How Takara Hospitality Group is shaping Saudi Arabia's dining scene
Sponsored: From one vision to a culinary empire
Everything great begins with a vision. For Ahmed Alajmi, that vision has taken flight in more ways than one.
Once an aeronautical engineer, he has seamlessly transferred his precision, discipline, and innovation to the culinary world. His persistence ultimately resulted in one of the greatest success stories in redefining the region’s F&B landscape.
Thanks to his foresight and an instinct for recognising opportunities, Ahmed Alajmi has built a reputation for transforming chances into lasting value. His leadership blends strategy with creativity, shaping brands that celebrate culture, identity, and connection through food and meaningful dining experiences.
In December 2019, he unveiled Takara, the first upscale Japanese restaurant in Al Khobar, which laid the foundation for Takara Hospitality Group (THG) – a vision built on passion, purpose, and teamwork.
And that was just the beginning. Grounded in a belief in excellence and collaboration, Ahmed Alajmi transformed ambition into achievement, earning industry recognition and setting the stage for THG’s continued growth and success.
Setting new standards
Six years on, Takara swiftly earned prestigious awards, establishing a reputation as a must-visit dining destination in the Eastern Province. This includes not only one but two wins at our very own What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards in 2024 and 2025.
Celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, immersive dining experiences, and impeccable service, Takara has set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Saudi Arabia.
The restaurant’s success drove Ahmed Alajmi to develop sister concepts – ZIBA and Sold Out – which have also received multiple awards. This further strengthened THG’s reputation for culinary excellence and innovation across various dining formats.
ZIBA – new flavours, new frontiers
With ZIBA, Ahmed Alajmi identified a gap in the Eastern Province’s dining scene: the need for an upscale Persian restaurant. Meaning “beautiful”, ZIBA lives up to its name – from its heartfelt hospitality to its meticulously curated interiors, which transport guests to Persia, offering a journey of authentic flavours and cultural immersion.
Building on its success, ZIBA Riyadh is expected to open before the end of 2025, marking THG’s strategic expansion into the capital and advancing its vision to elevate the Kingdom’s dining landscape.
Sold Out – where flavour meets youth culture
While Saudi Arabia is never short of burger joints, there seems to be a growing appetite for Sold Out. Bold, vibrant, and effortlessly cool, this contemporary burger brand – known for its great food, good vibes, and social buzz – has quickly become the go-to spot for the youthful crowd.
Therefore, it is not surprising that, following the success of its first branch in Al Khobar, Sold Out expanded throughout the Eastern Province, opening branches in Dammam and Dhahran, each reflecting the brand’s instant appeal.
Next stop: Riyadh. The brand has officially opened its doors in the capital, bringing its signature energy and flavour.
Different concepts, one refined vision
With every brand under THG, Ahmed Alajmi continues to set new benchmarks for Saudi Arabia’s F&B industry – transforming ambition into achievement, and vision into reality.
Each concept is part of a deliberately diverse portfolio that embodies innovation, authenticity, and a dedication to culinary excellence.
For instance, Santiam, THG’s regional supply chain, was established to manage the sourcing and distribution of dependable, high-quality ingredients for various cuisines, maintaining consistency, quality, and operational excellence across all brands.
The THG ethos
Today, that very vision continues to drive Takara Hospitality Group (THG).
At its core, THG relies on visionary thinking, meticulous execution, and cohesive teamwork. Driven by a passion for excellence, the group brings international standards to local markets, proudly representing a Saudi-born brand with a global outlook.
As THG continues to expand, its focus remains sharp: strategic growth, innovative offerings, and a steadfast commitment to quality, all driving a bold vision to shape the future of Saudi hospitality.
Images: Supplied / Social
