Starbucks Global Advisory Council meets in Dubai

Led by Starbucks Corporation's chairman Mr. Howard Schultz, GAC is a platform for high level strategic meetings between senior management from Starbucks along with their worldwide senior partners. Also in attendance were Starbucks president and chief executive officer Jim Donald, and president of Starbucks Coffee International, Martin Coles.

The two-day meeting in Dubai paved the way for Starbucks in the global marketplace and charted the Company's global business strategies. The event also provided the opportunity to recognize the Alshaya Group for their passion and excellence in delivering the world-renowned Starbucks Experience in Starbucks markets in the Middle East.

Addressing the GAC, Mohammed Alshaya said:

"We are honoured to host this landmark GAC in Dubai, which has brought the senior Starbucks global leadership and other worldwide partners on the same platform. Along with Starbucks, we have always tried our best to extend an unprecedented experience to our customers in the region. As we move forward, we are confident that we can help grow the brand consistently over the coming years and we greatly look forward to developing the business in line with our shared vision of positive community involvement."

He added: "Over the years, as our Starbucks partners around the globe, we have helped create a 'third place' between home and work where customers can enjoy signature Starbucks beverages and a welcoming atmosphere. The number of Starbucks stores has grown rapidly in the region since our first store in Kuwait in Souk Sharq in 1999 and continues to bring a new dimension to the coffee culture in the region. As we discuss the future global strategies of Starbucks at the GAC, on behalf of the Alshaya group, I personally wish to demonstrate our keenness to drive the growth forward in the region."

The GAC was formed in 2003 to discuss business strategies, opportunities and scenarios for Starbucks international markets. The group has created connections across geographies and among senior level management.

Addressing the GAC, Mr. Schultz said: "I am honoured to be among our talented team here. The GAC is our own way of recognizing the efforts of our team, our partners and the value we place on their leadership in respective markets."

Involving regional store partners (employees)
Mr. Alshaya took the opportunity to hold an exclusive event for the top Starbucks management with regional store partners (as Starbucks calls employees) to reiterate the huge potential of the Middle East market. Mr. Alshaya also hosted a luncheon for over 250 partners including store managers and area managers from the entire Middle East and Turkey to meet the senior Starbucks global leadership. The initiative further epitomized the company's philosophy to have transparent communication across all levels.

Mr. Schultz said: "I am deeply gratified by the commitment and passion of the Alshaya Group in the Middle East and Turkey for effectively communicating Starbucks passion to our customers. It is clear that the Starbucks Experience is thriving with our partners in the Middle East."

He added: "We recognize the Middle East as an extremely important emerging region that offers immense business opportunities and huge potential. We remain highly respectful of the local culture and traditions here. Our success is not an entitlement and we must continue to earn the trust and respect of customers every day."

Praising MH Alshaya's vital contribution, Mr. Schultz said: "Our global success would not be possible without our international partners like MH Alshaya, who share our values and commitment to extending the Starbucks Experience to customers around the world. We look forward to continuing to be associated with MH Alshaya in order to develop Starbucks not only as a recognized and respected brand but also as a business that contributes positively to local communities."

As part of the proceedings, two Area Managers and nine Store Managers (representing every country that Starbucks operates in the Middle East and Turkey) were also honoured in recognition for their leadership and commitment. While Hussam Hassan from Starbucks Coffee UAE was named the Area Manager of the year for Middle East, Mehmet Asmaz from Turkey won the recognition for the Turkish market.

The Store Managers of 2005 awards were conferred on Heicel Prado (Kuwait), Awni Smadi (Jordan), Luke Menezes (UAE), Bhagbir Tamang (Oman), Victor Fernandes (Qatar), Mohamad Khan (Bahrain), Hani Yaafouri (Lebanon), Eric Guanzon (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Bilifer Gunes (Turkey).

Honouring the partners, Mr. Alshaya said: "Our store partners are pivotal to our success and their interest in expanding into more territories represents a strong validation of the significant opportunities for Starbucks in the international marketplace. It gives me great honour to extend my gratitude to our partners."

With the support of the company's regional business partner, the MH Alshaya Group, Starbucks has grown to become the leading brand of specialty coffee in the region. Starbucks operates in leading shopping malls and other locations with more than 140 outlets across the Middle East and Turkey.