Mohammed Al-Zain , CEO of the Saudi-based Barns Cafe, received the esteemed "CEO of the Year" accolade
Dubai, 2023 – The glitz and glamour of the Arab Franchise Awards witnessed another memorable moment this year as Mohammed Al-Zain , CEO of the Saudi-based Barns Cafe, received the esteemed “CEO of the Year” accolade. The award comes as a recognition of his unparalleled leadership, innovation, and the cafe’s remarkable growth under his stewardship.
For those familiar with the franchise industry in the region, this honor bestowed upon Al Zain was a foreseeable conclusion. His strategic vision and relentless pursuit of excellence have transformed Barns Cafe from a local favorite to a significant player in the Middle Eastern cafe scene.
The Arab Franchise Awards, renowned for celebrating outstanding achievements in franchising across the Arab nations, saw a convergence of industry leaders and influencers. Amidst this gathering, Al Zain’s triumph was a testament to his dedication, strategic acumen, and the ability to adapt to the evolving tastes and preferences of the market.
Arab Franchise Awards 2023 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.
One notable aspect of Barns Cafe’s success story is its seamless amalgamation of traditional Saudi flavors with contemporary cafe culture. Under Al Zain’s leadership, Barns Cafe has not only expanded its footprint but has also introduced a variety of innovative offerings that resonate with a diverse clientele.
Sustainability, another cornerstone of Al Zain’s strategy, has been masterfully integrated into Barns Cafe’s operations. This initiative has not only positively impacted the environment but has also set Barns Cafe apart in a competitive market, making it a leader in eco-friendly practices within the industry.
Mohammed Al Zain earned his engineering degree from King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah and later advanced his studies at the prestigious Harvard Business School, Harvard University, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Specializing in change management and organizational growth, Mohammed has cemented his reputation as a leading figure in his domain. His proactive strategies and innovative thinking have been pivotal to Barns café’s expansion. Both team members and industry peers respect Mohammed for his clear strategic insight and steadfast dedication to excellence.
The company’s exponential growth, further accentuated by its expansion plans and consistently positive customer reviews, speaks volumes of Al Zain’s commitment to excellence. His approach to leadership, which emphasizes employee empowerment and inclusivity, has cultivated a culture of innovation and collaboration within Barns Cafe.
As the Arab Franchise Awards night unfolded, the attendees lauded and celebrated the success stories of various franchisees. However, Mohammed Al-Zain ‘s achievement stood as a beacon of hope and inspiration for emerging entrepreneurs and established CEOs alike. His journey, characterized by resilience, innovation, and a customer-centric approach, offers a blueprint for success in the ever-evolving world of franchising.
Mohammed Al Zain at the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Saudi Arabian coffee chain Barn’s has announced international expansion plans and is targeting 1,000 stores globally by 2030. Founded in 1992 by the Al Amjaad Group, Barn’s currently operates more than 650 stores across Saudi Arabia, making it the Kingdom’s largest chain. The Jeddah-based company is planning to focus on drive-thru stores and smaller format sites, with global expansion to London, New York ,Malaysia ,Egypt, Bahrain and UAE Markets
