Latest news with #AlKhayyatInvestments
Arabian Business
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
'Reinforcing what we already do well — and doing it even better': Zaid S. Al Khayyat on legacy and leading with purpose
Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) is seemingly everywhere at once – leading across a diverse portfolio of businesses and partnerships. From healthcare to FMCG, retail to logistics, AKI is one of the region's most impactful UAE-based conglomerates. Its roots go back to 1982, when Dr. Saad F. Al Khayyat – AKI's founder and chairman – launched a family pharmaceutical business in Dubai. Today, it boasts 10,000 employees across eight industries, with a footprint in nine countries and a culture that celebrates ingenuity by staying proactive, curious, and determined. At the head is Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI, whose approach blends people-first values with an entrepreneurial spirit that pushes boundaries and always aims for the exceptional. For him, it's all about deliberate moves, built on trust, innovation, and prioritising long-term value. In this Q&A with Arabian Business, Al Khayyat reflects on AKI's evolution, the UAE's catalytic role, and why real scale only matters when it's paired with purpose. While it's been a year of many milestones for AKI, take us back to where it all began and the journey of AKI's evolution to what it is today. My father, our founder and chairman, Dr. Saad F. Al Khayyat, a surgeon by education, established AKI back in 1982 with a simple but powerful goal: to build a business that put people first and delivered what communities needed most. When I stepped into the role of leading the company, I had the privilege of learning from him how he built AKI from the ground up, guided by strong values, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. What began as a small, family-run pharmaceutical company in Dubai has blossomed into a diverse group spanning healthcare, retail, food and non-food, FMCGs, fitness, automotive, environmental services, contracting, and more. Yet, through all that growth, we've remained true to our roots. AKI is and always will be a people-driven company. That spirit continues to guide everything we do. Do you feel being based in UAE has helped AKI seize opportunities over the years? Without a doubt, being based in the UAE and Dubai has played an influential role in shaping who we are as a company. The UAE's transformation over the years has been incredibly inspiring. Its energy and belief that anything is possible have become part of our DNA. The UAE has shown us that success comes from being bold, adaptable, and forward-thinking. It's not just a place to do business. It is an incubator for ambition. Our new Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City is proof of that. It's not only quadrupled our capacity but also set a new standard for logistics in the region. The emirate's infrastructure, access to talent, and openness to innovation create an environment where businesses like ours can truly thrive. Outside the UAE, what does AKI's regional footprint look like today? Where do you see the biggest potential? We've grown steadily across the region, with a footprint that now spans the GCC, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. In each of these markets, we've built teams that combine regional understanding with local expertise. Today, we're 10,000 people strong, representing over 70 nationalities. It's an amazingly diverse and dynamic community. Expansion, for us, is about creating long-term value. We move with intention and purpose. Whether it's launching one of the UAE's largest horticultural nursery networks through Gulf Contracting & Landscaping, transforming the fitness landscape through our revamped Befit concept, or launching our own products through local manufacturing under AKI Creates, aligned with the UAE's Make it in the Emirates initiative — we always ask: how can we make a meaningful difference? With that, we're seeing momentum in Saudi Arabia, where we're scaling rapidly across retail, consumer, healthcare and fitness. In Oman, we've deepened our presence in healthcare. Everywhere we go, we try to bring that same entrepreneurial energy, finding opportunities and building trusted partnerships that last. As the business scales, how important is the organisational culture to AKI's strategy? Culture is at the heart of everything we do at AKI. It's what connects us, empowers us, and gives us our shared sense of purpose, especially in a region as vibrantly diverse as ours. For us, culture begins with belonging. When people feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued, they bring their best. That creates the kind of resilience and innovation we need to keep growing. In a world that's constantly evolving, staying ahead also means being open to continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. That's the kind of workplace we strive to build every day; one where our values are more than just words, but something you can feel in how we lead, collaborate, and grow together. Speaking of staying ahead, what's coming next in AKI's journey? Our next chapter is about deepening what we already do well – and doing it even better. We already serve over 30,000 business customers across a wide range of industries in the UAE alone. We're proud to lead in many sectors. We're committed to not only maintaining that leadership position but expanding into frontiers such as 3PL logistics and local manufacturing, where we see enormous potential. Beyond growth, what really drives us is meaningful impact. Just as my father envisioned when he founded AKI over forty years ago, we remain focused on creating lasting value for the communities we're proud to be a part of. Because we're here for the long term, guided by the same values that shaped us from the start.
