MUMBAI: Starbucks inaugurated its first store in India yesterday in a historic building in southern Mumbai as the Seattle-based coffee giant seeks growth in a market long associated with tea drinkers.
"It is perhaps the most elegant, beautiful, dynamic store we've opened in our history," Chief Executive Howard Schultz said in an interview.
After over six years of studying the local market, Starbucks is making a rapid-fire entry into Asia's third-largest economy. Coffee houses are still a relatively new trend in India, and the chains already in business sell cappuccinos and lattes well below Starbucks' usual prices.
The company, in a joint venture with Tata Global Beverages, plans to open two additional stores in Mumbai next week — on Wednesday in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and on Thursday in the Oberoi hotel across town — before launching in New Delhi early next year.
For the flagship Mumbai store, Starbucks chose the historic Elphinstone Building in the Horniman Circle neighborhood of south Mumbai, not far from a vast Hermes shop and a stately local park maintained with funds from the family foundation of Italian designer Ermenegildo Zegna.
The flagship, which can accommodate 120 people, is a cool, soaring space, with hand-carved wooden screens, thick tables of solid Indian teak, painted vintage trunks and old leather-bound books.
Schultz said he hoped the effect would be like "walking into a shrine of Starbucks coffee."
The shop will offer free Wi-Fi and stay open until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 a.m. on weekends, unusually late for Mumbai cafes.
The 42 menu items reflect local as well as Western tastes, featuring items such as Elaichi Mawa croissants — made with cardamom and milk solids — and tandoori paneer rolls.
The prices position Starbucks at the premium end of India's coffee cafes, with a 12 ounce cappuccino retailing for a little over $ 2.
"We've been trying to in a sense crack the code here," Schultz said. The company decided early on they needed to enter India with a local partner, as they did in China. Schultz said he spoke with many interested parties, but none "had the complete suite of things we felt were necessary to build a big, enduring business. That changed the day we met Tata."
Schultz came to India in November 2010 to begin "substantive conversations" with the salt-to-SUVs Tata conglomerate, which were followed by meetings in Seattle and a January 2011 coffee sourcing agreement with Tata Coffee. A year later, Starbucks announced it had formed a 50-50 joint venture with Tata Global Beverages called Tata Starbucks Ltd. At the time, the vice chairman of Tata Global Beverages, R.K. Krishnakumar, said the joint venture hoped to open 50 stores by the end of 2012 — a statement Starbucks has since tried to distance itself from.
The company won't comment on expansion targets, but Schultz pointed to Starbucks' presence in other markets as examples of the scale he is interested in. There are more than 700 outlets in mainland China, he said, and 1,000 in Japan. While those numbers are dwarfed by the over 10,000 outlets in the United States, Asia has emerged as a key driver of growth.
"Asia and the entire Pacific Rim present one of the most significant growth opportunities within Starbucks Coffee Company," Schultz said. "India is at the core, along with China."
Starbucks said in April that China — where it opened an average of one store every four days during fiscal year 2011 — will likely be its second-largest market by 2014.
The partnership with Tata has brought Starbucks access to some prime real estate for its outlets. The Elphinstone Building, for example, is owned by Tata Sons, the holding company that controls the Tata Group. The Taj Mahal hotel, site of the second shop, is also a Tata property.
It has also enabled Starbucks to enter a market with a locally grown and roasted espresso for the first time. The "Indian Espresso Roast" is sourced through an agreement with Tata Coffee, a sister company to Tata Global Beverages.
Unlike Europe, where Starbucks has foundered on entrenched cafe cultures, India is full of young people looking for an unintimidating place to hang out, away from the prying eyes and cramped quarters of home.
Retail consultancy Technopak Advisors predicted India's $ 230 million cafe market will swell to $ 410 million by 2017, with the number of cafes rising from 1,950 to 2,900 in the next five years, in a report released Thursday.
Cafe Coffee Day, which is owned by an Indian coffee conglomerate based in the southern city of Bangalore, has around 1,350 outlets and is the current market leader. A host of international players, like Gloria Jean's, Costa Coffee and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, are already scrambling to catch up. Dunkin Donuts also debuted this year, opening five stores in the year through September, according to Technopak.
Starbucks opens first India store in Mumbai
Starbucks opens first India store in Mumbai
PIF establishes its first commercial paper program
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has announced the establishment of its commercial paper program, adding a new source of funding to its existing instruments.
