Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Istanbul, Turkey—HMSHost is expanding in the Middle East with two new partnerships to provide travelers with innovative food and beverage offerings, at Dubai International Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. HMSHost and Dubai International Airports today announced the opening of four new, custom-created restaurants as part of a five-year agreement. In
addition, HMSHost and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport have entered into a 10-year agreement for a variety of new and inviting food and beverage offerings for travelers.

Taste of India, Olive & Fig, Picnic and Umaizushi join Dubai International Airport’s (DBX) offerings to provide travelers delectable tastes and an enhanced airport dining experience. Taste of India opened for business in mid-April; Olive & Fig began serving guests in July; and Picnic and Umaizushi are scheduled to open in late 2012.

“Our goal is to deliver a wide range of high-quality restaurants that create a uniquely positive and memorable service experience for our passengers,” said Eugene Barry, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Dubai Airports. “Taste of India and Olive & Fig are welcome additions and a big hit with customers from across the more than 220 destinations that are served by Dubai International.”

Taste of India is the first restaurant to be developed by global airport restaurateur HMSHost and Dubai Airports. Taste of India at DBX is located in Concourse 1 and features enticing dishes such as Masala Dosa, Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Biryani and Kebab Roomali. Each is prepared by Indian chefs with authentic culinary expertise in this flavorful cuisine. Olive & Fig, located in Concourse 2, features a menu that is tailored to the local taste preferences of DBX travelers. Key culinary cuisines include the flavors of Morocco, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, with menu offerings from an Italian Frittata for breakfast, to a Halloumi & Olive Wrap for lunch or a Grilled Chicken and Artichoke Flatbread Pizza for dinner, followed by dessert of Mediterranean Rugalach, along with coffee, freshly squeezed juices and other beverages.

Travelers stopping at Olive & Fig will be welcomed by its contemporary décor combined with the warm colors and textures of the Mediterranean.

Picnic will provide travelers at Concourse 3 with a gourmet market experience specializing in “fresh from the market” produce, displayed in wood crate boxes, surrounded by additional healthy offerings.

With a design as distinctive and sophisticated as the inspired Japanese cuisine it proudly serves, Umaizushi will stand apart in every way among the discerning traveler’s typical dining choices. From all aspects of its design to the freshest sushi experience it promises to the consumer, Umaizushi conveys an oasis of calm, originality, and “tastefulness” that draws attention and engages all the senses away from the surrounding distraction of bustling travelers in a busy airport.

“It is a pleasure to work together with Dubai Airports to bring HMSHost’s global expertise to our first projects here,” said Michiel Reuvers, Senior Director, Business Development for HMSHost. “We look forward to serving the wide and diverse group of travelers and we appreciate the opportunity to be part of the Airport’s stunning showcase of amenities.”

At Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, HMSHost will operate 13 locations in total, of which it will initially rebrand 10 and develop three new locations.

“We have been looking for an international, experienced food and beverage partner who is able to accommodate our airport’s major growth and fulfill the needs of our customers by providing a unique dining experience,” said Kilic Arslanturk, Chief Commercial Officer of Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. “Our partnership with HMSHost will bring travelers a mix of international brands and local flavors across the airport’s 13 restaurants, which are situated in the landside area as well as in the airside area.”

“Partnering with Sabiha Gökçen International Airport gives us the opportunity to bring new flavors and restaurant innovations to more travelers around the globe,” said Reuvers. “We look forward to working together and being a part of one of the fastest growing airports in the world.”

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.7 billion and employs more than 34,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €5.8 billion in 2011, the Group operates in 35 countries and employs some 62,800 people. It manages over 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.hmshost.com for more information and find us on Facebook at HMSHost Making the Traveler’s Day Better.

About Dubai Airports

Dubai Airports owns and manages the operation and development of both of Dubai’s airports – Dubai International (DXB) as well as Dubai World Central (DWC). DXB is ranked the fourth busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers according to Airports Council International’s latest figures (ACI). The airport serves more than 150 airlines flying to over 220 destinations across six continents.

About Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Investment Development and Operation Inc. (ISG), a company founded in partnership by Limak Investment (LIMAK), GMR Infrastructure Limited (GMR), and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), has 20 years operation rights, as of May 1st of 2008, of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, including the management of the terminal buildings, car park, ground handling, cargo and aircraft refueling operations, the airport hotel and CIP facilities.