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China's Bubble Tea Industry Slowdown Sparks a Hunt for New Categories
Mixue's profit fell 15 percent as rivals push into new dayparts and categories, signs of a maturing China bubble tea market with lessons for Gulf expansion.
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Heytea Reopens China Franchising, Screens Out Quick-Profit Seekers
Heytea reopened franchise applications on September 7, 2026, ending an 18-month pause and adding screening built to filter out quick-profit applicants.
The third place: how cafes anchor young professionals in the Gulf
As hybrid work reshapes Gulf offices, cafes are becoming the 'third place' young professionals rely on for focus, community and informal networking.
Bubble Tea Near Dubai Metro Stations: A Commuter's Budget Guide
Dubai Metro carried 136.5 million riders in H1 2026. Here is where bubble tea shops already sit at the busiest stations, from BurJuman to Mall of the Emirates.
China's Bubble Tea Brands Slow at Home, Split Hard on Overseas Expansion
Mixue, Chagee, Guming and Nayuki's mid-2026 earnings show slowed store growth at home and sharply diverging fortunes in overseas expansion across Asia.
Study Cafe Riyadh: What Actually Makes a Spot Work for Long Sessions
A week into Riyadh's new school term, a genuinely study-friendly cafe comes down to wifi, seating, noise levels and hours, not just the drink on the table.
Sugar Levels and the Search for Healthier Bubble Tea in the Gulf
China's top tea chains post mixed H1 profits as Gulf sugar taxes and menu rules take hold. What sweetness levels like 50 percent actually control in a cup.
Ube Purple Milk Tea Trend Goes Viral: What It Means for Menus
The ube purple milk tea trend is going viral again after a Starbucks China launch. What the purple yam craze could mean for bubble tea menus in the Gulf.
Saudi School Year 2026 Opens Today, Resetting Riyadh's Morning Rhythm
Saudi Arabia's 2026 to 2027 school year begins today for Riyadh, resetting the city's morning drop-off and afternoon pickup rhythm for the semester ahead.
How Fresh Fruit Tea Is Built as Gulf Summer Heat Holds Into Late August
How fresh fruit tea is built: matching fruit to tea base and balancing sweetness against acid, as Gulf temperatures stay near seasonal highs in late August.
Gong Cha Sale to Bain Capital Marks a Reset for Bubble Tea Deals
Bain Capital is buying bubble tea chain Gong Cha for about 4.2 billion yuan, well below its April asking price, a sign of maturing bubble tea consolidation.
Saudi Schools Reopen August 23 as Riyadh's Back-to-School Season Peaks
Saudi Arabia's 2026-2027 school year opens August 23, and Riyadh is resetting for back to school season, from stationery shelves to weekday cafe routines.
