Known as the leader in halal foods for five decades, Al Islami Foods has learnt the importance of moving with the times.
Founded in the 1970‘s, as what has been described as the “role model of modern-day Supermarket”, the Dubai based business has grown to become one of the biggest food distributors in the region, supplying to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the Seychelles, Libya, the Maldives and Mauritius.
Its founder, Haj Saeed Lootah is a renowned, self-made businessman, who, over the course of his career became an accomplished tutor, author, economist, banker, entrepreneur, businessman and visionary community leader.
Throughout his career, he established the Port Said Region, the first Islamic bank (Dubai Islamic Bank), and the first Islamic insurance company (IAIC). Additionally, he invested his time in establishing several educational facilities including the Islamic School of Education, the Orphan Education Foundation, Dubai Medical College for Girls, the College of Pharmacy of Girls, as well as several research and technical facilities.
Ultimately, Haj Saeed Lootah’s vision was to ‘make things better’ by empowering people to excel at everything they do.
Stepping into the inspirational leader’s footsteps is Al Islami Foods CEO, Nasser Talib Nasser, taking on the role in November 2022.
Throughout his career, Nasser has been committed to enhancing the well-being of his employees and the broader community. Whilst at Desert Group, he provided employment for 40 special needs individuals and ensured that all staff received comprehensive training to remain current with modern technology and practices. He also drove the complete rebranding of the company and implemented Navision, a robust IT system that significantly improved efficiency and operations.
Accomplished and visionary Board Member and Strategic Planner, Nasser has extensive experience in managing and growing successful businesses, and is onboard to continue to steer Al Islami Foods into the future.
“As leaders in Halal Foods, our strategy is to remain focused on developing and launching nutritious, innovative and healthy halal products to satisfy the appetites of our consumers, regionally and internationally,” shared Nasser, “we have expanded our presence in Qatar further, with plans to offer our customers a wider range of products in 2024”.
An Unwavering Commitment to Quality
Represented by two brands, Al Islami and Aladdin, Al Islami Foods produces a wide range of premium halal frozen foods, which celebrates culinary diversity. These products include whole chickens, burgers, children’s burgers, sausages, seafood, fries, and fruit.
“We employ an international team of chefs who are always busy developing new recipes to enhance our product range. These recipes are validated through independent consumer sensory panels,” explained Nasser, “thanks to this input we have been able to aggressively expand the product range in all of our categories”.
Its state–of–the–art, 10,000 m2 processing facility, located in the Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone is the largest in the region, and supports the business in its unwavering commitment to quality and transparency.
To ensure this commitment, Al Islami Foods monitors and controls critical points in its processing line to ensure consistent quality, including regular product testing for microbiological contaminants, and chemical residue. In addition, final products pass through a metal detector and X-ray inspection belt to ensure that the products are completely free from any foreign objects.
“Continual development of our processes is crucial to our growth, and so we have implemented a system for continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and updating processes based on feedback, audits, and performance data,” explained Nasser.
Employing the latest equipment and highest safety standards, Al Islami Foods has the capacity to produce 18,000 metric tons per year, and has recently enhanced its sausage line production capacity to 1500 metric tons per year.
“We are dedicated to continual CapEx investment into automation and digital technology to improve our performance,” he added.
Additionally, it has established a robust distribution network with its more than 5,000 customers, and has founded the biggest logistics facility in the region at the Dubai Investment Park.
Implementing innovations across its business, Al Islami Foods’ distribution fleet is equipped with an advanced tracking GPS system for better control over trucks.
“Currently, we are implementing a new software for route optimisation, as well as territory planning using the latest technology bringing more efficiency into our distribution model,” said Nasser.
Its commitment to quality has been recognised by the industry, with Al Islami Foods receiving a raft of awards, most recently including the Super Brand of the Year Award 2018, Best Halal Consumer Brand 2020 from iHalal International and ranked among the top Halal Food brands in OIC 2023.
“We have been successful in achieving and maintaining high quality standards through strong control over raw material, procurement, manufacturing and supply chain processes,” shared Nasser.
Developing Sustainability Credentials
In accordance with the UAE’s own sustainability and clean energy strategies, Al Islami Foods is actively implementing sustainable practices for environmentally conscious and ethical food production.
The business is employing waste reduction strategies and recycling initiatives. This includes proper disposal of by-products and exploring ways to recycle waste materials. In addition it is implementing water conservation measures in its processing operations, which involves efficient water management practices, and technologies to reduce water waste.
“As part of our measures to remain a leader in the industry, we are studying the feasibility of establishing an Effluent Treatment Plant to treat wastewater for subsequent reuse, such as in gardening and washing purposes. We’re also exploring where to invest in energy-efficient technologies within our processing facilities,” explained Nasser.
Its aims include the use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels on its logistics facility, energy-efficient machinery, and advanced technologies to minimise energy consumption. It is also planning to shift from chemical-based cleaning agents to plant-based alternatives.
“This shift not only reduces the environmental impact of cleaning activities but also aligns with a broader commitment to eco-friendly practices,” Nasser continued.
In addition to these measures, Al Islami Foods prioritises partnership with farms and suppliers that adhere to sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and humane animal treatment
Through these practices, which also includes community education, Al Islami aims to not only produce high-quality meat products but also contribute positively to the environment and community.