About Us

Abu Issa Holding > About Us

Chairman’s message

“At AbuIssa Holding, we are committed to building a leading organization that drives growth and prosperity to our communities and partners. By seizing opportunities in retail, distribution, and strategic partnerships, we strive to achieve excellence while upholding our family values and legacy.”

Ashraf Abuissa

Chairman of Abu Issa Holding.

Combining the strengths of a corporate entity with the personalized touch of a family-owned business, AbuIssa Holding excels in localization. By adapting international concepts to meet the unique needs and preferences of Qatar’s diverse population, AbuIssa Holding solidifies its position as a cornerstone in the local business landscape.

With its extensive connections, AbuIssa Holding is your premier gateway to achieving brand success in Qatar. By creating strategic alliances and drawing international investments, AbuIssa Holding plays a pivotal role in boosting Qatar’s economic growth, offering exceptional opportunities for global enterprises.

Vision

VISION

To redefine industry standards and address emerging market needs in Qatar and across the globe by affiliating with forward-thinking partners. Together, we build a prosperous future, continuously challenging and transforming the communities we operate in.

mission

MISSION

Identify, partner, and grow with leaders of all industries, assisting brands, businesses, and talent that aim to establish regional and global success.  

Our Legacy

Milestone moments that are the foundations of our legacy.

1981
Retail
Bluesalon
Opening of Blue Salon
The foundations of AbuIssa Holding began with the development its first concept, Blue Salon, Qatar’s pioneering luxury department store, by the late Mr. Abdulrahim Abuissa.
2004
Distribution
zad
Opening of ZAD marketing
ZAD is one of Qatar's oldest and strongest leading FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) food and non-food distribution companies.
2011
Retail
Blue-Salon
Launched first stores offshore
AbuIssa Holding’s Blue Salon Company launched its first offshore stores, opening five locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. This move marks a significant step in its international expansion strategy.
2015
training
Established Training & Talent Development Department at AbuIssa Holding
The Human Assets & Administration Department at Abu Issa Holding established a Training & Development division, which has greatly improved employee performance and fostered career growth.
2020
Partnerships
workplace
AbuIssa Holding opened an Integrated Workers Accommodations Community according to FIFA
Abu Issa Holding opened an Integrated Workers Accommodations Community, developed to meet FIFA standards, with the project successfully executed by Gulf Systems for Contracting & Services Co.
Retail
Perfume of Museum
Opening of the Perfume Museum by Reem Abu Issa
The Perfume Museum by Reem Abu Issa opened in The Pearl-Qatar, showcasing a rare collection of historic perfumes and bottles, alongside an immersive journey through the art and science of fragrance
2023
Partnership
FTC Qatar
Partnership – FTC Qatar opened new premises
On March 6th, 2023, FTC Qatar, a leading international Mechanical Engineering company renowned for its expertise in Equipment Supply, Engineering Services, and Technical Support, inaugurated its new headquarters in Qatar to enhance its GCC operations.
1996
Retail
Opening of Highland
Opening of Highland
Building on the success of Blue Salon Luxury department store, AbuIssa Holding founded the Highland department store concept to extend its reach to more locations across Qatar. Each store features carefully selected brands and categories curated specifically for local customers, offering a more accessible price point tailored to the middle to upper-end market.
2009
Distribution
aimd
Opening of AbuIssa Marketing & Distribution
AbuIssa Marketing & Distribution was established to distribute multi-industry products and services across the Middle East and globally. Its divisions include FMCG, perfumes, cosmetics, household goods, food, toys, luggage, and stationery, as well as hospitality.
2012
Retail
Retail Expansion
International Retail Expansion
Following its initial success in opening stores internationally, the Blue Salon Company expanded into additional Arab countries such as Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Bahrain, as well as extending its reach to locations outside the Middle East such as Turkey, South Africa, and New York.
2017
Retail
Blockade
Blockade
Following the 2017 blockade on Qatar, AbuIssa Holding made the tough decision to streamline its operations, focusing exclusively on Qatar for now. However, the company is optimistic about opening new stores in the future.
2021
Partnerships
delivery
AbuIssa Holding Crisis Response to the Covid Pandemic in Qatar
Amid the pandemic, Abu Issa Holding, in collaboration with Hamad Hospital and Gulf Systems for Contracting & Services Co., repurposed accommodations for quarantine use and supplied essential items, including medical supplies, bedsheets, food, and other critical resources. The company also innovated its operations by optimizing logistics and delivery to maintain high-quality service.
2022
Retail
Bluesalon - FIFA Qatar 2022
FIFA grants Blue Salon official license to sell FIFA merchandise during 2022 World Cup Qatar
Blue Salon obtained an official license from FIFA to design and sell merchandise bearing their logo in during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, reflecting its position amongst other various local and international corporations.

