NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Smoothie King is expanding into the Middle East, beginning with multiple locations in Dubai.

The company announced Thursday that the expansion will happen through its partnership with Al Ghurair Retail, whose commercial reach spans more than 20 countries. Al Ghurair plans on opening 45 Smoothie King locations over the next five years, beginning with the United Arab Emirates before moving into Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

Al Ghurair General Manager Laurent Cabioch says Smoothie King is their first food and beverage brand.

Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim says they’re confident the partnership will help expand their presence worldwide.

Smoothie King is currently located in Korea, Grand Cayman and Singapore. Company officials say they’re also eyeing development in Japan, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia and Brazil.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.