The first 7-Eleven convenience store will open in Dubai in September as part of a franchise deal with Seven Emirates Investment, it has been announced.

Khamis Al Sabousi, president of Seven Emirates Investment, said the opening is part of plans by the Japanese convenience store brand to launch more than 820 stores in the region over the next 10 years.

In a joint statement with Dubai's Department of Economic Development (DED), Al Sabousi said bringing a leading retailer like 7-Eleven to the region is part of his company's efforts to develop existing supply chains, provide innovative nutritional solutions, and encourage young people to explore franchising as a business model.

"Franchising promotes growth of private businesses and helps ambitious youngsters achieve their goals, while ensuring their participation in the development of the retail sector," he said.

Omar Bushahab, CEO of Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) sector at DED, added: "We are delighted to see Seven Emirates Investment taking off with the opening of the first 7-Eleven store set for September. It's a critical step forward for Seven Emirates Investment, which also underlines the ease of doing business in Dubai and its successful economic policy on one hand and the confidence international companies have in the emirate on the other hand."

Bushahab also spoke of Dubai's continuous efforts to help businesses overcome obstacles and continue growing, which he said plays a major role in attracting companies such as 7-Eleven.

There are currently more than 56,000 7-Eleven stories in 16 countries worldwide.