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
Muzz helps GCC to embrace modern marriage without compromising faith
In an era where digital platforms shape nearly every aspect of modern life, many Muslims across the world are turning to technology not for casual interactions, but for something far more meaningful: marriage. Among the platforms leading this shift is Muzz, the world’s largest Muslim marriage app, which has established itself as a trusted space for young professionals, families, and faith-minded individuals seeking genuine, value-aligned connections.
With a global community of more than 15 million members and over 600,000 marriages facilitated through the platform, Muzz has redefined how Muslims meet and communicate while honoring cultural expectations and Islamic principles. Its rapid growth reflects an increasing demand for tools that offer modern convenience without compromising traditional values.
Muzz’s origins trace back to 2011, when founder Shahzad Younas created a simple website from his London bedroom. What started as a small personal project soon evolved into a pioneering venture. In 2017, the platform became the first Muslim-focused startup to be accepted into Y Combinator, the Silicon Valley accelerator known for backing giants such as Airbnb and Dropbox. This milestone marked a turning point that propelled Muzz from a grassroots idea into a global technology brand.
Today, the company operates with more than 150 employees across several regions, serving diverse Muslim communities throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite its global footprint, the platform remains rooted in a clear mission: to offer Muslims a safe, respectful, and intentional way to pursue marriage.
In contrast to mainstream dating apps that cater largely to casual relationships, Muzz’s guiding philosophy is that “Muslims don’t date — they marry.” This principle shapes the platform’s user experience and distinguishes it from competitors. The app incorporates features designed specifically to reflect Islamic values, including privacy tools, optional chaperone modes, verified profiles, and a strong emphasis on safety and conduct. These elements resonate particularly strongly with users in the GCC, where cultural expectations around courtship remain firmly tied to modesty, family involvement, and serious intentions.
“We built Muzz to empower Muslims with a tool that fits their lives and their values,” said CEO Younas. “Our users want modern convenience, but they also seek sincerity and intention. Muzz brings both together.”
Beyond impressive numbers and global reach, the platform’s impact is evident in the personal stories shared by couples who found each other through it. Omar and Noura, a Saudi–Jordanian couple who married last year, credit Muzz for creating the opportunity that brought them together. Living in different countries, they never expected their paths to cross naturally. “Conversations on Muzz felt sincere from the start,” Omar said. “Within weeks, we realized this was something real.”
For individuals like Sara, a single mother from the Gulf region, the app provided a renewed chance at companionship after years of hesitation. Concerns about trust and privacy initially held her back, but the platform’s respectful environment helped her feel comfortable enough to explore the process. “Muzz felt intentional,” she said. “I met someone who understood my journey, someone I didn’t expect to find.”
Stories like these, now numbering in the hundreds of thousands, highlight how thoughtfully designed technology can support tradition rather than undermine it. The platform’s growing adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects this balance, combining technological ease with the cultural sensitivity deeply valued in the region. According to a spokesperson for the company, this growth demonstrates a widespread desire for tools that honor authenticity and respect while offering users an accessible way to pursue marriage.
In addition to its role as a matchmaking platform, Muzz has emerged as a socially conscious brand committed to humanitarian initiatives. The company has raised more than $1.2 million in charitable contributions, supporting essential projects in Sudan, Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and other regions. Its donations have helped fund bakeries, mobile clinics, temporary shelters, and emergency relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community support and ethical responsibility.
As digital tools continue to influence how people work, communicate, and build relationships, Muzz’s success illustrates how technology can harmonize with religious and cultural values. By offering a platform grounded in sincerity, safety, and faith-centered design, Muzz is shaping a new chapter in Muslim matchmaking, one where innovation and tradition work hand in hand to help people build lasting connections.
