A pair of enterprising British brothers believe they have found a niche in Dubai’s burgeoning market – by importing the concept of the ice cream van to the Middle East.

Two Brothers set up first Ice cream Van in Dubai Photo: Andrew Parsons

Establishing what they claim is Dubai’s first ice cream van, they believed that they would be providing the 150,000-strong British community with a reminder of home.

However, their firm is now expanding rapidly from their initial single van as their cool treats seem to be going down just as well with the local population.

A cone or lolly comes as a welcome respite to local children, who play in temperatures which can often exceed 113F (45C).

The brothers, from South Woodham Ferrers, near Chelmsford, launched the Desert Chill business a few months ago and their ice creams are imported by a local supplier.

The company now has three brightly-coloured vans with its logo – a camel eating ice cream – emblazoned on the side.

Initially, the pair worked seven-day weeks, driving the vans and serving customers themselves, to get the business off the ground.

But they have now employed two drivers and have ambitious expansion plans.

They intend to launch in Abu Dhabi next month and then branch out into the rest of the Middle East.

Dan, 26, said: “The expats all say this reminds them of their childhood. You rarely see gangs of children playing in the streets in the UK any more but you do here.”

He added that the van is even starting to bring together the different nationalities which make up the country, providing them with a meeting place.

Nathen, 25, said the pair were nervous about starting up a new business when the recession began because many Britons in Dubai were losing their jobs and returning home.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

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