LeBron James's pizza shop is opening in Abu Dhabi today

You can 'build your own' at this pizzeria

The LeBron James-backed Blaze Pizza has opened in Abu Dhabi's The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Instagram / Blaze Pizza 

Blaze Pizza is opening in Abu Dhabi today: the Californian pizzeria is backed by basketball legend LeBron James (he was one of the original investors in the chain).

The new fast food joint has set up shop at the new The Galleria Al Maryah Island, which throws its doors open today, Wednesday, September 4.

The pizzeria has a pretty great USP: you design your pizza to your exact preferences with the Build Your Own option – think Subway, but for cheesy slices.

Here is a video of LeBron 'Ron' James behind the counter the Blaze Pizza outlet in Pasadena, California: 

Customers start with their dough of choice, be it original, high-rise, cauliflower or keto, and then add sauce, cheese, meat, veggies and finishing touches.

I'll take an original dough, with spicy red sauce, mozzarella, vegan chorizo, bell peppers, mushrooms and red onions, with plenty of fresh basil, please and thank you. Keep the pineapple away.

The US outlets of the eatery promise that when you have selected your ingredients, it will be fire-cooked in a pizza oven in as little as 180 seconds, which is three minutes. Let's hope the UAE openings live up to the home branches' fast work.

The customised style means every dietary requirement is catered to, with gluten free, keto, veggie and vegan options all covered.

Also on the menu are a small selection of salads and desserts, with a few drinks options to try too. The smores pies and blood orange lemonade seem to be particularly popular.

As of yet, the Abu Dhabi branch of Blaze Pizza is one of just five international branches of the pizzeria. All of the global outlets are here in the GCC, with two in Kuwait, one in Bahrain and one in Riyadh. The website does promise that more will be coming soon.

Blaze Pizza, The Galleria Al Maryah Island; open Saturday to Wednesday, 10am until 10pm, Thursday and Friday 10am until midnight; www.blazepizza.com

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Read more:

Eat your way around the world: 10 of the best cooking holidays

The 17 restaurants and cafes that are coming to Abu Dhabi's Galleria extension 

Debenhams, Kinokuniya and Lululemon among 66 stores coming to Galleria mall extension in Abu Dhabi

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