Jaber Mall is a new shopping mall opening in the new Jaber Al Ahmad city, and it’s aiming to be very different from your typical mall. One of its main features is a massive 30,000m² botanical garden that will sit at the center, featuring shaded walkways and water features designed to create a cool microclimate. I visited the site last week to check it out and my first impression is that it’s going to feel very different from anything else in Kuwait at the moment. Although the garden was still being worked on I could already visualize how it will look. They’re blending greenery and nature into the shopping experience which should look very cool once completed. The garden is being developed in collaboration with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and will feature drought-resistant native plants designed to create a sustainable green environment that could potentially serve as a model for future urban projects. Other than the garden, the mall will also feature shaded parking areas fitted with solar panels that will generate electricity for the project as part of its sustainability approach tied to New Kuwait Vision 2035. The mall will include retail stores, restaurants, cafés, clinics, offices, car showrooms, and entertainment spaces. Some of the brands opening include % Arabica, Pick, Oak & Smoke, Ananas, Happy Crescent, Spark Athletic, Home Centre, Safat Home, Lulu Hypermarket, as well as showrooms for GM, Ford, Toyota, and Lexus. The project is expected to soft open next month, with the official opening planned for the end of the year. If you want to see what other stores are opening there, as well as the Google Maps location, head over to @jabermallkw Update: it’s meant to say “enclosed” not “indoor” for the headline but it got lost in translation and I can’t change it now. Sorry!

Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately owned companies in the region, will breathe fresh life into Costa Coffee Qatar with additional locations and newly designed stores set to open soon. The new Costa Coffee stores will be the first to be operated by Alghanim Industries in Qatar, having been awarded sole development rights to the brand across several additional GCC countries, following their successful management of Costa Coffee in Kuwait since 2013. Alghanim will offer coffee lovers the genuine Costa Coffee experience, with a wide range of beverages made using the authentic Costa Mocha Italia blend, handcrafted with fresh milk for a rich unrivaled experience, in the brand’s signature red waffle paper cups. Updates on the new Costa Coffee in Qatar will be published on www.Instagram.com/Costa.Qatar Commenting on this, Samer Sayegh, President of Retail, F&B and Customer Engagement at Alghanim Industries said: “We’re proud to be long-standing partners with Costa, bringing one of the world’s premium coffee brands to our customers. Our focused strategy and elevated offerings made us a main player in Kuwait’s coffee shop scene, and we are very pleased to expand our relationship and move into the regional market. Qatar’s customers are known to be dedicated, discerning coffee connoisseurs, and we can’t wait to bring them our Costa Coffee experience tailored just for them.” Gordon Mowat, Managing Director EMEA at Costa Coffee said: “Our partnership with Alghanim Industries has grown in strength as well as breadth since its inception in 2013. I believe it comes down to the values we share, values which are so ingrained in the way we do business. The Alghanim team are passionate about our premium coffee, but they’re also equally passionate about crafting the best possible coffeeshop experience, listening to their customers to develop unique menu propositions and reflecting local tastes wherever they operate. As a partner, Alghanim shares our commitment to growing talent and driving product innovation, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside them to bring our iconic brand to customers in the GCC.” The Costa Coffee-Alghanim partnership has flourished since its formation in 2013, growing to more than 90 stores in Kuwait, including several flagship locations. Together, both companies have developed new coffee and pastry collaborations with celebrity chefs, launched innovative, fresh store designs and established a barista training center, to ensure teams deliver the highest possible coffee standards. The growth and success is driven by both companies’ shared commitment to delivering outstanding handcrafted coffee, credible healthy menu choices and exceptional customer service, a strategy Alghanim will be bringing to Qatar. Alghanim Industries will be providing a unique Costa Coffee experience for the country’s coffee lovers by introducing a number of innovative localized products and customized, Qatar-exclusive menu items, such as local collaborations to develop exciting seasonal creations to customers. This follows the wide success it has achieved in Kuwait with Chef Ahmed Al Zamel’s exclusive menu of beverages, sandwiches, and desserts. Customers can also look forward to relaxing in new, revamped store interiors while being served by skilled passionate teams. The new Costa Coffee stores will provide a healthy menu and wide range of alternative milk options to cater to all its customers’ different tastes and dietary needs. Put together, these forward-looking strategies continue to power the partners’ expansion efforts in the GCC, and they look forward to welcoming customers into Costa Coffee Qatar soon.

