JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s popular fast-food chain, Albaik, has confirmed its entry into the Pakistani market, with operations expected to begin soon.
The development follows a high-profile meeting between Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, and Albaik’s owner, Rami Abu Ghazala, in Jeddah.
The minister was given a tour of Albaik’s facilities, where he met Pakistani employees working at the fast-food giant.
The expansion plan, now in its final stages, is set to bring new job opportunities while strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Albaik’s global expansion
Albaik is a renowned Saudi fast-food chain, established in 1974, celebrated for its fried chicken and seafood offerings. Over the years, it has expanded significantly within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
- Saudi Arabia: Albaik operates over 150 branches across cities like Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and Dammam.
- United Arab Emirates: The chain has multiple outlets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and recently opened its 22nd location in Ajman’s Kenz Mall.
- Bahrain: Albaik entered the Bahraini market in December 2020, marking its first expansion outside Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait: In January 2025, Albaik opened a branch in The Avenues Mall, Al Rai, Kuwait.
Made in Pakistan exhibition
The announcement of Albaik’s expansion to the South Asian country was made during the first-ever Made in Pakistan exhibition in Jeddah, where the minister engaged in discussions with Saudi business leaders. Talks focused on trade collaborations, investment opportunities, and Saudi brands entering the Pakistani market.
Highlighting Pakistan’s economic potential, the minister invited Saudi investors to explore sectors such as energy, agriculture, IT, healthcare, infrastructure, and consumer goods. He noted that Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia had grown by 22%, reaching $700 million, and assured investors of a business-friendly environment with tax exemptions and investor protection laws.
Saudi interest in Pakistani markets
Saudi business leaders expressed keen interest in collaborating with Pakistani counterparts, particularly in construction materials, textiles, and food industries. Several investment proposals were discussed, with invitations extended to Saudi investors to participate in key trade exhibitions in Pakistan, including TEXPO, Food-AG, and the Healthcare & Mineral Show.
The discussions also addressed Pakistan’s recent ease-of-doing-business reforms, including the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) and the National Compliance Centre, designed to streamline trade regulations and enhance export standards.