Read Full Magazine Here. Qatari Businessman Ashraf Abdulrahim Abuissa, is the Chairman of Abuissa Holding.
Ashraf took over the family business with his brother Nabil at a young age. Primarily in Retail and Distribution business, the company grew to be one of the most distinguished groups with several activities and more than 100 stores in the region and approximately 3000 employees. Ashraf received the “Lifetime Achievement Award 2019” from the Swiss Business Council in Qatar, The Businessman of the year award 2016 by Arabian Business magazine and was awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2011. Abuissa Holding enterprises is listed among Forbes top 100 Arab family businesses in Middle East 2021 list.
He is a Founding Board member at INJAZ Qatar for Junior achievements /The Vice Chairman of PCRF, Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund / Founding Champion of Qatar Chapter at (YPO) Young President’s Organization / Board Member at M7-Fashion, Design, Tech / Board Member at Qatar-America Institute.
The company is one of the leading Business Groups in the Middle East based in Doha, Qatar. It’s built over a span of four decades originating with the creation of Blue Salon founded by the late Abdul Rahim Abu Issa. Abuissa Holding represents the region’s most diversified and progressive establishment. it controls and operates market leading companies across the region in various sectors including Retail, Distribution, Telecommunications, I.T, Energy & Engineering, Construction Support Services, Investment, Real Estate and other Marketing Operations.
Ashraf Abuissa graced the cover of BUSINESS LIFE magazine. He opened up about his views on his group of companies, the retail and whole sale business in the State of Qatar.
BL: What are the repercussions of Russian-Ukrainian war on your industry and on the GCC economy?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: Russian-Ukrainian war is a global crisis which affected many Business segments in the region, it raises the prices on many commodities especially food, Packaging items and disturbed further shipping lines, Business, Supply chain and so on.
BL: What are the challenges facing the retail industry?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: One of the main challenges we are fronting is the strong & quick penetration of the Ecommerce business from the global market; the likes of Amazon, so the key is how to keep up with that competition that is coming from abroad.
BL: What are the challenges facing the wholesale industry?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: Factors such as China tariffs, rising shipping costs, the rise of B2B e-commerce, and the growing desire of manufacturers and retailers to bypass the wholesale distribution channel and do business directly with each other under a “Direct to Consumer” (D2C) business model are all causing major disruption in the industry.
BL: What were the previous challenges and what are the challenges of the next stage?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: The business, the country, and yet the economy has faced hefty challenges, from the blockade to the pandemic. The blockade was so painful for us as we had to close 80 stores in the neighboring countries. Also, the Pandemic has major impact on business. Currently, we are facing the high shipping cost that will probably last till 2023 in addition to the Russia / Ukraine war which will continue to fluctuate the prices. Next challenges I believe, it will be the Post world-cup on which we will need to re- define our business.
BL: What are the solutions to strengthen and activate your industry in Qatar and elsewhere?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: It is a matter of positioning in the local market and elsewhere, maintaining an effective business model, being consistent in the direction, decisions, and most importantly keeping track of the rapid change of the market trends and distinguishing more and more our operations, prospecting, and following the needs of the operated market.
BL: What are the major points that your famous group has achieved in Qatar and the Middle East?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: Building one of the most diversified and advanced commercial groups in Qatar and abroad. For Four decades, Blue Salon as a high-end luxury department store which has been bringing the latest trends in fashion, watches, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, home décor, travel items, luggage representing the most prestigious international brands in Qatar.
Creating and launching our own Unique concepts like: Mosafer, which is the 1st Arab Home-Grown Retail concept to open in the USA along with many stores in the region. Karisma, is our unique cosmetics and multi-brand beauty concept that caters primarily females between the age (15 – 25 years old). with the latest trends for beauty that makes her famous among young Qataris and expat ladies. Arabesque, is the first sweet shop concept that has unique collection of sweets from Arab countries topped with their flags.
Billjumlla.com, which is the first online bulk shopping platform.
Starlink, which is the largest privately owned company serving telecommunication sectors.
Albahie Auction house, is an addition to the booming art scene in Doha and is the first of its kind in Qatar and the region, specialized in the sale of Antiques, Paintings, Watches, bags, Amber, Carpets, and Jewelry.
BL: How did Covid-19 pandemic impact your operations and activities?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: (COVID-19) has caused a major shock, economically, in daily operations and activities also from closing the stores for 3 months to the restrictions on many activities. We tried to compensate on some of the loses by taking our retail operations online and being ready with Ecommerce with all our concepts.
BL: How did you start your Mosafer store?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: Actually, Me as a frequent flyer, I never found a store that can solve all my problems and has everything I’m looking for. As a traveler, you can find a normal type of luggage but not a one that is complete in the matter of Packing cubes, security, Organizing and light weight at the same time. Also, Mosafer offers wide range for Travel accessories, small size toiletries and Travel gear designed for the Urban travelers. That’s how Mosafer designed and was successful because of it.
BL: What is the latest news in Blue Salon - Abu Issa Holding which represents hundreds of retail luxury brands for 40 years and owns 70+ retail outlets?
Ashraf AbdulRahim Abuissa: Blue Salon is a never-ending dedication, we celebrated the 40 years anniversary a while back, 40 years of luxury; we’ll be reaching 120 stores by end of the year.
We are officially appointed as the FIFA World cup 2022 to design and sell more than 17 different official merchandise items, including ladies’ scarves, ghutra (traditional headwear), luggage, backpacks, Business bags, candles, travel accessories, ceramic cups & mugs, home textiles, bedding sets, towels, and blankets. Also, we are assigned as the Ecommerce & on-site retail operator for the Official FIFA world Cup Hospitality Areas including Hospitality Villages, Commercial affiliate Villages and VIP Areas.
