The Reformatory Lab sources coffee from 11 countries using five processing methods. Credit: Arada.

Arada has introduced Australian coffee concept, The Reformatory Lab, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of its expansion into consumer-facing brands.

Founded by Colombian coffee farmer Simon Jaramillo, The Reformatory Lab first opened in Sydney, Australia’s Surry Hills district.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Known for its brewing methods, the outlet has opened at Arada’s W Residences sales centre near the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club.

Arada plans to open ten locations across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi up to 2027 along with a central roastery in Dubai.

Arada Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi stated: “The Reformatory Lab answers the need for an elevated coffee experience here in the UAE and is designed to give our customers an experience that is always out of the ordinary.

“Building on the brand’s success in Australia, our goal is to make The Reformatory Lab the go-to location for coffee lovers locally, adding new venues to all of the major cities of the UAE before expanding internationally.”

The Reformatory Lab sources coffee from Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Java, Kenya, Panama using five different processing methods.

Its offerings include fruit-forward flavours such as blueberries and pineapple, along with notes of macadamia, mixed nuts and salted caramel.

Customers can also find a daily selection of baked goods and snacks.

The planned central roastery will enable The Reformatory Lab to create custom blends for businesses in the UAE and the wider region.

Its arrival expands Arada’s portfolio, which includes fitness brands Wellfit, FitnGlam, FITCODE, and The Platform Studios, as well as food and beverage concepts such as Boost Juice and Hungry Wolves, and food truck hub Zad.

The Reformatory Lab general manager Simon Jaramillo added: “With unexpected flavours, unique origins and an amazing atmosphere, The Reformatory Lab aims to revolutionise the coffee scene here in the UAE and show how – in a world of mediocrity – the simple pleasure of a stellar cup can direct everyone’s day towards greatness.”