London, United Kingdom: Costa Coffee, the UK-based coffee shop company with nearly 4,000 locations in more than 32 global markets, and Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately-owned companies in the Gulf region, has today announced an expansion of their successful partnership. Moving forward, Alghanim Industries will have development rights to Costa Coffee not just in Kuwait but also in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, making Alghanim the largest franchisee by territory. The Costa Coffee-Alghanim partnership has flourished since its 2013 formation, growing to more than 75 stores today. 35 of these shops opened in less than a year, including in top-tier locations such as Al Hamra Tower and Kuwait International Airport. The growth is driven by the companies’ shared commitments to delivering outstanding handcrafted coffee, credible healthy menu choices and exceptional customer service. Costa Coffee and Alghanim Industries have revamped the Kuwait menu to reflect local tastes and preferences, including local specialties, such as the sweet and rich Spanish Latte, in addition to the cardamom–infused Turkish latte, a Middle-Eastern twist on a classic drink. Together both companies have recently introduced a number of sustainability initiatives, switching from plastic to paper straws and offering discounts to those customers who bring a reusable cup into store. In addition, they established a barista training center, arranged pastry collaborations with celebrity chefs, upgraded store design and interiors, and opened a concept store at Al Hamra Tower, where customers can enjoy specialty coffees and an expanded food offer. Put together, these forward-looking strategies will power Costa-Alghanim’s expansion efforts in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. “Three traits are critical to success in the food and beverage sector,” said Kutayba Y. Alghanim, Executive Chairman, Alghanim Industries. “You must have a patient, long-term outlook, you must act decisively when opportunity arises, and above all, you must put the customer at the heart of your business. We share these values with Costa Coffee, a world-class brand, which will grow even stronger following its acquisition by Coca-Cola. These shared values are the foundation of our work together, and the reason we look forward to an enduring, prosperous partnership.” “Coffee is a Middle Eastern creation. As far as historians can tell, drinking coffee traces back to the 15th century in our region,” said Omar K. Alghanim, Group CEO, Alghanim Industries. “It comes as no surprise that most people in this region have a deep appreciation for good coffee. And that’s why we’re thrilled to grow with Costa Coffee, and to build on our success in Kuwait. We’re ready to hit the ground running in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, bringing world-class hand crafted coffee to some of the most sophisticated consumers in the world.” “Today marks another exciting new chapter for Costa Coffee in the Middle East”, said Dominic Paul, CEO of Costa Coffee. “Our vision is to inspire the world to love great coffee and in Alghanim Industries we have an innovative and exciting partner who will help us unlock the next phase of growth in the Middle East, bringing further investment and job creation across a number of countries where demand for Costa Coffee is growing.” Alongside Costa Coffee, Alghanim Industries has forged successful partnerships with American quick-service restaurant brands Wendy’s (2015) and Slim Chickens (2017). Alghanim Industries expects to open its first store outside Kuwait in Saudi Arabia by the fourth quarter of 2019. For any questions and inquiries, please contact the Alghanim Industries team at costacoffee.info@alghanim.com. -Ends- About Alghanim Alghanim Industries is one of the largest, privately-owned companies in the MENA region. Founded at the turn of the century, in Kuwait, the company today employs more than 15,000 people in 30 businesses across 40 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. Alghanim Industries is a market leader in almost every major sector of its operations, which include: engineering, retail, automotive sales and service, insulation and pre-engineered steel building structures, logistics and warehousing, fast moving consumer goods, food & beverage, office automation, advertising, insurance, consumer credit and travel. The company is actively growing its brand portfolio, with a focus on top-tier global partners. Among them: Avis, British Airways, British Petroleum, Cathay Pacific, Daewoo, Honda, Saint-Gobain and Toshiba. Additionally, Alghanim Industries has created a number of successful regional businesses, including X-cite (consumer electronics), and Safat Home (lifestyle and home furniture). About Costa Coffee Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa Coffee operates