Yateem Group

Yateem Group: a century-old optical group rooted in the Gulf

Yateem Group traces its origin to an optical shop and pharmacy opened in Bahrain in 1910, one of the first of its kind in the country. The company presents that founding step as the work of Ahmed Ali Yateem, described as a pioneer in the Middle East who saw the need for a local optical presence serving the community. His successor, Abdulla Ali Yateem, laid the groundwork for the group's regional expansion.

The move into the United Arab Emirates came in 1971, when Naser Abdulla Yateem opened the first retail optical showroom in Abu Dhabi. Today the five sons of Abdulla Ali Yateem are presented as the core of the group, which states that it has served more than five generations of customers and has grown to nearly 100 outlets across the GCC.

Optical services offered across the retail chains

The group's optical chains, including Yateem Opticians, structure their offer around six service areas:

• Sunglasses: a range of branded sunglasses positioned for all occasions.
• Frames: selection conceived not only on appearance but on whether the prescription lens sits well centred in the frame.
• Contact lenses: the company stresses buying branded lenses from genuine sources, given that the material is inserted into the eye.
• Prescription lenses: lenses that correct refractive error and provide clear vision.
• Vision tests: checks intended to confirm the wearer has the correct prescription and to identify problems at an early stage.
• Licence eye tests: Yateem Opticians describes itself as one of the few optical outlets authorised by various emirates to carry out driving licence eye tests.

Brands and diversification beyond eyewear

Alongside the heritage chain Yateem Opticians, the group has developed newer retail concepts such as Ateliee Optics and Sun Eye. It also states that its portfolio extends beyond optics into divisions including premium leather boutiques and real estate management, and that it continues to add retail brands in response to changing market needs. The company presents its brand selection as one of the largest collections of international eyewear brands, with showrooms planned to meet the expectations of an international clientele.

Family continuity and staffing

The group frames its identity around the family values set out by its founders and notes that it has employed entire generations of staff who have grown with the business. Its stated commitments cover optometric examination and diagnosis of visual conditions, recommendations adapted to each customer's needs, quality optical solutions and customer service.

Head office and Abu Dhabi presence

The group's head office is in Dubai, in the Al Quoz Industrial Area, and a second contact point is listed at Yateem Mall on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi, each with its own telephone line and email address. The company also maintains a branch finder for locating individual outlets.