Mid East Info
25-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
AKI unveils new Fulfilment & Innovation Centre built for scale, speed and the future - Middle East Business News and Information
The facility in Dubai Industrial City quadruples AKI's fulfilment capacity for serving global and regional partners, with capacity to handle +1.5 million units per day Use of automation, smarter storage solutions, and drone systems to enhance efficiency Effective use of solar, efficient cooling system, and isolated construction materials reduce AKI carbon footprint Dubai, UAE: Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has announced the opening of a state-of-the-art Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group PJSC, that will serve as a cornerstone for the company's continued regional expansion as well as raising the benchmark in agile, sustainable supply chain operations in the UAE. Spanning 1 million sq ft, the facility quadruples AKI's fulfilment capacity in the UAE while enabling faster and more efficient delivery of goods to AKI's extensive partner and customer network. Initially, the centre will focus on supporting AKI's growing retail, e-commerce, and distribution businesses, serving more than 30,000 business customers as well as supporting home delivery services for consumers. The centre already has an on-time delivery rate of 98.5% for orders requested within 24 hours. AKI achieves this through multiple storage solution systems, with a capacity of 78,000 pallets and 67,000 bins. The site already handles over half a million units per day, with the capability to triple this figure. It includes provisions to expand by nearly 200,000 sq ft and adding 22,000 additional pallet positions in the near future. Operations are supported by a fleet of over 150 vehicles, with the warehouse processing an average of 65,000 orders per month. This includes approximately 17 million units shipped monthly, with an average of 23,000 unique B2B customer deliveries. Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI, highlights that the opening builds on the goals set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to capitalise on Dubai's strategic location and advanced infrastructure to raise the city's status as a preferred destination for major international companies and investments. 'This represents a pivotal moment for AKI as we innovate across a diverse portfolio of businesses and partnerships to bring more people the things that matter to them,' states Al Khayyat. 'Yet this facility is not just about enhancing our own operations. It is a strategic investment that creates long-term value for our partners and customers, while contributing to the UAE's future-focused economy. Above all, it represents the power of our people driving our business forward every day.' 'Dubai Industrial City is proud to be the home of AKI's new fulfilment centre,' says Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President – Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC. 'Our district's proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and an Etihad Rail freight terminal enables connectivity for Al Khayyat Investments' new fulfilment centre and sets it up for long-term success. Home to more than 1,100 manufacturing champions and 350 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City is committed to supporting such strategically significant projects, in line with Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'.' Samer Sabri, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer at AKI, adds: 'This facility is a testament to the extraordinary teams within AKI who embrace diverse thinking to push boundaries, do more, and set the benchmark in supply chain excellence. The facility will truly redefine AKI's position within the UAE market, ensuring swifter and more efficient distribution capabilities for our growing business ecosystem.' Digitisation, Sustainability & Connectivity: The centre's design reinforces how AKI is leading the way in digital transformation and sustainability within supply chain operations, with a fully paperless environment. The facility incorporates cutting-edge automation technologies and smart design processes such as pick-to-light systems, multitier conveyor systems, dynamic and fixed bin allocation replenishments, and drone routines for faster and more precise inventory checks. Together, these have significantly increased AKI's supply chain and fulfilment productivity. Meanwhile, the centre is designed to operate with a lower carbon footprint. It incorporates eco-friendly features such as an on-site solar energy scheme alongside advancements in efficient cooling and responsible waste management systems. Moreover, the centre's strategic location in Dubai Industrial City provides a significant advantage to AKI's partners. With excellent connectivity to major transport and logistics networks, the facility allows for unrestricted movement of cargo to and from all major ports, Etihad Rail cargo terminal, as well as the eagerly anticipated expansions to Maktoum International Airport.
