President of the Republic of Cuba participates in the reopening of the Casa del Habano in Dubai

December 6, 2023

On November 30th, the iconic La Casa del Habano at the Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, celebrated its reopening after undergoing changes in store design and renovation. Situated in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), The Walk, opposite the Ritz Carlton hotel, this renowned establishment has been a focal point in the heart of the city.

The event was marked by the esteemed presence of the President of the Republic of Cuba, His Excellency Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, who graciously accepted the role of honorary guest. President Diaz-Canel, accompanied by a significant government delegation, was in Dubai for the COP-28, adding further significance to the occasion.

Mr. Mohammed Mohebi, CEO of Baqer Mohebi Enterprises, the Exclusive Distributor of Habanos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), together with the management team of La Casa del Habano, seized the opportunity to extend an invitation to the distinguished President for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. During the event, Mr. Mohebi expressed his deep connection with Cuba, spanning over 50 years, emphasizing the company’s founding by his late father, Zainal Mohebi, a passionate Habano enthusiast. Mr. Mohebi conveyed his affection for both Habanos and Cuba, stating, “Smoking Habanos is having an experience with Cuba.”

Amidst the celebration, Mr. Mohebi took a moment to recognize and express gratitude to Cuba for its support during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event also saw the presence of Cuban Minister of Foreign Relations Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Vice Chancellor Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Déborah Rivas Saavedra, and other notable personalities from both Cuba and the UAE. Fares Nasr, the Head of the Tobacco Department of the company, and Jasim Ahmed, the recipient of the Habanos Man of the Year Award in the 2023 Communication category, also made significant contributions to the evening.

The spotlight of the night was on Habanos cigars and their prestigious brands, with Cohiba, Trinidad, and H. Upmann taking center stage. Noteworthy vitolas such as Cohiba Behike 56, Cohiba Siglo VI and H. Upmann Sir Winston were among the preferred choices of the attendees. The guests also were delighted with the skills in rolling cigars of Virginia de la Caridad, the Cuban “torcedora” and with the charm of the Cuban music.

Founded in 2008, La Casa del Habano in JBR stands as the flagship store of Baqer Mohebi Enterprises. Today, it proudly holds the title of “the most important La Casa del Habano franchise in the Middle East and North Africa, and one of the largest in the world.”

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!