AlBaik Makes Its Debut: Pakistan Welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Favorite Fast-Food Giant

AlBaik, a well-liked fast food franchise from Saudi Arabia, is preparing to have its highly anticipated introduction in Pakistan. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between representatives of the Al Baik Food System Company and Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO).

The signing event was graced by esteemed Saudi and Pakistani delegations in the presence of Saudi Minister of Investment, Engineer Khalid Al-Falih, according to state-run APP’s report on Friday, October 11.

Established in 1974 in Jeddah, AlBaik is well-known for its broast chicken and has more than 120 branches throughout Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other areas. It has gained a large following among Pakistani expats and individuals visiting the Kingdom for business or religious reasons. The partnership with GO, a prominent energy company, represents a significant move in AlBaik’s efforts to expand its presence in Pakistan, where its opening has been highly expected.

It is mentioned in the statement circulated by the Pakistani firm stated that, “In a pioneering step that reflects the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to enhance national exports and knowledge and open new horizons for Saudi commercial expansion globally, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Investment, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Saudi company AlBaik and the Pakistani company GO.” 

It added, “This MoU aims to explore the possibility of establishing a strategic partnership to set up and operate AlBaik restaurants in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as part of the company’s expansion strategy in Pakistan.”

The previous day Pakistani and Saudi companies signed agreements and MoUs totaling more than $2 billion in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih.

This development occurred as Pakistan aims to strengthen economic cooperation with friendly nations and regional partners in order to attract foreign investment and support its $350 billion economy. The country has been dealing with a prolonged economic crisis that has drained foreign exchange reserves and weakened the national currency.