over 2,600+ coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,300+ in 32 international markets we are the fastest growing coffee shop business in the UK and are proud to be the UK’s favourite coffee shop, having been awarded “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland" by Allegra Strategies for nine years running (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). Making a positive contribution to the communities we are part of is extremely important to us, both in the UK and across the world. That’s why we established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity with the aim of improving the life chances of children in coffee growing communities by helping them access a safe, quality education. So far, the Costa Foundation has funded over 80 school projects and changed the lives of more than 75,000 children. We also have a UK-wide Community Programme, which enables our teams to volunteer their time to good causes locally and to invite community groups to make use of our welcoming space in store. In 2011 Costa Coffee purchased Coffee Nation rebranding it to Costa Express. Today, Costa Express operates over 8,500+ coffee bars in five international markets and proudly serves the same famous Mocha Italia blend found in stores, combined with fresh milk to create a delicious and warming cup of coffee on the go. © Press Release 2019

Ford Trucks, one of the largest international heavy truck manufacturers in the world, recently announced that it has selected Alghanim Auto as the official dealer for Ford Trucks Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kuwait. Alghanim Auto is part of the Alghanim Industries automotive group, which includes Ford Motor Company and Lincoln Motor Company. This new partnership was announced and celebrated during a press event at the Dar Hamad Restaurant. The event was attended by CEO of Alghanim Industries, Omar K. Alghanim, Director of International Markets at Ford Trucks, Ercan Emrah Duman, the Ambassador of the United States, H.E. Lawrence Silverman, the First Counselor of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Ali Bozçalışkan, executives from Ford Trucks and Alghanim Auto and other prominent guests. The event included a special ceremony where the CEO of Alghanim Industries, Omar K. Alghanim, spoke to the audience about the new partnership, indicating that it further strengthens Alghanim Industries as it strives to play a vital role in the continued advancement of Kuwait. Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a presentation on Ford Trucks and later toured a collection of Ford trucks showcased outside of the Dar Hamad Restaurant. Speaking about the new partnership, Chairman of Alghanim Industries, Kutayba Y. Alghanim said: “It gives me great pleasure to see this new partnership between our company, Alghanim Industries, and Ford Trucks. It is truly a testament to Alghanim Industries’ ability to represent some of the world’s largest companies, and is also a showing of Ford Trucks’ desire to expand its operations and presence in the region. Just as we have for over a century, we will continue to establish a foundation of trust with our venerable customers. Our focus on customer service is a shared value between our two organizations. We believe that no relationship can last or prosper without shared values – and that is why both our companies believe in quality, integrity and an unwavering focus on meeting our customers’ needs. This is our promise to our customers and what they can expect from Ford Trucks in Kuwait.” He went on to say: “Alghanim Industries always strives to be an integral part of Kuwait’s development, whether it’s through our businesses and our international partnerships, or through our role within our community, as we support entrepreneurship, education and other causes. As one of the largest private companies in the region, we have an obligation to be proactive and have a lasting impact on our country – we work vigorously to meet that obligation. We consider this new partnership to be yet another bond in the relationship between our beloved country of Kuwait and the United States of America and the Republic of Turkey, as was evident in the presence of the honorable representatives of those great countries during the event.” Speaking at the event, CEO of Alghanim Industries, Omar K. Alghanim said: “We are really excited to represent Ford Trucks Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Kuwait – it’s an outstanding company. Through this partnership, we’ll be able to provide our customers more efficient vehicles, better service, and better value overall. At Alghanim Industries, we believe that having the finest heavy commercial trucks with the best value will not only help our customers, but will in return move our economy closer to the Kuwait Vision 2035.” Director of International Markets at Ford Trucks, Ercan