leading companies in terms of offering job
opportunities to the Saudi youth, not only in
terms of employment opportunities, but also
for training, development and career growth.”
The company also benefits from much lower
turnover rates than many of its competitors.
The ministry later chose McDonald’s
Saudi Arabia to be involved in a government
campaign called ISRAR, which aimed to
promote skills in job seekers. This included
being involved in a television show, which
looked at best practice in integrating “the
needy” into mainstream employment.
“We had some great examples and a high
success rate, especially with youth and people
with Down syndrome. It’s something I am
proud of.”
In another endorsement of the company’s
ability to bring Saudi nationals into its
workforce, the ministry conducted a series of
industry-wide workshops where it presented
the McDonald’s Saudi Arabia story as a case
study of best practice in the restaurant sector.
The company has also been a recipient of
numerous Great Place to Work awards. “The
secret to success is really having the right
people in the right place. We believe in
empowerment and working together as a
family. We believe in trusting and supporting
each other with one aim and one objective.”LOCAL SUPPLIERS,
LOCAL FLAVOURS
Prince Mishaal says part of running
a successful national McDonald’s program is
tailoring the menu offerings to regional tastes
without detracting from the essential appeal
of the restaurant.
“One of the great things about
McDonald’s is its consistency across its
products globally. When you go to a
McDonald’s, you know what to expect.
Having said that, we’re also very keen to
offer some local integration. So anywhere
you go in the world, you’ll find core menu
items alongside local products.”
One important local variant in Saudi
Arabia is that the menu is exclusively halal.
This means that all poultry and cows, along
with all food items involved in food
production, follow strict Halal procedures. »“ WE ARE ONE OF THE
LEADING COMPANIES
IN TERMS OF OFFERING
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
TO THE SAUDI YOUTH.”
theceomagazine.com | 45Cover story