TAMPA — The Melting Pot is headed to the Middle East.

The Tampa-based fondue restaurant chain announced Tuesday it has signed a franchise agreement to open 12 locations in the next eight years in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt.

“There is nothing like The Melting Pot in the Middle East,” said Ziad Kaddoura, co-managing partner of the franchisee, Hospitality Concepts and Solutions, which also operates an Outback Steakhouse in Saudi Arabia. It is scouting sites and hopes to open its first Melting Pot next year in Dubai or Beirut.

The agreement marks the largest franchise deal in The Melting Pot’s history. Founded in 1975, it has more than 140 restaurants in North America and 20 more in development. The restaurant is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company based in Tampa.

Known for its fondue cheeses, meats and chocolate desserts, the restaurant is continuing its international expansion in Canada and Mexico and hopes to eventually move into Australia, China, India and Brazil.