Galadari Brothers’ F&B division nurtures pupils’ entrepreneurial skills – News
Al Barsha, a student at Kings’ School, participates in a unique project that bridges the critical gap between education, industry, and business.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman, Galadari Brothers Group, with Ahmed Osman, CEO of the diversified conglomerate’s Food and Beverage division, the pupils of Kings’ School, Al Barsha, Dubai, who took part in the immersive branding exercise, and some of the employees of the F and B division in Dubai on Thursday. — photo by shihab
Michelle Sewell arrived in UAE in 2005 as an educator. She saw a significant gap between education and business in UAE, as opposed to England.
Sewell, whose father is Panamanian and mother is Irish, quickly took over to fill the void.
She introduced the best industry practices to teach her pupils, who are keen on vocational training, at Kings’ School, Al Barsha.
“The UAE, which values education, is a perfect launch pad to try out this exercise. I’m indebted to Galadari Brothers’ Food & Beverage (F&B) division to allow seven of our pupils in the age-bracket of 16-17 to get a hands-on experience of a brand-awareness exercise. This bridge-building project will come in handy for these pupils, who are primed to be change makers of tomorrow,” said a bubbly Sewell, whose infectious nervous energy has rubbed off on her wide-eyed and curious pupils.
Rashed Abdulla bin Beyat Al Falasi, the lone Emirati in the group of participants, was all praise for the “immersive experience”.
He said: “I enjoyed the rigorous exercise because it gave me a rare insight into brand awareness. Branding holds the key in a consumer and social media-driven world.”
Al Falasi is very clear about his career goals and felt that the exercise would help him in his future endeavors. “I’d like to study finance because I like investing and this project showed me the way forward,” he added.
His peer Mohammed-Ilyas Hafesji is also of Iranian descent. He moved to Dubai as a 3-year-old from the United Kingdom (UK). “It’s been an eye-opener for me. The project gave me a 360-degree view of doing assignments to a sneak peek of global business trends.”
Walid Dajani, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent who nurtures the ambition of becoming an entrepreneur, said: “The exercise has enriched my perspective about the contemporary business scenario. I’m further emboldened in my view on how to take an opportunity and seize the moment, which is the pivot of all sound business decisions.”
Briton Harry Armistead, who has lived in three continents and is a Dubai resident for the past three years, weighed in on Dajani’s viewpoint amid harbouring similar career ambitions.
“I’m fortunate to get a ringside view of a real work environment, which is a privilege few are entitled to at a tender age,” he said.
Sara Alono, one the three participants from the seven-member group, also hopes to be an entrepreneur.
She singled out Galadari Brothers’ F&B division’s recent acquisition KyoChon, Korea’s most loved fried chicken.
Alonso, who traces her origin to Spain and Mexico, said: “I enjoyed learning about KyoChon and will frequent the outlets more than ever before.”
Georgia White, a Londoner and resident in Dubai for 12+ years, provided a refreshing approach to the exercise. “It gave me an opportunity to present data and information in a real-time work environment. I also enjoyed trying new offerings from (Galadari Brothers’ F&B divisions’) Baskin Robbins and KyoChon,” said a demure White.
Cameron Froud, a South African citizen of British descent, has lived in Dubai for five years. She has chalked out her career path and the “exercise will come in handy”.
Froud, who aspires to be a business manager has had to face the truth in this unique exercise. “Team building is key to a successful business venture. This hands-on work experience will help me become a better manager, which calls for excellent interpersonal skills,” she said.
Mohammed Galadari (Co-Chairman), Galadari Brothers Group, spoke out about the importance of this exercise.
“We have always put youth at the heart of our mission, empowering them as change agents and making a positive impact on the world. I enjoyed seeing seven pupils from Kings’ School contribute to our ongoing evolution and reflect on their experiences with our beloved brands Baskin Robbins and KyoChon,” he said.
Ahmed Osman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), F&B division, Galadari Brothers Group, hailed the initiative that was championed by Dominic Keogh-Peters, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Galadari Brothers Group.
“Our youth hold the key to shaping the future of the UAE. It’s our responsibility to support and empower them to reach their full potential, unleash their talent and drive positive change for a brighter tomorrow. We collaborated with seven pupils at Kings’ School, Al Barsha, to come up with disruptive and innovative ideas for our key brands, Baskin Robbins and KyoChon. We’re impressed by their new-age ideas, unique perspectives, and strong recommendations to drive growth across both these brands. To drive innovation and success in school and beyond, collaboration with young minds is crucial. We’d like to continue working together to unlock limitless potential and create a brighter future for all,” he said.
The diversified conglomerate’s F&B division predates the foundation of the country on December 2, 1971.
Galadari Ice Cream Company was founded in 1962. They have more than 1000 Baskin Robbins shops in the Middle East and North Africa region (Mena), as well as Dunkin Donuts in Qatar, Oman and Qatar.
Baskin Robbins, an international brand that opened in the Mena Region, is the largest Baskin Robbins franchisee globally and the largest QSR brand in the Mena. KyoChon, Korea’s most loved fried chicken, and Shabestan, the first Persian concept in the UAE, are also from the group’s jewel in the crown, F&B stable.
Last December, the first KyoChon Restaurant was opened in Deira City Centre.
KyoChon operates out of five locations — Deira City Centre, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman Mall, Motor City and Diyafa Street.