture: < http://www.flickr.com/photos/amjadzarzar/6080872769/ >

AdoubleZ said...

I found one in Abu Dhabi :)!!!....its in this new mall called ( Mushrif Mall) , located in the ground floor a few steps after the east entrance.

here is a picture: < http://www.flickr.com/photos/amjadzarzar/6080872769/ >

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