Latest news with #HungerStation
Hi Dubai
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
30% rise in mobile food delivery orders in the UAE & Saudi Arabia during H1
Recent data from Syrve MENA, a leading restaurant software provider in the Middle East, reveals that the first half of 2025 brought about a substantial shift in consumer behaviour in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to Syrve MENA data, food aggregators continue to be the most popular mobile order channel in both markets. Approximately 75% of mobile orders placed by surveyed restaurants are processed by apps like HungerStation, Talabat, and Deliveroo. The remaining 25% is handled by call centres, proprietary apps, and websites run by restaurants — a tactic that larger chains seeking greater control over operational procedures can afford. Syrve MENA reported that the majority of orders come from mobile devices. More than 70% of all food delivery transactions are made through mobile phones, reflecting the region's preference for digital convenience. While it is challenging to accurately estimate the increase in mobile orders in H1 2025 compared to 2024, Talabat reports a 30% year-over-year increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in Q1, which may indicate a significant rise in order volume in H1 2025. Revenue and adjusted EBITDA both grew by 34%, while adjusted net income rose by 24%. Seasonal trends and daily delivery patterns Syrve MENA reported that mobile delivery activity in the UAE reached its first peak in March 2025, coinciding with Ramadan, a time traditionally associated with increased food ordering. Another seasonal surge is expected between June and September, when high temperatures make outdoor dining less appealing and consumers turn to delivery more often. The time slot from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM consistently yields the highest volume of mobile delivery orders across most restaurant categories. For fast food, Italian, Indian, and international restaurant chains, this evening window is the most popular. However, Arabic food exhibits a distinct trend, with traditional breakfast items driving the highest delivery activity between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Popular dishes range from kebabs in Arabic restaurants to rotis and butter naan in Indian chains. In the global H1 2025 market, the most popular time for food ordering is generally 6:00 PM local time, according to restaurant industry reports. Additionally, there's a noticeable increase in breakfast orders, particularly on Monday mornings. The later evening peak in orders observed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia may be linked to Ramadan, when evening meals shift to after sunset. UAE vs. Saudi Arabia: Comparing the Markets Despite differences in scale and speed, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are experiencing mobile-driven growth. Through 2033, the UAE's online meal delivery industry is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%, driven by consumer demands for convenience, speed, and loyalty benefits. The Saudi Arabian market is significantly larger and is projected to grow at a 15.4% CAGR through 2030. This surge is primarily driven by urbanisation, advanced digital infrastructure including widespread internet access and smartphone usage, and a growing middle class with increasing disposable income and preference for digital convenience. Mobile-based delivery will remain central to foodservice strategy in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia as they continue to develop digitally and increase mobile order volumes by over 10% year-on-year. Consistent seasonal peaks, changing spending habits, and rapidly advancing technology are making mobile-first dining the new norm, said Alexander Ponomarev, CEO at Syrve MENA. According to reports, as mobile order volumes continue to grow steadily and consumers demand digital convenience, forecasts predict that the share of mobile-based orders will exceed 80% in both markets by the end of 2025. This trend is further fueled by high digital penetration, making the digital transformation of the food delivery market inevitable. The dominance of food aggregators and restaurants' increasing drive toward process automation are also contributing to this shift. Source: Syrve MENA
Arab News
15-07-2025
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Fika & Go – Swedish Restaurant in Al-Khobar
Take a Swedish break without the flight to Sweden — right in the Eastern Province. We made the drive to Saihat to sample from the original branch of Fika & Go, which opened three years ago. The hole-in-the-wall joint is reminiscent of the coffee shops I came across on my recent trip to Stockholm, where I quickly adopted 'fika' into my diet and daily itinerary. The name of the cafe itself is a nod to the Swedish tradition of 'fika.' Coined in the 19th century by scrambling the syllables of the word 'kaffi,' the old Swedish spelling of coffee, 'fika' began as playful slang for the drink itself. Over the 20th century, it took on a new meaning: a moment of connection with others while savoring a light, sweet treat. The classic fika staple, the kanelbulle — or cinnamon bun — was the first thing I dug into (SR9, $2) alongside an iced latte (SR14) to help with the scorching summer heat. It hit the spot just fine, though it was slightly different from the ones I tasted in Sweden. We followed that with an assortment of croissants, each more satisfying than the last. We liked the new akkawi cheese croissant (SR16) and the zataar chocolate one (SR12). The cheesecake eclair ball was definitely an easy bite, filled with gooey goodness. We also liked the mini mille-feuille, which oozed pastry cream in the right proportion. The Saihat location offered clean and fast service, but there was zero seating and no restroom. Many delivery drivers were coming in and out for HungerStation orders. True to its name, that branch really is 'fika and go' — strictly takeaway. A year ago, the brand expanded to Alkhobar. Unlike the original, this one has indoor seating, making it more of a sit-down cafe experience. In a region packed with cafes, Fika & Go has carved out its own identity by fusing Scandinavian rituals with Middle Eastern flavors — offering a little taste of Stockholm, with a Saudi twist. For more details, check their Instagram @fika_and_go.