Emrah Duman, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Alghanim Auto to launch our range of heavy commercial vehicles for the first time in Kuwait. Kuwait is a fast growing market: the heavy commercial vehicle segment has witnessed strong growth over the past 5 years and is set to grow even more given all the infrastructure development plans currently underway in Kuwait. With our new partner, Alghanim Auto, we are committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and competitive aftersales solutions through dedicated facilities for sales, service and parts”. The new Ford Trucks facilities for sales, service and parts will be open soon in Ahmadi. Furthermore, Alghanim Auto will offer various transportation solutions ranging from international extended warranty programs backed by the manufacturer, customized maintenance packages for up to 5 years, a mobile workshop service to provide repairs and maintenance to increase vehicle uptime, 24/7 roadside assistance, technician and driver training for customers, as well as fleet management systems with built-in connectivity as a standard on all truck models. Driven by the brand’s strategic pillars of quality, durability and efficiency, Ford Trucks combine more than half a century of design and production experience with expertise in market specific product development. This partnership allows Ford Trucks to presents a wide range of vehicles in Kuwait distinguished with their power, efficiency, fuel economy and technology, including tractors, construction trucks and road trucks with a high capacity payload. During the event, the guests had the chance to be the first to discover the Ford Trucks line-up displayed for the first time in Kuwait: The Tractor, Construction, and Road series. The three series were presented in an interactive way showcasing their features and their competitive edge: Ford Trucks Road Series: The new Ford Trucks Road Series comes with many innovative features that help increase profits and reduces operating costs. This is due to the new Ecotorq engine that provides fuel efficiency and effortlessly bears the burden of any business. Both economic and environmentally friendly, the new Ecotorq engine provides the most appropriate power for various kinds of use. Equipped with many high tech features for a safer and more powerful drive, the Ford Truck Road Series ensures that both your load and your business easily reach their goals. Ergonomic and technological innovations stand out in all models. A selection of 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 road trucks with different cab options and wheelbases accommodate your business needs and the superstructure application you want to use. Ford Trucks Construction Series: Displaying sheer power and stability under all conditions with the support of Ecotorq engines, Ford Trucks Construction Series always supports you with low fuel consumption, a strong engine brake system and extreme durability under all load conditions, while an all renewed ergonomic cabin enhances the driver’s comfort and productivity. The Ford Trucks Construction Series is powered by the new Ecotorq engine offering comfort for drivers with exceptional traction uphill and on rough terrains. The Construction Series delivers 430HP, as well as strong performance in demanding site conditions with 2150Nm torque value. While climbing the steep slopes encountered especially in earthmoving and cutting sites with high torque, the new 400KW engine brake keeps the power continually under control. The optional 600KW Intarder option offered for even rougher conditions brings the total braking capability to 1000KW, ensuring that the heaviest loads can be safely carried on even the steepest slopes and hills. Functionality meets aesthetics with the Ford Trucks Construction Series, ensuring a comfortable journey for those carrying a heavy load. The Ford Trucks Construction Series also offers flexible solutions for various projects, thanks to an automated transmission option with different usage modes for road and terrain. Ford Trucks Tractor Series: Ford Trucks Tractor Series offers high performance with low fuel consumption, thanks to the powerful Ecotorq engine. Long service intervals and conformity to different trailer options make it your loyal business partner all along the way. With the newly developed active safety features and the ergonomic cabin that enhances the driver’s operating quality, Ford Trucks Tractor Series is the most reliable companion for those who are in for the long haul. Designed by Ford engineers and preferred all around the world, the profitability of Ford Trucks Tractor Series will instantly impact your operating costs.

