In a remarkable demonstration of business acumen and innovation, Saudi Arabia’s own “Barns Café” secured multiple top-tier awards at the prestigious Arab Franchise Awards 2023. These accolades underscore the brand’s exceptional contributions to the franchise industry across the Arab world.
Conducted in tandem with the Arab Franchise Expo, the awards ceremony concluded recently in Dubai. Industry trailblazers gathered at the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 Grand Lounge to honor the leading franchise entrepreneurs of 2023. Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, delivered an insightful keynote speech emphasizing the significance of home-grown franchise brands and their transformative impact on local economies.
Arab Franchise Awards held concurrently with Arab Franchise Expo event which concluded in Dubai recently, recognized the excellence in the franchise industry of the Arab world announced the winners of 2023. Franchise industry leaders filled the Iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 Grand Lounge to celebrate 2023’s top franchise entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy.
The ceremony began with a keynote speech by the Chief Guest of the event Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai – about the latest insights into the importance of home-grown franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy.
Board Member Luai Dahlan accepted the “Arab Global Brand of the Year” award on behalf of Barns Café, presented by Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki. Al Dahlan remarked, “This esteemed recognition propels us further toward our objective of becoming a global brand. It honors the collective efforts of our devoted team, from franchisees who passionately represent our brand in various communities, to our skilled staff who work diligently behind the scenes. At Barns, we see franchising not merely as a business but as a collaborative partnership, built upon trust, shared values, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Sami Qutub - VP Human Capital & Shared Services of Barns Café ( On behalf of Mohamed Al Zain) receiving “Franchise CEO of the Year” award from Dr Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai at Arab Franchise Awards ceremony,Dubai
Mohammed Al Zain, the CEO of Al-Amjaad, stresses the importance of conducting comprehensive market studies, including assessing the size and share of the market in Saudi Arabia, prior to pursuing expansion endeavors. This unwavering dedication to making informed decisions has been instrumental in driving the company’s ongoing accomplishments.
Under his Leadership barns coffee is planning to focus on drive-thru stores and smaller format sites, with initial international expansion likely to target fellow Middle East ,European, Asian and North African markets.
Sultan Al Mutlaq receiving “Franchise Manager of the Year” award from Dr Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai at Arab Franchise Awards ceremony, Dubai
Sultan Al Mutlaq, Head of Franchise at Barns Café, clinched the coveted “Franchise Manager of the Year” award. His extraordinary leadership, operational acumen, and dedication to maintaining high brand standards were cited as key factors in the company’s ongoing success.These honors not only elevate Barns Café as a luminary in the field but also spotlight the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit within Saudi Arabia. The company’s meteoric rise serves as an inspirational tale for local businesses and prospective franchisees, exemplifying the vast potential for Saudi brands to make global strides.
As Barns Café solidifies its standing both in Saudi Arabia and on the international stage, the brand looks forward to extending its distinctive café experience across the Middle East and worldwide. With ambitious expansion plans that include targeting 1,000 global stores by 2030, Barns Café, established in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, continues to grow as the Kingdom’s largest coffee chain, operating over 650 stores across Saudi Arabia.
Envisioning a footprint that spans London, New York, Malaysia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the UAE, Barns Café aims to focus on drive-thru outlets and smaller format locations, bolstering its growth and enriching its array of offerings.
