With relations warming quickly between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, it was just a matter of time before kosher restaurants would begin to open up in the UAE, with kashrut organizations moving in to certify a new market for all the traveling businessmen and tourists.

Prior to the recent Israeli mission to the Emirates, Rav Yissachar Dov Krakowski, head of OU kashrut division in Israel headed out to Abu Dhabi in order to kasher the kitchen in the hotel where the Israeli delegation would be staying and holding meetings. Rav Krakowski was invited by the royal family after the Israeli and American delegations requested kosher food be prepared for its members. Rav Krakowski spent his time kashering the kitchen and appointing a local mashgiach from the local Jewish comunity.

And what started as a temporary hechsher for the delegation is now becoming permanent. Eli's Kosher Kitchen is opening a coffee shop in Abu Dhabi and will bear the kashrut certification of the OU.

Eli's Kitchen was considered kosher until now by the local residents, and now it will be official with the OU certification. 

sources: Ynet, INN

Good for the OU, getting in on the ground floor.