Italian artisanal gelato brand Gelateria La Romana dal 1947 has strengthened its presence in the United Arab Emirates with the opening of a new outlet at Yas Mall, marking the company’s 90th store worldwide and its eighth location in the UAE.
The latest opening represents a significant global milestone for the Rimini-founded brand, which has steadily expanded its international footprint while maintaining a focus on traditional Italian gelato craftsmanship. Established in 1947, La Romana is widely recognised for producing artisanal gelato using time-honoured recipes, traditional methods, and high-quality natural ingredients.
The inauguration ceremony at Yas Mall was led by Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba, Chairman of the Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Group, alongside Muzna Hareb Al Otaiba, Managing Director. Senior leadership from La Romana UAE also attended the event, underscoring the partnership supporting the brand’s regional growth strategy.
In the UAE, La Romana operates under Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Investments (MHAOI), the investment arm of the wider Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Group. Founded in 1946, the group is among the UAE’s long-established Emirati family businesses and has played a role in the country’s economic development across sectors including transportation, technology, retail, services, energy, fabrication, and food and beverage.
MHAOI focuses on developing consumer-centric food, beverage, and lifestyle brands, with an emphasis on long-term partnerships and sustainable growth. Its management of La Romana UAE aims to preserve the brand’s Italian heritage while adapting operations to meet local market expectations.
La Romana UAE differentiates itself through its emphasis on authenticity, with gelato produced using 100% Italian-imported ingredients to maintain a consistent flavour profile across its locations. Each outlet combines Italian culinary tradition with a hospitality-driven customer experience tailored to regional audiences.
The Yas Mall opening reinforces La Romana’s long-term plans for the UAE market, with additional store launches scheduled across the country in 2026 as the brand continues its regional expansion.
