The genius behind bkry on changing the f&b landscape in Dubai
Life
by Sarah Joseph
51 seconds ago
Co-founder Abdalla Ibrahim Almulla shares his journey as an Emirati entrepreneur and driving force behind 'Behind the Cup' (BTC). The concept focuses on his love for equestrian culture through coffee shops such as Hoof, bkry, theHUT and ARCHERS. What inspired you to launch Behind the Cup – tell us more.
Behind the Cup was born out of a desire to celebrate stories—the stories of coffee, community, and culture. For me, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a craft that connects people. I wanted to create a platform where coffee lovers could not only indulge in premium brews but also feel the passion and craftsmanship behind every cup. Inspired by my love for equestrianism, a sport that demands discipline and dedication, I envisioned a space that mirrors these values while elevating the coffee experience. You turned your for business, coffee, and equestrian culture into a thriving enterprise – tell us more.
Both coffee and equestrian culture share an elegance that comes from passion, patience, and precision. At Behind the Cup, we weave these worlds together by creating spaces that are refined yet approachable. The journey from one café in Muweilah to multiple ventures across the UAE is a testament to how authenticity resonates. Each sip of coffee or moment spent in our cafés reflects the same spirit of excellence I've always admired in horses—graceful, powerful, and inspiring.
Bkry has been a popular space since day one – what sets it apart?
bkry is more than a bakery – it's an artisanal experience. From the moment you step in, the aroma of freshly baked pastries invites you into a world of craftsmanship. What truly sets bkry apart is the harmony of flavor and innovation. Whether it's the pecan salted caramel croissant or our signature sourdough, each creation is a blend of artistry and quality. We're not just serving food; we're serving moments to savor. Do you incorporate locally sourced or sustainable ingredients in your products?
Absolutely. We are committed to sustainability and supporting local producers whenever possible. For example, at bkry, we've partnered with UK Wild Farmed Flour for our upcoming range, emphasizing regenerative agriculture. Our coffee sourcing is equally intentional—we work with farmers who share our passion for sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring every cup tells a meaningful story. How do you maintain quality and consistency as the brands grow?
Consistency is rooted in our team's dedication to the craft. From baristas to bakers, we invest in training and knowledge-sharing to ensure every product meets our standards. We also collaborate with the best – whether it's working with expert roasters or sourcing premium ingredients. Growth is exciting, but we've made a promise to never let it compromise quality, and we honor that by staying true to our values.
'Tranquility comes from embracing the present.' Do you collaborate with other brands or chefs in Dubai? If so, how has that Impacted your business?
Collaboration is a cornerstone of creativity. Partnering with local chefs, brands, and even artists allows us to push boundaries and create unique experiences. For instance, our partnerships have led to exclusive menus, pop-up events, and even limited-edition products. These collaborations not only enrich our brand but also strengthen our connection with the community.
What's your approach to staying calm as an entrepreneur?
Staying calm is about perspective. Equestrianism has taught me the importance of balance – there will always be challenges, but staying grounded is key. I make it a point to step away and recharge, whether it's spending time with family, connecting with nature, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. In those moments, I find clarity and focus. What advice would you give to your younger-self?
Dream big but stay patient. Great things take time, and every setback is a setup for growth. I'd also remind myself to listen more – whether it's to mentors, team members, or even customers. The best ideas often come from unexpected places. What's next in the pipeline for the brand?
We're constantly evolving. This year, we're focusing on opening our franchisee brand, Maxzi – Good Food Shop, in Aljada, Sharjah – a space that blends exceptional dining experience. It's an exciting step forward in expanding our footprint and sharing our values with a wider audience. For bkry, we have ambitious expansion plans in the works, bringing our artisanal creations to new locations and elevating the pastry experience for even more communities. We're also exploring new culinary concepts and creative collaborations to surprise and delight our community. The journey ahead is full of growth and innovation, and we can't wait to share it with everyone.
How do you stay tranquil during testing times?
Tranquility comes from embracing the present. In testing times, I remind myself of why I started – passion and purpose are powerful motivators. I also rely on my team; knowing I'm surrounded by talented, dedicated individuals gives me peace of mind. And of course, a perfectly brewed coffee never hurts – it's my daily ritual of calm amidst the chaos. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram March's – The Resilience Issue – Download Now
Images: Supplied
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sport360
6 hours ago
- Sport360
SHE RUNS 2025: UAE's largest women's running event returns to empower, unite & inspire a new generation
The UAE's most iconic women's fitness event is making a bold comeback under a powerful new identity: SHE RUNS. Reimagined to reflect the spirit of a new generation, the event will take place on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Expo City Dubai, celebrating inclusion, strength, and the collective power of women. Formerly known as the Women's Run, this 12th edition marks more than a name change, it signals a transformative movement toward wellbeing, leadership, and community connection. Participants of all ages and fitness levels, whether running, jogging, or walking, can join across multiple race categories: 1km, 3km, 5km, and 10km. Dedicated tracks for young girls, Emirati women, and People of Determination reflect the event's commitment to diversity and intergenerational participation. 'In embracing inclusivity, SHE RUNS does not just count miles, it counts moments. Each step is a testament to the power of community driving change,' said Dr. Harmeek Singh, Founder and CEO of Plan b Group, the event's organizing partner. This year's edition runs under the unifying banner: 'For Voices. For Connection. For Change.' echoing its alignment with the UAE's Year of the Community. Backed by the Dubai Sports Council and integrated into the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30, SHE RUNS is also a strategic partner of the Dubai Active Show, further anchoring its role as a national movement in health and wellness. 'SHE RUNS reflects the very essence of what the Dubai Fitness Challenge is about empowering individuals through movement and bringing communities together in the spirit of wellbeing,' said a spokesperson from the Dubai Sports Council. Returning for 2025 is the high-energy SHE RUNS Power Hour, a pre-race activation featuring motivational talks, dynamic group warm-ups, and outreach programs for schools, universities, and corporate teams. Registration is now open via and Premier Online.
