Arabian Business magazine features Uzbek entrepreneur behind MAHMOOD KEBAB restaurant chain

Arabian Business, one of the most influential magazines in the Arab world, recently published an interview with Nodir Mahmudov, the Uzbek entrepreneur and founder of the MAHMOOD KEBAB restaurant chain. The article discusses the rapid expansion of Mahmudov’s restaurant network, including the opening of the MAHMOOD KEBAB branch in Medina. 

The magazine notes that MAHMOOD KEBAB is the first Uzbek restaurant to open in Medina, specifically in the Haram area. Furthermore, it highlights that, while many restaurants in the region have been established in partnership with Arab entrepreneurs, MAHMOOD KEBAB is the first fully Uzbek-owned restaurant in the area, with Mahmudov as its sole shareholder.

Describing the restaurant’s concept, Arabian Business explains that MAHMOOD KEBAB blends traditional Uzbek cuisine with contemporary hospitality standards, offering a unique dining experience. 

The Medina location, which opened in June 2024, is situated in the As Safiyah Museum and Garden, only 200 meters from the Prophet’s Mosque.

The article emphasizes the restaurant's two primary goals: to delight customers with authentic Uzbek flavors and to provide a positive working environment for its staff. 

Nodir Mahmudov is quoted as saying, “We aim to enhance the quality of life for everyone we serve. Our restaurant combines the rich culinary traditions of Uzbekistan with modern service excellence. Our menu features kebabs, samsa, soups, and other Central Asian specialties.”

The article further notes that the Medina branch exclusively uses locally sourced Saudi Arabian lamb, ensuring top-tier product quality while meeting rigorous halal standards.

Entering the Saudi Arabian market was no easy feat for the Uzbek entrepreneur. When construction of the As Safiyah Museum and Garden in Medina began, the MAHMOOD KEBAB team identified a significant opportunity for a large-scale project.

“For me, as both an entrepreneur and a Muslim, opening an Uzbek restaurant in Medina was a personal dream,” Mahmudov shares.

However, registering a branch of an Uzbek company in Saudi Arabia proved to be a challenging process. MAHMOOD KEBAB had to navigate a complex bureaucratic system, with support from local government authorities to make the venture possible.

“We are particularly grateful to the Saudi Arabian government for their assistance and the opportunities they’ve provided,” Mahmudov expresses.

As Mahmudov emphasized in his interview, the restaurant’s ambitions extend far beyond the city of Medina.

“Our goal is to build the largest international halal restaurant network, one that is transparent, nationally oriented, and fully compliant with halal standards,” he states.

According to the article, MAHMOOD KEBAB currently operates three restaurants in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and the opening of a branch in Medina marks a crucial step in the brand's international expansion. With a workforce of 150 employees, MAHMOOD KEBAB serves over 100,000 guests each month.

The near-term plans for MAHMOOD KEBAB include opening two new restaurants in Saudi Arabia, with one set to launch in Mecca. 

“Opening restaurants in strategically important cities in Saudi Arabia and beyond is a priority for us. We are actively developing a franchise program and attracting partners who share our values. This approach will enable us to grow faster while maintaining consistent quality,” says Mahmudov.

According to the Arabian Business, the MAHMOOD KEBAB restaurant in the Haram area of Madinah Munawwarah is more than just a dining establishment for Mahmudov—it represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. The opening of this restaurant is not only a historic milestone but also a significant step forward for the halal restaurant industry on the international stage.

It’s worth noting that in a previous issue of "Arabian Business", the magazine featured an interview with Nusret Gökçe, the renowned Turkish chef and founder of the popular restaurant chain, Nusr-Et (Salt Bae).