ACE Hardware International opened its Mena headquarters at the Dubai Airport Free Zone (Dafz) at a ceremony attended by the hub’s director general Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni and 60 officials belonging to the company and its associates.

The new facility, located at building 4 WA, was opened by Dr Al Zarooni, who said it would add “weight and value” to the list of multinational companies at Dafz, which now exceeds 1,600.

“Ace Hardware International is a widely respected business and we are excited to welcome the brand to Dafz – one of the most advanced business zones, and home to the leading brands of the world,” he added.

George Mokbel, general manager, Mena, Ace Hardware International, said: “In line with the vision of our leadership, we continue to drive the growth of the Ace brand in the region. Our strength is in the variety and uniqueness of our product mix, market knowledge and our solid vendor relationships. Because of these strengths, we continue to invest in growing the Ace brand network in the region. We are present in six markets today and over the next five years, the retailer expansion plan for the region includes projected operations in Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Morocco, Afghanistan and Cyprus.”

Recently, its second largest store in the UAE was opened in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Bob Moschorak, president Ace Hardware International, said, “Our organic growth strategy and long-term commitment to the region is delivering excellent results, growing our markets and getting us closer to our partner retailers, vendors and their consumers. Establishing our regional headquarters in Dubai is a testimony to that development and growth. I wish the Mena team great success.”