Alaa AlZawawi, a dynamic Saudi entrepreneur, has made significant strides across various industries, including Food & Beverage (F&B), beauty and wellness, and technology. Her journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering others, especially women, in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Early Life: Foundations of Resilience and Innovation
Growing up in a family of strong, ambitious individuals, AlZawawi was immersed in an environment where challenges were viewed as opportunities. This upbringing instilled in her a passion for entrepreneurship and a belief that success is rooted in perseverance, creativity, and the courage to break barriers. Reflecting on her early life, she notes, “Seeing their dedication and adaptability sparked my own passion for entrepreneurship.”
Venturing into Entrepreneurship: A Blend of Creativity and Impact
AlZawawi’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to create meaningful experiences through innovative brands. She ventured into industries that blend creativity and impact, notably F&B and beauty and wellness. Each sector provided a platform to build brands that offer exceptional products and services while crafting meaningful experiences for consumers. “Each of these sectors allows me to build brands that not only provide great products and services but also create meaningful experiences for people,” she shares.
Momo: A Culinary Journey Inspired by Nepal
In 2017, during her travels to Nepal, AlZawawi was captivated by the simplicity and authenticity of Nepalese momos. This experience led to the creation of Momo, a restaurant in Riyadh offering contemporary Asian fusion dishes. “I was inspired by the simplicity and authenticity of the Nepalese momo, which I enjoyed in the homes of talented momo-maestros. This is how my restaurant Momo was born,” she explains. citeturn0search0
Launching Momo presented challenges, especially entering the F&B industry without prior experience. Balancing societal expectations and staying true to her vision required resilience and adaptability. “Starting a business in a field I was unfamiliar with required continuous learning and adjustments,” she recalls. citeturn0search0
Foul & Tamees: Bringing Saudi Breakfast to Dubai
AlZawawi expanded her culinary ventures with Foul & Tamees, aiming to share traditional Saudi breakfast cuisine with a broader audience. The expansion to Dubai marked a significant step in her mission to showcase Saudi culinary heritage. “After experiencing a sense of nostalgia for the traditional Saudi breakfast while living in the UAE, I felt a strong desire to bring a piece of my heritage to Dubai,” she states.
Overcoming Challenges: Lessons in Resilience
Throughout her career, AlZawawi faced challenges such as launching new product lines that didn’t initially resonate with the market. These experiences reinforced the importance of understanding market needs, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and continuously adapting. “I learned the importance of truly understanding market needs and staying connected with my customers’ feedback,” she reflects.
Empowering Women and Fostering Diversity
Beyond her business ventures, AlZawawi is deeply committed to women’s empowerment and business diversity. She strives to create opportunities and inspire aspiring female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. “Sharing my experiences and providing guidance can help pave the way for more women to step into leadership roles,” she emphasizes.
Current Focus and Future Aspirations
Currently, AlZawawi is focused on expanding her businesses, including Momo, Foul & Tamees, Gift-It, and Zaaz. She is also dedicated to fostering women’s empowerment and business diversity, aligning with her long-term goal of shaping a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape in the region. “These projects align perfectly with my long-term goal of shaping a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” she affirms.
Inspiration and Legacy
Inspired by the resilience and resourcefulness of the women in her family, AlZawawi aims to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity. She hopes to be remembered as someone who not only built successful businesses but also paved the way for other entrepreneurs, especially women, to thrive. “I hope my legacy will be one of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity,” she envisions.
Alaa AlZawawi’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to empowering others. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to break barriers. Do follow her on Instagram.
Audi and Al Nabooda Celebrate Successful Sweeney Todd Collaboration at Dubai Opera