The program, which allows CP issuance through offshore special purpose vehicles, comprises two sub-programs, a US CP program and a Euro CP program. The program is rated P-1 by Moody’s and F1+ by Fitch, the highest possible ratings for such an initiative.
CP issuances enhance PIF’s short-term financing flexibility and complement its long-term capital raising efforts. CP is a common cash management tool in global financial markets, and the establishment of this program by PIF reflects its agile capital raising strategy.
Fahad AlSaif, PIF’s head of global capital finance and investment strategy and economic insights, said: “The establishment of our CP program reflects the continued strength and depth of PIF’s capital raising strategy, one that is dynamic, resilient, and fit for purpose, aligning funding solutions with our long-term investment priorities.”
PIF’s medium-term capital-raising strategy is built on diversified funding solutions that include a range of instruments, such as bonds, sukuk and loans. In October 2022, PIF became the first sovereign wealth fund globally to issue a green bond including the world’s first century green bond. This was later followed by PIF’s inaugural sukuk issuance priced at $3.5 billion. PIF is rated Aa3 by Moody’s with a stable outlook, and A+ by Fitch, also with a stable outlook.
PIF is one of the world’s most impactful investors, enabling the creation of key sectors and opportunities that help shape the global economy, while driving the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia.
Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR
Sony Middle East and Africa has appointed Ruder Finn Atteline, a global integrated marketing and communications consultancy and the MENA arm of the Ruder Finn group, to manage its regional PR communications mandate across the Middle East. The agency will lead strategic PR communications for Sony’s consumer electronics division, covering Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Egypt.
Ruder Finn Atteline’s appointment includes handling Sony’s BRAVIA televisions, home audio systems, advanced digital imaging products, audio solutions such as the newly expanded ULT Power Sound series, and the INZONE range.
The partnership follows Ruder Finn Atteline’s recent brand refresh and strategic senior appointments, strengthening the agency’s expertise in consumer and corporate communications.
Sophie Simpson, managing director of Ruder Finn Atteline — MENA, said: “Sony is a brand that resonates globally, but also connects deeply with audiences here in the region. This partnership reflects the kind of work we want to do more of — bold, meaningful, and built on shared ambition, while also fulfilling Sony’s purpose to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. As we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East and North Africa, our focus remains on creating real impact for all our clients. Collaborating with iconic brands like Sony propels us closer to our goal of shaping the future of communications through culture and creativity.”
Jobin Joejoe, managing director, Sony Middle East and Africa, added: “At Sony, our ambition is fueled by a relentless drive to inspire and fulfill the curiosity of our audiences across the MENA region. We believe in creating meaningful experiences that go beyond technology. Experiences that connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. Our partnership with Ruder Finn Atteline is a natural extension of this vision.”
Last month, Ruder Finn announced the opening of its fully combined office and regional headquarters in Riyadh, following the successful acquisition of Atteline.
GymNation launches its largest facility in Riyadh
GymNation, the region’s fastest-growing fitness brand, has launched its largest and most advanced (most instagrammable) facility to date in the heart of Qurtubah, Riyadh.
Spanning 77,000 square feet, GymNation’s new flagship sets a new benchmark for health and wellness facilities within Saudi Arabia, further reinforcing its mission to make world-class fitness accessible, affordable, and inclusive for everyone.
Purpose-built to meet the needs of the local community, the facility offers a diverse mix of premium training environments, industry-leading equipment, and specialized spaces tailored to different fitness goals and lifestyles.
In a first for the Kingdom, the gym features the largest ladies-only Reformer Pilates studio in Saudi Arabia, alongside a private Reformer Pilates room.
It also debuts GymNation’s first-ever male spin studio complemented by a dedicated ladies-only spin zone to add to its offerings.
Gym-goers will also benefit from a purpose-built Glute Training Zone, a mind and body studio for holistic health practices, an affiliated HYROX training club for high-performance training, and the region’s largest free weights section.
In addition to its cutting-edge fitness zones, GymNation Qurtubah features a fully equipped recovery area complete with infrared saunas, ice baths, and treatment rooms to support total wellness and optimal performance.
Josh Whitely, KSA country director, said: “After an incredibly successful pre-sell, we opened GymNation Qurtubah, with over 7,000 members on day one, and the initial feedback has been unbelievable, and we are only just getting started.
We’ve got a series of brand-new classes launching, as well as some groundbreaking gym events that will blend fitness, wellness, culture, and music into one amazing space. Riyadh will not have seen anything like GymNation before!”
