Mastic, or masticha (Pistacia lentiscus), the “gold of Chios”, the eastern Aegean island, has found a new home in high-flying Dubai.

Local entrepreneur Mansoor Al Bastaki is the owner of a Mastihashop outlet and cafe in the UAE emirate, which since February offers a range of skincare products and confectionery featuring the iconic ingredient.

The gum-like substance, produced only on the southern half of the island, is promoted for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties.

Al Bastaki, 35, said he first saw a Greece-based Mastihashop franchise at an exhibition in Dubai.

“I personally love dining out … Whenever I travel, I love sitting in cafes, sipping on coffee and trying out new things. Opening Mastihashop is just playing into the passion,” he told TheNational website in UAE.

Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National