The hotel and restaurant supplies industry plays a fundamental role in supporting the hospitality sector. This sector encompasses a broad range of products and services essential for the smooth operation of hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses. As global travel and dining preferences shift, the demand for high-quality, reliable supplies has intensified, driving companies to innovate and adapt continuously. The industry’s growth is closely tied to the overall expansion of the hospitality sector, which is influenced by economic trends, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations.
Waseem Zein Eddine, the CEO, brings a deep understanding and vision to the industry, drawing on years of experience to guide the company's strategic direction. His leadership focuses on developing the company's role in the market, enhancing its reach and capabilities to meet the growing demands of the hospitality industry. With a commitment to excellence and a keen eye for industry trends, he plays a crucial role in navigating the company's growth and maintaining its competitive edge.
Al Saif Horeca stands at the forefront of the hospitality supplies industry, operating as a key player in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The company is known for its comprehensive range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses. By emphasizing innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic expansion, Al Saif Horeca aims to solidify its position as a leading provider in the industry, ensuring high-quality solutions and exceptional service for its clients.
A Legacy of Excellence in Hotel and Restaurant Supplies
Al Saif Horeca is an integral part of Al Saif Trading Agencies Company, which has been contributing to the Saudi market for more than 70 years. The company’s journey began with Mr. Saleh Al Saif, followed by his son Mr. Mohammed Saleh Al Saif, and continues today under the leadership of Mr. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Saif, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board.
Al Saif Horeca specializes in B2B (business-to-business) transactions and serves as the exclusive agent for over 20 globally renowned brands in hotel and restaurant supplies. The company is adept at fully equipping hotels, restaurants, and catering companies from A to Z.
The company boasts a highly trained team across various specialties, operates its showrooms, and maintains a main warehouse that spans 140,000 square meters. Additionally, Al Saif Horeca owns its transportation fleet, ensuring efficient logistics and service delivery.
With a pioneering position in Saudi Arabia's hotel and restaurant supplies sector, Al Saif Horeca's success is attributed to its extensive history, significant financial and human resources, and exclusive rights to many leading brands in the industry. Under the leadership of Mr. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Saif as Chairman of the Board, the company and its employees are dedicated to continuous development and keeping pace with global advancements. The company's efforts align with major events in Saudi Arabia, particularly in support of the vision of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Embracing the Legacy and Intricacies of the Hotel and Restaurant Supplies Industry
As an individual and as the CEO of the company, Waseem finds the hotel and restaurant supplies industry to be one of the most enjoyable fields to work in. Reflecting on his 15 years in the industry, starting as a sales representative, he could never have imagined the extensive network of people who work with immense effort and passion to bring a plate from its main factory to the dining table. He enjoys delving into the details of the sector, finding joy in the myriad of details that impact all parties involved in the supply process. While these details might seem insignificant at first glance, they are crucial and cannot be overlooked once one is immersed in the field.
Moreover, exploring this industry reveals that many renowned factories have been operational for decades, and some for centuries. Each product carries a rich history and craftsmanship passed down through generations. It is a point of pride for him to market these products, knowing the legacy and craftsmanship they embody.
Commitment to Excellence and Visionary Leadership
There are always factors that set certain companies apart from others. These factors include the company’s brand name, reputation, history, management, and team, as well as the brands and products it offers, good customer relations, and after-sales services. Honesty in dealings and adherence to contracts are also crucial. Most importantly, every individual working in the company must believe in the company's vision, mission, and goals, striving to achieve them daily.
The company embodies all these qualities. The role of its leadership has been to ensure that all employees not only believe in but also love what they do. Every project, regardless of size, is approached with a sense of ownership. The team pays meticulous attention to the smallest details and plans carefully to ensure smooth and issue-free execution. What truly sets the company apart is its genuine belief in its potential to become the absolute best shortly.
Revolutionizing Supply with Speed and Innovation
The initial strategy at Al Saif Horeca was clear: to provide all necessary supplies for hotels, restaurants, and catering companies without exceptions. Treating customers’ needs as orders formed the foundation of the overall strategy, from which many other strategies emerged.
The foremost strategy, led by Waseem, was to ensure rapid supply to clients. To achieve this, the company signed multiple contracts with air freight companies, allowing them to offer clients unbeatable prices. Last year, 90% of their goods were shipped by air, with a delivery time of no more than 15 days.
