Our Journey
From one bar in Egypt to the most awarded food and beverage company in Dubai, take a trip down memory lane with our journey so far.
We’re only just getting started.
1998
Papa’s Bar opens in Hurghada, Egypt.
2000
Paul and Freek, allegedly, agreed to their first beach bar on the shores of Hurghada, Egypt, over a drunken gentlemans handshake at 3am, launching Solutions Group.
2001 – 2011
Paul and Freek grow Solutions Group to 150-strong rockstars, with 20 venues under their belt, including the Papa’s Bar concept and Hed Kandi.
2005
Solutions Group launches Ministry of Sound Red Sea.
2011
The Arab Spring forces Solutions Group to leave Egypt.
2011
Paul and Freek arrive in Dubai, and Solutions Leisure Group is born.
2012
The Group’s office in Dubai Media City establishes a new industry lifestyle sector; a division of experiences that create the moments people live for, every day.
2013
Q43 opens its doors on the 43rd floor of Media One Hotel.
2014
Asia Asia, opens its doors for the first time in Dubai Marina’s Pier 7.
2016
Lock, Stock & Barrel, Tecom (Barsha Heights) at the Grand Millennium Hotel bursts onto the scene and becomes the UAE’s most-loved party bar overnight.
2017
Lock, Stock & Barrel opens its biggest venue yet at Rixos Premium, JBR.
2017
Solutions Leisure Group brings internationally acclaimed NYC steakhouse brand, STK, to the Middle East, opening its doors in Rixos Premium, JBR.
2017
Solutions Leisure Group embarks on its first international expansion into Kazan, Russia, bringing with it Asia Asia, Lock, Stock & Barrel and a dedicated family entertainment concept.
2018
Solutions Leisure Group introduces an all-new family entertainment sector to the region.
2018
Solutions Leisure Group partners with Atlantis The Palm to launch award-winning family entertainment destination, Wavehouse.
2020
The Covid 19 pandemic sweeps the world and Solutions Leisure Group closes its doors indefinitely.
2020
Solutions Leisure Group re-opens its doors to a portfolio of six venues.
2021
Koyo launches at Intercontinental Dubai Marina.
2021
Lock, Stock & Barrel opens its third venue in the Grand Millennium, Business Bay.
2021
Solutions Leisure Group acquires West 14 Steakhouse, transforming the destination to beachside oasis, Ula, at Dukes, Palm Jumeirah.
2021
Lock, Stock & Barrel opens its first regional outpost in the capital at Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi.
2021
Asia Asia opens its second UAE venue and first regional outpost in the capital at Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi.
2022
Central is introduced as a secondary family entertainment destination in the region, situated in the capital at Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi.
2022
Solutions Leisure Group opens the doors to its first all-encompassing health, beauty and wellness destination, Blended Wellness, at Dukes, Palm Jumeirah.
2022
Ula opens its second regional destination at Movenpick Resort, Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah.
2022
Asia Asia opens its third regional destination at Grand Millennium Hotel, Business Bay.
2022
En Fuego opens at Atlantis The Palm.
2023
Solutions Leisure Group celebrates 10 years in the UAE, rebranding to Solutions Group.
2023
After seven years, flagship restaurant and lounge, Asia Asia Pier 7, opens its doors to reveal all-new updated look and feel.
2023
Miami-inspired beach club and restaurant, The 305, launches at The Club, Palm Jumeirah.
2023
Papas, an Italian trattoria, launches at Intercontinental Dubai Marina, in tribute to the groups first venue, Papa’s Bar in Hurghada, Egypt.
2023
Icon meets icon. The fourth Asia Asia lands on The Palm Jumeirah, with 360-degree views of The Palm, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis the Royal.
2024
The first of its kind from Solutions Group, this is the UAE’s first sip and shop concept store, So Much Trouble.
2024
The Showhouse, Dubai Marina’s new dinner show spectacle, launched in May, with its first showing of Down The Rabbit Hole.