أعلنت شاحنات فورد، إحدى أكبر الشركات الدولية المصنّعة للشاحنات الثقيلة على مستوى العالم، عن اختيارها لـ «الغانم أوتو» وكيلا معتمدا لها في الكويت. «الغانم أوتو» هي جزء من مجموعة السيارات لدى شركة صناعات الغانم، والذي يتضمن أيضاً شركتي فورد ولينكون للسيارات. أُعلِن عن الشراكة الجديدة، من خلال فعالية إعلامية خاصة، أقيمت في مطعم دار حمد، بحضور الرئيس التنفيذي لشركة صناعات الغانم، عمر الغانم، ومدير الأسواق الدولية لدى شاحنات فورد، إمراه دومان، وسفير الولايات المتحدة الأميركية لورانس سيلفرمان، والمستشار الأول في سفارة التركية علي بوزتشاليشكان. وخلال الاحتفال، تحدّث عمر الغانم، حول الشراكة الجديدة وتأثيرها في دور الشركة الذي تلعبه في سبيل العمل على استمرار تقدم الكويت ورفعتها: «نؤمن كشركة بان توفير أرقى أنواع الشاحنات الثقيلة لا يصب فقط في مصلحة عملائنا، بل في مصلحة الاقتصاد الكويتي ككل وتطبيقاً لخطة التنمية كويت جديدة 2035». وحول الشراكة الجديدة، قال رئيس مجلس إدارة شركة صناعات الغانم، قتيبة الغانم: «يسرني أن أعلن عن علاقة شراكة جديدة تربط بين شركتنا، صناعات الغانم، وشاحنات فورد هذه الشراكة الجديدة تعني أن واحدة من أبرز الشركات التي نجحنا في تطويرها ضمن مجموعتنا، وهي «الغانم أوتو»، ستصبح الوكيل الوحيد المعتمد لشاحنات فورد على مستوى الكويت». وتابع قائلاً: «تأتي هذه الشراكة كشاهد جديد على قدرة صناعات الغانم على تمثيل كبرى الشركات. كما تعد تعبيراً عن رغبة هذه الشركة الكبرى في تطوير عملياتها ومبيعاتها في المنطقة بالتعاون مع شركتنا. سنعمل من جانبنا، وكما اعتدنا دائما ولما يجاوز القرن من الزمان، على بناء علاقة متينة أساسها الثقة مع عملائنا الكرام، أثناء تمثيلنا لشاحنات فورد في الكويت. ولا شك في أن حرصنا على تحقيق مصلحة العملاء يمثل قيمة مشتركة تجمع بيننا وبين شركائنا الجدد». وبدوره قال مدير الأسواق الدولية لدى شاحنات فورد، إمراه دومان: «يسرنا عقد شراكة مع الغانم أوتو لإطلاق شاحناتنا التجارية الثقيلة للمرة الأولى في الكويت. السوق الكويتية السريعة النمو، وقد شهد قطاع الشاحنات التجارية الثقيلة نمواً كبيراً خلال السنوات الخمس الماضية، وسوف يشهد المزيد من النمو خلال الفترة المقبلة نتيجة مشاريع وخطط تنمية البنية التحتية التي تتم في الكويت حالياً». سيتم افتتاح مقر مبيعات وخدمات وقطع غيار شاحنات فورد قريباً في الأحمدي. فضلاً عن ذلك، سوف توفر «الغانم أوتو» حلولاً لعملائها، تتضمن شهادات ضمان عالمية إضافية مدعومة من قبل الشركة المصنعة، وعروضا خاصة بالصيانة لمدة تصل إلى 5 سنوات، وخدمة ورشة عمل متنقلة لأعمال الصيانة، وخدمة المساعدة على الطريق متوافرة على مدار الساعة، وخدمة التدريب للفنيين والسائقين، فضلا عن أنظمة إدارة الأسطول مع أنظمة اتصال مدمجة. شاحنات طرقية تتميز مجموعة شاحنات فورد الشخصية بكثير من المواصفات المبتكرة التي تساعد على تحقيق المزيد من الأرباح وتقليص المصاريف التشغيلية. وهذا يعود لوجود محرك إيكوتورك EcoTorq الذي يحقق الاستهلاك الفعال للوقود ويقدم أعلى معايير القوة بالأداء ليناسب أي عمل. كما تتميز شاحنات فورد الطرقية بأعلى المواصفات التكنولوجية لضمان الأمان والسلامة والتحكم والقوة لتضمن لك ولأعمالك تحقيق النجاح والوصول إلى أهدافك. ويتميز جميع الموديلات بهذه المواصفات المبتكرة والديناميكية، كما تتوافر هذه الشاحنات باختيارات؛ منها: 4×2، 6×2 و8×4 حيث إمكانية الاختيار لحجم الكابينة الداخلية وقواعد العجلات. شاحنات إنشائية بما تقدمه من قوة جر وتحمل، وثبات وتحكّم تحت مختلف شروط العمل، فإن شاحنات فورد الإنشائية المزوّدة بمحرك إيكوتورك EcoTorq تتيح لك إنجاز أعمالك مع استهلاك أقل قدر ممكن من الوقود، مع المحافظة على أعلى درجات الأداء والتحمّل، مهما اختلفت ضغوط العمل والأحمال المستخدمة. أما المقصورة الداخلية فتم تصميمها بشكل رشيق وحيوي مع ضمان أعلى مستويات الراحة للسائق. وعند صعود المرتفعات والتلال، خاصة في مواقع العمل التي تكون فيها الطرق غير مستقرة، فإن محرك 400KW يتيح لقائد الشاحنة تحكماً دائماً وأداء قوياً باستمرار. أما الاختيار الآخر للمحرك وهو 600KW فيقدم قوة أعلى لظروف عمل أقصى، من حيث الطرقات والمعابر ويتيح قوة فرملة عالية لغاية 1000KW لضمان نقل أثقل الأوزان بشكل آمن حتى على الصعود والنزول على التلال. القاطرات توفّر جرارات فورد أداء رفيع المستوى وتضمن توفير استهلاك الوقود بفضل محرك إيكوتورك EcoTorq، هذا إلى جانب الراحة التي توفرها أثناء فترات العمل الطويلة وخيارات المقطورة المتنوعة، الأمر الذي يجعل منها الشريك المثالي على المدى الطويل. ومن خلال ميزات السلامة المطورة حديثاً والمقصورة المريحة التي تعزّز من قدرة السائق على القيادة، توفّر جرارات فورد الشريك الذي تثق به

KUWAIT: Slim Chickens, a leader in the “better chicken” segment of fast-casual restaurants, will continue expansion of its fresh chicken concept for the first time outside of the United States through a partnership with Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately owned companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The two companies announced yesterday that they have entered into a master franchise agreement that will enable Alghanim Industries to introduce the Slim Chickens brand and dining experience across the MENA region. Alghanim Industries, based in Kuwait City, Kuwait, owns and operates more than 30 businesses in 40 countries across the MENA, Turkey, India and South East Asia. Since its founding more than a century ago, consumer-oriented businesses have grounded the company. Today, its growing portfolio of 300 brands includes a number of US partners, including General Motors, Ford, Mars, Whirlpool, Wendy’s and American Express. Founded in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Slim Chickens is committed to providing a “Life