Baskin-Robbins recently opened its 500th Saudi store in Dammam.
To mark the milestone, Galadari Ice Cream Company (GICC), master franchisee for Baskin-Robbins in the Middle East, and its subsidiary Jumeirah Trading Company Ltd. (JTCL), along with Dunkin’ Brands International, partner company of Dunkin’ Donuts, called a press conference on Nov. 1 at the Sheraton Dammam Hotel & Convention Centre.
The event was attended by a number of senior representatives from the companies, including Bill Mitchell, president of Dunkin’ Brands International; Mohammed Yahya Kazi, member of the executive committee of the board of directors of GICC; John Varghese, vice president of Dunkin’ Brands International, Shabeer Shah, general manager of GICC; and Osama Saleh Yadkar, deputy general manager of JTCL.
Dunkin’ Brands International President Mitchell told Arab News: “The opening of our 500th store is a major event for us because our partnership with Galadari has been in place for 35 years and they have been a wonderful partner. They have helped us test new flavors and images ... we have built a very close relationship over the years.”
Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shop restaurants. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, it was founded in 1945 by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins in Glendale, California.
The company is known for its “31 flavors” slogan, with the idea that a customer could have a different flavor every day of any month. The slogan came from the Carson-Roberts advertising agency (which later merged into Ogilvy & Mather) in 1953.
Mitchell added: “Our founders who created the concept in 1945 started the slogan and we believe in it today, it makes people happy.”
Kazi of GICC said: “This ice cream industry in the Kingdom has gone from strength to strength, achieving an annual growth rate of six percent. We are growing along with the industry at a comparable rate.”
The company has focused on increasing its customer reach by opening outlets in new geographic regions and introduced the concept of neighborhood stores across Saudi Arabia, offering convenient home delivery options and entering into tie-ups with reputed local aggregators.
Baskin-Robbins aims to focus on delivering flavors that are close to the Saudi culture, such as dates. “We know that the Saudis love flavors such as caramel, cream, vanilla and dates. So we are working on new flavors that incorporate these elements,” Mitchell added.
As part of its commitment to local economic development, JRCL also adopted an ambitious Saudization policy to recruit and develop local talent, from frontline staff to senior executive management.
Over 37 percent of Baskin Robbins’ staff are Saudis. It has also been an active partner of the Disabled Children’s Association since 2012.
GICC currently operates more than 800 stores across the GCC. It is also a joint venture partner with Dunkin’ Brands for the Baskin-Robbins business in Australia where there are currently more than eight locations. Baskin-Robbins currently has more than 7,900 restaurants in 52 countries around the globe.
The company has introduced more than 1,000 flavors since 1945.
Baskin-Robbins opens 500th Saudi store in Dammam
Baskin-Robbins opens 500th Saudi store in Dammam
Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh
The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”
DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.
DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.
In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact.
The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms.
Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.
The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.
