RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — Arby’s announced the expansion of its fast-casual restaurant brand into Saudi Arabia. Its first Saudi Arabia location opened on May 1 in Riyadh, featuring a menu with US favorites and exclusive items not found anywhere else.

“Arby’s entry into Saudi Arabia is another exciting milestone for the brand’s international growth story,” said Michael Haley, president and international managing director for Inspire Brands, parent company to Arby’s.

Inspire Brands is furthering its partnership with Shahia Foods Ltd. Co., a multi-unit restaurant operator in Saudi Arabia, in order to bring Arby’s to the region.

The companies previously collaborated to bring Dunkin’ to Saudi Arabia. Shahia Foods currently operates more than 700 Dunkin’ locations across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Germany.

“We are very pleased with our Dunkin’ collaboration with Shahia Foods and are excited to expand our portfolio and bring our authority in meat quality and flavor to new guests in a rapidly growing region,” Haley added.

“Adapting restaurants for international tastes is always a fun challenge, and we’re excited to share what makes Arby’s such a unique and celebrated brand in the US with what are sure to be craveable new favorites,” said Saud Abdullah Al Athel, chief executive officer of Shahia Foods. “The team worked tirelessly to create a dining experience and menu offering that will resonate strongly with Saudi guests while firmly rooted in the original Arby’s experience.”

The menu items unique to the Saudi Arabia location include a Smoked Brisket Philly and a Smokey Barbeque Chicken sandwich. The Smoked Brisket Philly builds on Arby’s signature beef brisket with the addition of roasted vegetables and melted swiss cheese. The Smokey Barbeque Chicken features chicken marinated in warm shawarma spices, shredded and drenched in Arby’s Smoky BBQ sauce.

Outside of the United States, Arby’s now operates 180 locations across eight countries. The chain plans to improve its growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Southeast Mexico in the coming months.