Changing Chicken” experience in its sector of the restaurant industry, with a focus on high quality, fresh chicken. The down-home Southern brand features hand-breaded and grilled chicken tenders and wings paired with handmade dipping sauces – there are 10 in all to render exceptional flavor that continues to earn admiration from guests and food critics alike. Brand rollout The first MENA-region Slim Chickens restaurant is expected to open in Kuwait in March 2017. This will be followed by a rapid brand rollout across the entire region. Alghanim Industries Chairman Kutayba Alghanim pointed out: “We are committed to expanding our portfolio by partnering with one of the most pioneering, value-based consumer companies in the world, and we look forward to introducing the Slim Chickens concept to consumers across the Middle East.” The Chairman added: “Alghanim Industries has a proud track record of developing successful businesses with huge growth potential that meet the needs of the region’s expanding consumer base.” “Through our partnerships over the last few years, we’ve gained a deep understanding of consumers’ expectations for food and beverage offerings in the MENA region,” said Alghanim Industries CEO Omar Alghanim. “Slim Chickens is one of the fastest growing brands in the United States and we have no doubt that it will enjoy the same success in the Middle East. Alghanim Industries and Slim Chickens share key values: Both have strong community ties, an uncompromising approach to quality and strive, constantly, to exceed customers’ expectations. We couldn’t be more excited to help develop the Slim Chickens brand internationally, and open the first store outside of the US market in our region.” Slim Chickens CEO Tom Gordon also spoke of the two companies’ shared values, and pioneering ways: “Alghanim Industries’ legacy of providing high-caliber customer service and first-class products made this a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our brand,” he said. “Over the past months we’ve learned about the company, the people and the values shared between our two organizations, and our alignment couldn’t be closer.” Southern hospitality “We are truly thrilled and honored to partner with Alghanim Industries, and we look forward to working with the entire Alghanim Industries team to bring our fresh, hand crafted recipes and southern hospitality and service to the Middle East,” Tom Gordon added. “Slim Chickens is about honest food, social meals, and a commitment to local communities. This partnership will allow us to expand that vision and voice in a new and expansive capacity, and connect with valued guests throughout the MENA region.” Alghanim Industries is actively expanding its Food & Beverage (F&B) portfolio, which began in 2013 with its franchise agreement with UK-based Costa Coffee, the second largest coffeehouse chain in the world. In 2015, Alghanim Industries acquired the rights to develop US-based Wendy’s restaurants across the MENA region – the deal included all existing locations in the United Arab Emirates, and provided for further expansion into Kuwait in 2016 and Saudi Arabia in 2017. Slim Chickens is Alghanim Industries’ latest addition to its rapidly growing F&B portfolio. Alghanim Industries is one of the oldest and largest, privately-owned companies in the MENA region. Founded over a century ago, in Kuwait, the company today employs more than 14,000 people in 30 businesses across 40 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. Alghanim Industries is a market leader in almost every major sector of its operations, which include: engineering, retail, automotive sales and service, insulation and pre-engineered steel building structures, logistics and warehousing, fast moving consumer goods, food & beverage, oil & gas, office automation, advertising, insurance, consumer credit and travel. The company is actively growing its brand portfolio, with a focus on top-tier global partners. Among them: Avis, British Airways, British Petroleum, Cathay Pacific, Daewoo, Honda, Saint-Gobain and Toshiba. Additionally, Alghanim Industries has created a number of successful regional businesses, including X-cite (consumer electronics), and Safat Home (lifestyle and home furniture). Slim Chickens Slim Chickens opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a focus on culinary excellence in a fast-casual setting. Guests can always expect fresh chicken tenders and wings cooked to order and served with handmade dipping sauces made from scratch. With more than 40 locations today and a fanatical following in 10 states, our eternally cool brand is leading the “better chicken” segment, and intends to grow to 600 restaurants nationwide over the next decade. Slim Chickens is proving that Southern hospitality is not just for the South: Everyone, everywhere, appreciates honest food and socializing with friends and neighbors.