The big Jamie Oliver news beyond the birth of Jamie’s fourth child, and first son, Buddy Bear Maurice, is that Jamie is joining the charge to the United Arab Emirates.

There is plenty of sand, just like Las Vegas, and now there are plenty of celebrity chef deals. Dubai may be an import/export/free trade hub, but it is also a tourism destination -– just like Vegas.

Jamie is reported to be opening a Jamie’s Italian in Dubai Festival City. Emirates 247 says that it is set to open in November 2010, with three levels and 290 seats. It will feature a pasta bar.

Jamie’s Italian is a franchise brought to the Middle East by Jawad Business Group. The Bahrain-based group and now Jamie Oliver regional franchiser is already deep in other restaurants: Aran, Burger King, Chili’s, Costa Coffee, Delifrance, Dairy Queen, Great Kabab Factory, Magic Wok, Papa John’s, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Thai Express, and Tilly’s.

Festival City is a project of Dubai’s Al Futtaim Group: they will be the landlords.

Jamie isn’t alone in Dubai, nor is he the first.

Pierre Gagnaire, Gordon Ramsay, Giorgio Locatelli and Gary Rhodes all have restaurants there.

What? No American Celebrity Chefs?

As a result of its proximity to Europe – there are more European chefs.

Then again, let’s wait a little and see.

(Image of Jamie Oliver from the Mirror)