Speakers

Kareem Abughazaleh, Founder & CEO of Foodie Holdings, ​​has built a remarkable legacy in the UAE’s F&B catering scene, blending an unyielding entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for food and hospitality. Kareem’s journey began far from the polished events and luxurious dinners Foodie Holdings now delivers through Dish Catering & Events or the customised catering for corporate and private gatherings found at Blast Catering. With a finance degree in hand, he started his career where few entrepreneurs would venture: in the middle of a farm, pulling vegetables from the soil at the crack of dawn and working through the night to process and package the harvest. Learning the value of hard, honest work, it ignited a deep respect for the food industry and laid the groundwork for his relentless pursuit of excellence in F&B.

Raised in a family with nearly 70 years in agriculture, Kareem grew up immersed in an environment that prized resilience and resourcefulness. However, it was his mentors in various corporate roles who first sparked his entrepreneurial instincts. These mentors gave him outsized responsibilities and the freedom to experiment, fail, pivot, and succeed within the large organisations. This experience of building “mini startups” within established companies gave Kareem the confidence to strike out on his own and planted the seeds for what would eventually become Foodie Holdings.

In 2008, it saw Kareem acquired Dish Catering & Events, redefining luxury catering in Dubai with precision, passion, and perfection. Known for its innovative approach to food and event experiences, from corporate gatherings to large-scale events, Dish Catering & Events reflects its commitment to creativity, high standards, and memorable service that aligns with the unique demands of Dubai’s vibrant event scene. As Dish Catering’s reputation grew in the private luxury sector, there was a need for a dedicated, digitally-driven solution to address corporate clients’ needs. In 2018, Blast Catering was established to meet the growing demand for corporate catering services across the UAE. Since then, it has simplified corporate ordering while delivering high-quality food quickly, and provides flexible catering solutions tailored to business functions and meetings.

In 2019, Kareem expanded his portfolio by incubating a separate business within Foodie Holdings which was focused on operating cloud kitchens . Kareem carved it out and went into it full-time with a cofounder while maintaining a board-level presence at Foodie Holdings. He successfully sold the cloud kitchen within a few of years and stayed on board to run it for the new parent company for a couple more. Having had the experience of working in a somewhat corporate environment again for a while, it solidified his drive to remain on his entrepreneurial path.

Kareem’s passion for food and hospitality, however, goes far beyond profit. His love for the industry has driven him to reimagine what catering can be, creating extraordinary culinary experiences that combine operational precision with an intense focus on client satisfaction.

Today, Kareem leads with a deep-seated humility, crediting much of his success to the compassion instilled by his late grandfather, a Palestinian who built a legacy on hard work and kindness. Kareem's vision is rooted in values that prioritise people, purpose, and progress. He has crafted a strong cultural framework that champions transparency, creativity, and grit—the very qualities he believes are essential for any entrepreneur to succeed in the F&B industry.

For Kareem, building Foodie Holdings isn’t just about catering—it’s about creating an inspiring brand that resonates with clients and employees alike. He advises aspiring F&B entrepreneurs to be genuine in their pursuits, stressing the importance of grit and substance in a highly demanding industry. Kareem’s favourite words, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end,” capture the spirit of his journey—a journey marked by resilience, growth, and an unwavering love for his craft.

Kareem’s legacy is one of innovation, tenacity, and a deep-seated passion for bringing people together through unforgettable culinary experiences. His story serves as a reminder that success is built on hard work, vision, and the courage to take on challenges, no matter how tough the terrain.