Al Etihad
6 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Workplace innovation in focus as UAE employees seek wellness-focused offices
11 June 2025 00:15 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)For many UAE employees, offices are no longer just 'business hubs' but a space that should spark creativity and support their wellbeing as they prefer spending majority of their time in the workplace, a new survey has and design firm Gensler's latest Global Workplace survey provides a glimpse into the emerging needs of employees, based on insights from over 16,800 full-time office workers from 15 countries, including the employees opt to spend 67% of their workweek in office, which is above the global average of 60%, the poll showed. The intent is not merely about marking one's attendance but being part of 'experiences that matter'. They wanted to participate in team meetings and confidential conversations, while also aiming to be visible to the senior 28%, however, believe their meeting spaces are equipped to support these activities effectively.'Our research shows that employees want to come to the office for what they can't get at home: team synergy, chance encounters, and real-time decision-making,' Edith Eddy, Senior Interior Designer for Workplace at Gensler Middle East, told Aletihad.'We have an opportunity to redesign the office around collaboration - with a mix of enclosed and open zones, advanced tech for hybrid work, acoustic control, and hospitality-grade amenities that encourage teams to gather, create, and solve together.'The poll found that the UAE is among the top five countries where employees seek 'imaginative' and 'wellness-focused' spaces for aligns with a global trend that shows a growing preference for 'creative labs' and 'nature retreats' that create flexible, tranquil, and purpose-driven environments that support innovation and wellbeing. Setting the BenchmarkWith the UAE's constant drive to innovate, offices in the country have the potential to serve as global models for future-ready workplace design, Eddy said. 'With ambitious national agendas like We the UAE 2031 and the National Strategy for Wellbeing, there's a powerful mandate to re-imagine offices as enablers of innovation, talent retention, and wellbeing,' she said.'By designing spaces that prioritise creativity, connection, and cultural resonance, the UAE can set a global benchmark for future-ready workplaces that align with both economic and human capital goals.'Multiple regional headquarters that Gensler had designed in the country, for example, 'have gone on to pioneer the design template for all other offices for international clients around the globe', Eddy said. Preferred Amenities The distinctive Emirati community spirit and hospitality culture are also being reflected in workplace design, Eddy said. Here, offices value on-site prayer rooms as well as informal dining areas and also prefer offices that are within walking distance to coffee shops, medical centres, green spaces, and places of worship, highlighting a need for holistic, community-focused work terms of on-site amenities, employees in the country prioritised cafés, coworking zones, quiet rooms, libraries, and innovation hubs. Compared to their peers around the world, they are also more likely to value flexible work areas and food halls.'Purposeful design can transform the office from a place of routine into a platform for creativity and impact,' Eddy said. 'By embedding wellness into the very DNA of workplace design, UAE organisations can unlock higher engagement, lower burnout, and more sustainable performance.'
Al Etihad
8 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Abdulla Al Hamed visits London Design Biennale 2025
10 June 2025 22:34 LONDON (WAM)Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Media Council, has visited the London Design Biennale his visit, he toured the pavilion of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, alongside several other pavilions representing other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Hamed also explored the exhibition titled 'Tides and Traditions: The Journey of Maritime Crafts and Heritage', organised by the House of Artisans and featured within the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi's him on the tour were Victoria Broackes, Director of the London Design Biennale, and Salama Nasser Al Shamsi, Director of Cultural and Historic Sites at the engaged with the interactive experiences at the biennale, which skilfully showcased the authentic maritime crafts and rich heritage of the UAE through innovative artistic displays blending tradition and modernity. Al Hamed praised the exhibition's exceptional interactive presentation, noting how it inventively conveys the UAE's story to a global audience through the compelling language of art and design, and embodies the essence of maritime crafts and the nation's deep-rooted cultural NMO Chairman saidthe exhibition powerfully demonstrates the UAE's commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage, especially the maritime crafts that have historically defined the Emirati people's identity and their intrinsic link to the sea. "Our engagement in international platforms such as the London Design Biennale is a testament to our wise leadership's dedication to presenting authentic Emirati culture globally. This acts as a human bridge, cultivating understanding and fostering a sense of belonging, and simultaneously reinforces the UAE's pivotal role as a cultural beacon that bridges historical traditions with contemporary advancements."He conveyed his appreciation to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for their exemplary efforts in advancing Emirati heritage worldwide, and presenting it in a manner that truly reflects the UAE's profound legacy and authenticity. He underscored that the endeavours align with the leadership's vision to establish culture as a fundamental element of civilisational dialogue, and to enhance the UAE's reputation as a nexus of diversity and creativity. Al Hamed also visited the pavilions representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, and the State of Qatar, where he viewed the exhibited designs and artistic creations showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures within the Gulf region on the global stage.