Meet our Management

Industry-Recognized Leaders

Mr-Ashraf

Ashraf Abu Issa

Chairman & CEO

Ashraf Abuissa is a distinguished business leader and entrepreneur, serving as Chairman of Abu Issa Holding. Under his leadership, the company has flourished across diverse sectors including fashion, beauty, luxury retail, real estate, F&B, and marketing services.

Ashraf’s visionary leadership has led to strategic partnerships with renowned international brands, driving the company’s growth and success. Beyond business, he is dedicated to philanthropy, actively supporting charitable initiatives to enhance community welfare, such as PCRF and Injaz Qatar.

Ashraf’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovative spirit continues to propel Abu Issa Holding to new heights, solidifying his status as a key influencer in the business world.Over 10 business concepts have been developed in-house including Mosafer, Al Bahie Auction House and e-Pro. Ashraf leads business growth and supports the overall economic development in Qatar, through continued investment in public sector related business and affiliations including INJAZ “Achievement” Qatar, and the Young President’s Organization (YPO) Qatar, with a focus on philanthropic endeavors. Ashraf completed the Harvard Management Program (OPM) and is a graduate of the American University of London – Atlanta, USA.

Nabil Abu Issa

Nabil Abu Issa

Vice Chairman

Nabil Abu Issa is the Vice Chairman of Abu Issa Holding and brother to Ashraf Abu Issa. Known for his expertise in innovation, growth, and customer service, Nabil has played a pivotal role in the company’s development.

He is actively involved in the region’s business community through his memberships in the Qatar Businessmen Association and the Young President’s Organization (YPO Qatar). Nabil is also dedicated to philanthropy, serving as an honorary ambassador for the Qatar Cancer Society.

Fawaz Idrissi 2

Fawaz Idrissi

Senior Vice President

Fawaz Idrissi is a member of the Board of Directors at AbuIssa Holding and currently serves as Senior Vice President. He plays a critical part in the development and growth of the group's various subsidiaries. Fawaz is instrumental in steering AIH’s expansion, with a focus on brand development, sales management, and new business ventures.

Salim Raj

Salim Raj

Vice President Business Development

Salim Raj is the Vice President of Business Development at Abu Issa Holding, a role he has held since the inception of the company’s first luxury department store, Blue Salon, in 1981. Salim has been crucial in transforming major brands and developing businesses through his strategic expertise and sales acumen. His contributions have significantly advanced the optimization of the business development division, with his deep knowledge of retail and distribution playing a key role in the company’s success.

Mr. Babar 1

Baber Malik

Group Chief Human Resource Officer

Baber Malik is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Issa Holding, a position he has held since 1994, following HR best practice to create an employee-orientated, high performance culture. Baber began his career in consultancy in the USA, followed by a number of high profile positions across the USA and Pakistan. Baber has created and solidified the recruitment and selection, training and development processes at Abu Issa Holding.

Hatim Hussein 3

Hatim Hussein

Chief Financial Officer

Hatim Hussein is the Group CFO at Abu Issa Holding, overseeing Finance and Accounting across diverse industries including Retail, FMCG, FMCD, Real Estate, Investment, Construction, and Consultancy.

He holds an MBA from Harvard and is a Qualified Chartered Accountant, as well as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he also serves as Chairman of the ICAI Doha Chapter. Hatim’s expertise includes implementing financial controls, managing mergers and acquisitions, risk mitigation, valuation, quality assessment, and due diligence.

Mohamad Rasheed 2

Mohamad Rasheed

VP, Investments & Partnerships

Mohamad Rasheed holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electronics and Communication, an EMBA from HEC Paris, and an Entrepreneurship & Innovation Certificate from Babson College. He is a member of IEEE and the Jordan Engineers Association.

With 15 years of experience in establishing new companies, sales, services, business development, company evaluations, and acquisitions, Mohamad excels in leveraging resources and market intelligence to maximize gains for the Group and its partners.