Campaign ME
07-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Beyond the awards: Key brand lessons from Cannes Lions 2025
I had the privilege this year to attend the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and was honoured to return with six Lions. It marked a proud moment for Saudi Arabia, HungerStation, and our creative partners at VML. The experience was both energising and eye-opening, showcasing how brands are redefining storytelling, technology, and brand building. While in Cannes, I asked a friend and mentor, a Regional CCO who has been in the advertising industry for over 30 years and has attended nearly 20 Cannes festivals, how this year compared to earlier editions. His response stuck with me: 'There used to be fewer entries, but the themes were broader. Now they are much more diverse, more focused, and increasingly shaped by tech.' That observation perfectly captured the energy of Cannes 2025. Here are six key takeaways that stood out and will shape how brand leaders and creatives across the industry approach brand building today. 1. Human + AI = magic Yes, AI dominated conversations, but not as a threat. This year, AI was treated as a creative partner. The most awarded work showed how AI can speed up ideation, enhance personalisation, and unlock new formats, while humans kept the emotional compass. The shift has moved from asking whether AI will replace creatives to how it can empower them. 2. Integration of brand and performance marketing One of the biggest shifts this year was how fluid the line between brand building and performance has become. The best campaigns were not just beautiful, they were measurable. Brands found ways to balance emotional storytelling with clear business outcomes. The formula is no longer awareness or conversion. It is both, working in tandem. 3. Hyper-personalisation at scale With audiences more fragmented and expectations higher than ever, personalisation is no longer optional. Cannes 2025 showcased how AI is enabling brands to deliver dynamic, real-time content tailored not just by demographics, but by context, behaviour, mood, and micro-moments. From localised language and cultural cues to adaptive formats and one-to-one messaging, personalisation is no longer a tactical add-on. It is a core driver of relevance and brand love. 4. Creators as core brand partners The creator economy is no longer a side hustle. It has become central to brand strategy. Brands are moving beyond one-off influencer posts and investing in long-term partnerships where creators are involved from the start. The most effective campaigns were co-developed with creators who helped shape the concept, not just deliver the message. This shift is turning creators into cultural co-authors, not just content distributors. 5. Micro-engagements build brand equity It is tempting to chase viral glory, but many brands this year focused on consistent, meaningful touchpoints. Whether through interactive story formats, personalised messages, or community-driven content, the value was in showing up often, not just loudly. This steady rhythm of value-driven moments builds deeper brand trust and long-term relevance. 6. The funnel is no longer linear One of the biggest shifts this year was the realisation that consumer journeys are anything but linear. Traditional funnels have given way to fragmented, fluid paths influenced by moods, moments, and context. Brands can now adapt messaging in real time, meeting people wherever they are in their decision-making process. Whether discovery begins on TikTok, through a creator, or during a live event, relevance depends on agility, not sequence. Final thoughts Attending Cannes Lions 2025 was a powerful reminder that brands must be brave, human, and culturally intelligent to thrive. The fusion of creativity, technology, and genuine connection is reshaping the industry. These insights will guide how brand strategy is approached moving forward, through bold storytelling, purposeful use of AI, and the creation of meaningful relationships that last. Cannes was more than an awards show. It offered a glimpse into the future of creativity, and this year's edition set a high bar for everyone aiming to make a real impact in the world of brands. There is already excitement for what next year will bring. By Ahmad Chatila, Director of Brand and Communication at HungerStation
CairoScene
02-07-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Ninja Becomes Saudi Arabia's Fastest Unicorn After $250 Million Raise
Saudi-based Ninja raises $250 million in fresh funding, reaching a $1.5 billion valuation and joining the region's growing unicorn ranks. Jul 02, 2025 Saudi delivery platform Ninja has officially become the Kingdom's fastest-growing unicorn after closing a $250 million funding round that pushed its valuation to $1.5 billion. The round was led by Riyad Capital and comes just three years after the company's founding in 2022. Founded by Ebrahim Al-Jassim - also behind food delivery pioneer HungerStation - Ninja offers fast delivery services across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, catering to groceries, pet supplies, and household essentials. The platform has processed millions of orders and is positioning itself for a public listing by 2027. The funding milestone places Ninja alongside other GCC unicorns such as Tamara and Tabby, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the MENA startup ecosystem. Despite a global VC slowdown, Saudi Arabia continues to see robust investment activity, with the first quarter of 2025 alone seeing nearly $400 million in startup funding. Ninja's model of hyper-fast, on-demand logistics aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, which aim to diversify the economy through innovation, tech infrastructure, and local entrepreneurship. The new capital is expected to accelerate Ninja's expansion and strengthen its operational capacity across the Gulf.
Arab News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
HungerStation records milestone achievements in 2025, reinforcing leadership in quick commerce
Ali Al-Damanhouri, CEO of HungerStation, announced through his official accounts on X and LinkedIn that HungerStation — a leading Saudi tech and delivery company — has achieved a series of significant milestones in 2025, further strengthening its position as a key driver of quick commerce transformation across the Kingdom. Al-Damanhouri said that these accomplishments reflect the trust of customers, the strength of strategic partnerships, and the efficiency of the team leading the company's journey toward broader horizons of innovation and sustainable growth in the delivery sector. In recent months, HungerStation has achieved remarkable results across various fronts, including: The announcement concluded by affirming that these milestones mark the beginning of a new phase of smart growth and technological innovation, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. These achievements further cement HungerStation's role as a pioneering company shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's digital and logistics ecosystem — a future that is being written today, with HungerStation leading the transformation.