Meeting customer needs with the right quality and price within a short delivery period is challenging. This challenge led to the development of a new concept for Saudi Arabia: establishing Al Saif Cash and Carry. This large showroom, spanning over 3,000 square meters, will house all the necessary product categories. The new project aims to provide products with the right quality and price without delays, ensuring immediate availability. Al Saif Cash and Carry will maintain a permanent stock worth over 15 million dollars.
Embracing Continuous Learning and Industry Trends for Success
Staying up-to-date with developments and changes in any industry is essential and cannot be ignored. A valuable lesson learned from companies in the telecommunications sector is that distancing oneself from progress means falling behind in the race.
The company continuously conducts its research to understand customer preferences and stay current with updates and innovations in the hotel and restaurant supplies industry. Engaging in ongoing discussions with brands and monitoring competitors' latest news and achievements are also key components of their strategy. Participating in local and international trade shows is crucial, as it opens new opportunities with potential brands and keeps them informed about the latest developments in the field.
The most important point is continuous learning. There is no specific time or age to stop learning. Companies and individuals who keep learning and learn from past mistakes are the ones who can sustain themselves in the market. The team is always encouraged to acquire comprehensive knowledge about their products, as customers prefer knowledgeable individuals who can answer all their questions effectively.
Strengthening Relationships to Navigate Economic Transformation
In this regard, the most important strategy is building and maintaining relationships. Saudi Arabia is undergoing an economic revolution, with government, semi-government, and private companies collaborating to shape a promising future in line with the vision of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The company, under the guidance of its leadership, works daily to maintain and strengthen relationships with key decision-makers in the Kingdom. These relationships are crucial for understanding changes in the Saudi market and for planning both the near and distant future. The ongoing developments in Saudi Arabia present substantial market opportunities for companies across all sectors. The most successful are those who can secure a larger market share faster than their competitors.
The company recognizes that rapid development will bring emerging challenges, some of which are difficult to predict. Nevertheless, they work daily to overcome these challenges. The primary and most crucial strategy is to remain united and work as one cohesive team. No challenge or adversary can defeat a team united with a single purpose, working tirelessly to achieve its goals.
Commitment to Quality and Client Success
At Al Saif Horeca, the mission is to be the leading provider of superior hotel and restaurant supplies, tailored to meet the distinctive needs of the hospitality industry. The company is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services while upholding core values of reliability, integrity, and innovation.
The objective is to establish long-term partnerships with clients by offering a comprehensive range of high-quality supplies that ensure seamless, efficient, and profitable operations. The company is dedicated to staying ahead of industry trends and challenges, continuously refining its product offerings to maintain a competitive edge.
Recognizing that employees are the foundation of success, the company is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes professional development. The team is empowered to deliver exceptional service, ensuring clients receive the best support possible.
In all endeavors, the company adheres to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and respect. The commitment is to build lasting partnerships, consistently exceed expectations, and provide unparalleled value. This drive for excellence positions the company at the forefront of the hotel and restaurant supplies industry, delivering exceptional products and unmatched service.
A culture of collaboration and mutual respect is cultivated, encouraging team members to contribute their unique insights and expertise. This approach enables the company to provide comprehensive solutions that address the diverse needs of clients, ensuring their success.
Building Strong Partnerships
As the CEO of Al Saif Horeca, Waseem believes that strong relationships with clients and suppliers are the cornerstone of the company's success. He leverages his skills in negotiation and sales by focusing on creating win-win situations that benefit both partners and the company. Here’s his approach:
1. Understanding Needs: Waseem prioritizes understanding the unique needs and goals of clients and suppliers. By actively listening and engaging in open dialogue, he tailors offerings and solutions to meet specific requirements, building trust and demonstrating that their success is valued as much as the company's.
2. Transparent Communication: He fosters transparent and honest communication, which is essential in negotiation and sales. By being upfront about what can be offered and what is expected in return, Waseem creates a foundation of trust that encourages long-term partnerships. This transparency ensures that both parties feel confident and secure in their dealings.
