Seven students from Kings’ School, Al Barsha, take part in a unique exercise that seeks to bridge a critical gap between education and industry.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman of Galadari Brothers Group, with Ahmed Osman, CEO of the diversified conglomerate’s Food and Beverage division, students from Kings’ School, Al Barsha, Dubai, who participated in the immersive branding exercise, and some of F and B division employees in Dubai on Thursday. — photo by shihab
Michelle Sewell, who came to the United Arab Emirates as an educator around five years ago, saw a critical gap in the market between industry and education, compared to her native England.
Sewell, whose mother is Irish and father Panamanian, moved quickly to fill the void.
He presented industry best practices for teaching his students, who are interested in vocational training, at Kings’ School, Al Barsha.
“UAE, which values education, is a perfect launching pad to try this exercise. I am indebted to the Galadari Brothers Food and Beverage (F&B) division for allowing seven of our students in the 16-17 age group to get hands-on experience of a brand awareness exercise. This bridge-building project will be helpful to these students, who are poised to be the change-makers of tomorrow,” said a bubbly Sewell, whose infectious nervous energy has rubbed off on her curious and wide-eyed students.
Rashed Abdulla bin Beyat Al Falasi, the only Emirati in the group of participants, was full of praise for the “immersive experience”.
He said: “I enjoyed the rigorous exercise because it gave me a rare insight into brand awareness. The brand is the key in a world driven by consumers and social networks”.
Al Falasi is clear about his career options, and he felt the exercise would be very helpful to his future endeavors. “I would like to study finance because I like to invest and this project showed me the way to go,” he added.
Al Falasi was echoed by his partner, Mohammed-Ilyas Hafesji, of Iranian descent who moved to Dubai from the United Kingdom (UK) when he was three years old. “It has been a revelation for me. The project gave me a 360-degree view of mapping out global business trends.”
Walid Dajani, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent who has ambitions to become an entrepreneur, said: “The exercise has enriched my perspective on the contemporary business scene. I am further emboldened by my point of view on seizing an opportunity and seizing the moment, which is the lynchpin of all sound business decisions.”
Britain’s Harry Armistead, who has lived on three continents and is a resident of Dubai for the past three years, weighed in on Dajani’s point of view amid similar career ambitions.
“I am fortunate to have a ringside view of a real working environment, which is a privilege few are entitled to at a young age,” he said.
Sara Alono, one of the three girls in the seven-member participant group, also wants to become an entrepreneur.
He highlighted the recent acquisition of Galadari Brothers’ F&B division, KyoChon, Korea’s most beloved fried chicken.
Alonso, whose origins can be traced back to Spain and Mexico, said, “I enjoyed learning about KyoChon and will be frequenting the outlets more than ever.”
Georgia White, a Londoner who has lived in Dubai for the past 12 years, had a refreshing version of the exercise. She “She gave me the opportunity to present data and information in a real-time work environment. I’ve also enjoyed trying out new offerings from (Galadari Brothers’ F&B divisions) Baskin Robbins and KyoChon,” said a demure White.
Cameron Froud from Johannesburg, South Africa, and of British descent, has lived in Dubai for five years. She has marked the career path of her and the “exercise will be useful”.
Froud, who wants to become a business manager, has faced a moment of truth through this innovative exercise. “Team building is key to a successful business venture. This hands-on work experience will help me become a better manager, which requires excellent interpersonal skills,” he said.
Mohammed Galadari, Co-Chairman of Galadari Brothers Group, weighed in on the importance of the exercise.
“We have always put youth at the center of our mission, empowering them as agents of change and making a positive impact in the world. I enjoyed watching seven Kings’ School alumni contribute to our continued evolution and reflecting on their experiences with our beloved brands Baskin Robbins and KyoChon,” he said.
Ahmed Osman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food and Beverage Division, Galadari Brothers Group, praised the initiative which was championed by Dominic Keogh-Peters, Group Human Resources Director, Galadari Brothers Group.
“Our youth hold the key to shaping the future of the UAE. It is our responsibility to support and empower them to reach their full potential, unleash their talent, and drive positive change for a brighter tomorrow. We collaborated with seven students from Kings’ School, Al Barsha, to generate disruptive and innovative ideas for our key brands, Baskin Robbins and KyoChon. We are impressed by his new-age insights, unique perspectives, and strong recommendations to drive growth across both brands. Collaboration with young minds is essential to drive innovation and success in the classroom and beyond. We would like to continue working together to unlock unlimited potential and create a better future for all,” he said.
The F&B division of the diversified conglomerate predates the country’s founding on December 2, 1971.
Established in 1962, Galadari Ice Cream Company operates more than 1,000 Baskin Robbins outlets in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and Dunkin Donuts in Qatar and Oman.
Baskin Robbins is the first international brand to open in the region, the largest Baskin Robbins franchisee worldwide and the largest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand in the Mena region. KyoChon, Korea’s most beloved fried chicken, and Shabestan, the first Persian concept in the United Arab Emirates, also belong to the group’s crown jewel, F&B stable.
The first KyoChon restaurant opened in Deira city center last December.
KyoChon operates in five locations: Deira City Centre, Mall of Emirates, Burjuman Mall, Motor City and Diyafa Street.