Arabian Business
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
AKI unveils 1 million sq ft fulfilment centre in Dubai Industrial City
Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has launched a new Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City, significantly expanding its operational capabilities in the region. The 1 million sq ft facility quadruples AKI's fulfilment capacity and currently processes over 500,000 units daily, with infrastructure in place to handle up to 1.5 million units. Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI, said: 'AKI was founded on a spirit of smart agility and entrepreneurial energy. This new Fulfilment & Innovation Centre carries forward these values as we aspire to seize new opportunities over the coming decades. Yet this facility is not just about enhancing our own operations. It is a strategic investment that creates long-term value for our partners and customers, while contributing to the UAE's future-focused economy. Above all, it represents the power of our people driving our business forward every day.' AKI expands logistics hub The centre includes provisions for an additional 200,000 sq ft expansion in the future. The facility will service more than 30,000 business customers and support home delivery for consumers across the UAE who use AKI's retail and e-commerce services. This development aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to leverage Dubai's strategic location and infrastructure to attract international companies and investments. The UAE recently announced plans to strengthen its position as a global trade hub and increase its logistics sector value to more than AED200 billion annually within seven years, according to the UAE Cabinet. AKI, a privately held Emirati holding company, has been developing its supply chain infrastructure for over four decades. The company manages end-to-end operations across multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, retail, consumer goods, fitness, automotive, environmental services, and contracting. Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President – Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC, welcomed the development: 'Dubai Industrial City is proud to be the home of AKI's new fulfilment centre. Our district's proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and an Etihad Rail freight terminal enables connectivity for Al Khayyat Investments ' new fulfilment centre and sets it up for long-term success. Home to more than 1,100 manufacturing champions and 350 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City is committed to supporting such strategically significant projects, in line with Operation 300bn Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'.' According to Samer Sabri, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer at AKI, 'This facility is a testament to the extraordinary teams within AKI who embrace diverse thinking to push boundaries, do more, and set the benchmark in supply chain excellence. The facility will truly redefine AKI's position within the UAE market, ensuring swifter and more efficient distribution capabilities for our growing business ecosystem.' The centre incorporates digital transformation and sustainability features in its design, with cutting-edge technologies to increase supply chain and fulfilment productivity. Its location provides connectivity to major transport networks, including ports, the Etihad Rail cargo terminal, and future expansions at Maktoum International Airport.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Al Khayyat Investments opens new facility at Dubai Industrial City
Al Khayyat Investments (AKI), a UAE-based business group, has announced the opening of its new Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City, part of Tecom Group that will serve as a cornerstone for the company's continued regional expansion as well as raising the benchmark in agile, sustainable supply chain operations in the UAE. Spanning 1 million sq ft, the facility quadruples AKI's fulfilment capacity in the UAE while enabling faster and more efficient delivery of goods to its extensive partner and customer network. Initially, the centre will focus on supporting AKI's growing retail, e-commerce, and distribution businesses, serving more than 30,000 business customers as well as supporting home delivery services for consumers. The centre already has an on-time delivery rate of 98.5% for orders requested within 24 hours, it stated. AKI said it achieves this through multiple storage solution systems, with a capacity of 78,000 pallets and 67,000 bins. The site already handles over half a million units per day, with the capability to triple this figure. It includes provisions to expand by nearly 200,000 sq ft and adding 22,000 additional pallet positions in the near future, said the UAE group in a statement. Operations are supported by a fleet of over 150 vehicles, with the warehouse processing an average of 65,000 orders per month. This includes approximately 17 million units shipped monthly, with an average of 23,000 unique B2B customer deliveries, it added. Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI, said: "This represents a pivotal moment for AKI as we innovate across a diverse portfolio of businesses and partnerships to bring more people the things that matter to them," states Al Khayyat. "Yet this facility is not just about enhancing our own operations. It is a strategic investment that creates long-term value for our partners and customers, while contributing to the UAE's future-focused economy. Above all, it represents the power of our people driving our business forward every day," he added. Lauding the move, Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President – Industrial at Tecom Group, said: "Dubai Industrial City is proud to be the home of AKI's new fulfilment centre. Our district's proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and an Etihad Rail freight terminal enables connectivity for Al Khayyat Investments' new fulfilment centre and sets it up for long-term success." "Home to more than 1,100 manufacturing champions and 350 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City is committed to supporting such strategically significant projects, in line with Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'," stated Alshawareb. Samer Sabri, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer at AKI, said: "This facility is a testament to the extraordinary teams within AKI who embrace diverse thinking to push boundaries, do more, and set the benchmark in supply chain excellence." "The facility will truly redefine AKI's position within the UAE market, ensuring swifter and more efficient distribution capabilities for our growing business ecosystem," noted Sabri. According to him, the centre's design reinforces how AKI is leading the way in digital transformation and sustainability within supply chain operations, with a fully paperless environment.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
AKI opens new fulfilment centre in Dubai Industrial City
Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has opened its state-of-the-art Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City, that will serve as a cornerstone for the company's continued regional expansion. Spanning 1 million sq ft, the facility quadruples AKI's fulfilment capacity in the UAE while enabling faster and more efficient delivery of goods to AKI's extensive partner and customer network. Initially, the centre will focus on supporting AKI's growing retail, e-commerce, and distribution businesses, serving more than 30,000 business customers as well as supporting home delivery services for consumers. The centre already has an on-time delivery rate of 98.5% for orders requested within 24 hours. AKI achieves this through multiple storage solution systems, with a capacity of 78,000 pallets and 67,000 bins. The site already handles over half a million units per day, with the capability to triple this figure. It includes provisions to expand by nearly 200,000 sq ft and adding 22,000 additional pallet positions in the near future. Operations are supported by a fleet of over 150 vehicles, with the warehouse processing an average of 65,000 orders per month. This includes approximately 17 million units shipped monthly, with an average of 23,000 unique B2B customer deliveries. Zaid S Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI, highlights that the opening builds on the goals set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to capitalise on Dubai's strategic location and advanced infrastructure to raise the city's status as a preferred destination for major international companies and investments. "This represents a pivotal moment for AKI as we innovate across a diverse portfolio of businesses and partnerships to bring more people the things that matter to them," states Al Khayyat. "Yet this facility is not just about enhancing our own operations. It is a strategic investment that creates long-term value for our partners and customers, while contributing to the UAE's future-focused economy. Above all, it represents the power of our people driving our business forward every day." 'Dubai Industrial City is proud to be the home of AKI's new fulfilment centre,' says Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President – Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC. 'Our district's proximity to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and an Etihad Rail freight terminal enables connectivity for Al Khayyat Investments' new fulfilment centre and sets it up for long-term success. Home to more than 1,100 manufacturing champions and 350 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City is committed to supporting such strategically significant projects, in line with Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, and Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33'.' Samer Sabri, Group Chief Supply Chain Officer at AKI, adds: "This facility is a testament to the extraordinary teams within AKI who embrace diverse thinking to push boundaries, do more, and set the benchmark in supply chain excellence. The facility will truly redefine AKI's position within the UAE market, ensuring swifter and more efficient distribution capabilities for our growing business ecosystem.' Digitisation, Sustainability & Connectivity The centre's design reinforces how AKI is leading the way in digital transformation and sustainability within supply chain operations, with a fully paperless environment. The facility incorporates cutting-edge automation technologies and smart design processes such as pick-to-light systems, multitier conveyor systems, dynamic and fixed bin allocation replenishments, and drone routines for faster and more precise inventory checks. Together, these have significantly increased AKI's supply chain and fulfilment productivity. Meanwhile, the centre is designed to operate with a lower carbon footprint. It incorporates eco-friendly features such as an on-site solar energy scheme alongside advancements in efficient cooling and responsible waste management systems.
