Oman has its first Tim Hortons restaurant as the iconic Canadian chain expands operations in the Persian Gulf states.

The Oman restaurant is the 20th Tim Hortons to open in the region since the chain signed a master licence agreement with the Apparel Group last year.

The agreement calls for up to 120 multi-format stores to be opened in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman over a five-year period.

"We're thrilled that the Apparel Group has reached the milestone of 20 restaurants in the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), since opening the first location in Dubai in September of 2011," said David Roy, managing director, international operations, Tim Hortons.

"With each restaurant, we are able to reach new customers in different communities and countries."

Using a targeted approach to explore international opportunities is part of the company's strategic plan.

"The company will continue to focus on expansion in existing GCC markets, focusing next on Qatar," it said.

Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle brand based out of Dubai that operates more than 50 leading brands in 14 countries.

Tim Hortons, has more than 4,100 restaurants system wide, including more than 3,300 in Canada offering coffee, baked goods and fast-food service.

Since opening its first U.S. store in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1985, it has expanded to more than 750 stores in a dozen states — including Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia — and plans to open another 300 locations over the next three years.