3. Value Creation: In every negotiation, Waseem's focus is on creating value for both Al Saif Horeca and its partners. He strives to present solutions that enhance partners' operations and profitability, whether through competitive pricing, high-quality products, or exceptional customer service. The goal is to ensure that clients and suppliers see Al Saif Horeca as an indispensable part of their business success.
4. Long-term Focus: He approaches negotiations with a long-term perspective, aiming to build enduring relationships rather than seeking short-term gains. This mindset helps establish loyalty and repeat business, which are critical for sustainable growth.
5. Leveraging Industry Insights: His experience in sales allows him to stay attuned to market trends and industry changes. By leveraging this knowledge, Waseem negotiates better deals and offers innovative solutions that keep Al Saif Horeca ahead of the competition. This proactive approach strengthens relationships and positions the company as a trusted leader in the market.
By applying these principles, Waseem has built strong, mutually beneficial relationships that drive growth, ensuring Al Saif Horeca continues to be a trusted partner in the hotel and restaurant supply industry.
Navigating Growth in Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Boom
With around USD 110 billion allocated for the hospitality industry and a further 310,000 hotel rooms in the pipeline, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative boom as it aims to lead the global travel and hospitality sector. As part of its Vision 2030 social and economic blueprint, the Kingdom has made significant strides in the hospitality industry, with the government targeting 100 million visitors per year within the next decade. This includes billions in investments for hotel construction, infrastructure, and the development of new sustainable cities along its coasts and deserts, while also attracting substantial foreign investment. Today, Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East and African region in hotel construction and ranks behind only China and the US globally.
The Riyadh Expo 2030 is expected to attract approximately 41 million visitors, including many from local and surrounding regions as well as from around the globe. This presents a significant opportunity for the nation to showcase its culture, heritage, and national pride to the world.
By the time the FIFA World Cup 2034 begins, several major infrastructure projects, including the $500 billion NEOM megacity, will be nearing completion. NEOM aims to feature parallel skyscrapers stretching 170 kilometers across mountainous and desert terrain in a project known as “The Line,” which has generated both controversy and admiration.
With the abundance of opportunities in the market, there is anticipated to be an increase in competitors and intensified competition for market share. The company is committed to staying ahead of these developments and challenges by finding comprehensive solutions. Plans include opening Al Saif Cash & Carry stores across most regions of Saudi Arabia to provide quick and immediate solutions for customers' inventory and product variety needs. Additionally, new services will be introduced, and after-sales support will be enhanced to ensure customer satisfaction. The company is also dedicated to creating a supportive work environment for all employees and investing in their personal, intellectual, and professional development.
Strategic Vision for Growth and Excellence in the Hospitality Industry
As the CEO of Al Saif Horeca, Waseem envisions the company continuously developing to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading player in the hospitality supplies industry across the Arab world. To achieve this, several strategic areas will be the focus:
Expansion and Accessibility: The plan includes opening more Al Saif Cash & Carry stores in key regions of Saudi Arabia and eventually in other Arab countries. This expansion will enhance accessibility and provide immediate, high-quality solutions to customers, ensuring they have the products they need when they need them.
Innovation and Product Diversification: Staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements is crucial. The company will expand and diversify its product range, integrating innovative solutions to meet the growing demands of the hospitality industry. This approach will address current market needs and anticipate future trends, keeping the company at the forefront of the industry.
Customer-Centric Approach: The company's success is rooted in its commitment to customer satisfaction. Enhanced after-sales services and new service offerings will ensure a seamless customer experience. By building strong, long-term relationships with clients, the company will foster loyalty and trust, which are essential for sustained growth.
Investment in People: Employees are considered the greatest asset. The company is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes personal, intellectual, and professional growth. Investing in team development ensures that employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions.
Strategic Partnerships: Building and maintaining strong partnerships with suppliers and key industry players is vital. The company will continue collaborating with leading global brands and local suppliers to offer high-quality, reliable products, leveraging both international standards and local insights.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility: The importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility is recognized. The company will prioritize environmentally friendly practices and contribute positively to the communities it serves. This commitment will enhance brand reputation and ensure long-term success.
By focusing on these strategic areas,
Waseem is confident that the company will continue to grow and solidify its
position as a leading and trusted supplier in the hospitality industry across
the Arab world, setting new standards of excellence and being the preferred
partner for all hospitality needs.