Speaking about the launch, Loren Holland, founder and CEO of GymNation, said: “Beyond being our largest gym to date, this new Qurtubah location is another symbol of our belief that fitness should be accessible, innovative, and empowering for everyone.
“Saudi Arabia is experiencing a fitness revolution and we’re proud to provide an environment where people of all fitness levels feel welcomed and motivated. We’ve invested significantly to bring not only the biggest gym with the widest selection of equipment and classes Riyadh has ever seen, but also a gym that looks incredible! From lighting to graffiti, all the way through to new fixtures and finishings, we’ve well and truly raised the bar for what a gym experience can be in the Kingdom.”
The launch of the Qurtubah men’s and women's gyms follows GymNation’s record-breaking entry into Saudi Arabia, which saw more than 12,000 pre-opening memberships snapped up in just 72 hours across its initial locations in Jeddah and Alkhobar in 2024.
As Saudi Arabia continues to drive forward its Vision 2030 goals of promoting more active communities, GymNation is uniquely positioned to support this momentum through its commitment to removing barriers around cost, intimidation, and accessibility.
OSP hosts region’s first ever JEC Composites Talks in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia hosted the JEC Composites Talks Middle East on June 24 in Alkhobar, marking the region’s first event fully dedicated to composite materials. Organized by JEC and hosted by the OSP, the event promotes polymer‑based applications, fosters industrial diversification through non‑metallic materials, and accelerates the transfer of innovative technologies while forging partnerships between local and international stakeholders.
Against the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030 and significant investments in the region in advanced materials, fiber‑reinforced composites are emerging as key enablers across sectors such as mobility, construction, energy, oil and gas, and infrastructure.
The JEC Composites Talks Middle East gathered industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore market trends, localization strategies, technological innovation, sustainability, and the composites value chain, capped by a curated networking reception. On June 25, participants visited SPARK, Mateen Bar, and Novel facilities to experience firsthand regional capabilities.
Mohammad Al-Tayyar, program director of OSP, said: “Our partnership with JEC marks a new era for the composites industry in Saudi Arabia paving the way for significant advancements in environmentally efficient solutions and industrial partnerships, ensuring that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of the composites market.”
Thomas Lepretre, vice president sales, events and operations at JEC Group, said: “Middle East and Saudi Arabia represent a strong market potential for composites materials. We are very pleased to be partnering with OSP and being able to serve the composites industry by organizing events in the Kingdom.”
Building on this momentum, the first JEC Forum Middle East — a business meetings‑focused event— will be held in Riyadh on June 23–24, 2026, uniting the region’s composites value chain.
Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2: a tablet to replace office PC?
Bad tools hurt worker productivity more than we usually realize. For the last several decades, laptops have been the default workplace device. But as work becomes increasingly mobile and multitasking-driven, traditional tools are proving inadequate to keep up with the pace and flexibility modern roles demand. According to studies, switching to more portable office devices can deliver noticeable gains. A 2023 IDC study found that 85 percent of companies reported measurable productivity gains after adopting mobile devices like tablets in the workplace.
Tablets, once seen as consumption-focused devices, are stepping in to fill that role. They have evolved into productivity devices, resembling laptops more and more. They now combine the performance of PCs with the agility of mobile devices, creating a powerful, flexible way to get more done from anywhere.
In the past, the biggest drawback of tablets was the software. Doing real work on a tablet meant wrestling with mobile apps scaled up for a bigger screen but without key features one would need. That is no longer the case. Productivity-focused tablets are coming out with PC-level software and full desktop-grade office suites that support advanced functions and shortcuts. Huawei is making great headway in turning tablets into something that can replace office PCs. Huawei’s approach is to provide a hardware and software experience on the same level as laptops while pushing the limits of portability, even beyond what we have come to expect of tablets.
The latest Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2-inch is a case in point. It comes with a keyboard cover and even supports the addition of an external mouse. And it is not the typical tablet keyboard covers with flimsy support, bad viewing angles, crammed keys and an unresponsive touchpad. The Glide Keyboard has large full-sized keys with 1.5 mm key travel and a large trackpad, as in most laptops. Users can also throw in an external mouse if they wish. The support for the M-Pencil adds another dimension of flexibility to the mix and the keyboard cover features a 2-in-1 stylus and keyboard storage and charging design, a first on a tablet.
The story is remarkable on the software side as well. The tablet’s PC-level WPS Office and Live-Multitask feature makes office work surprisingly easy. WPS Office on the tablet mirrors the PC version, including the interface and editing and presentation features. Users can draft documents, manage large spreadsheets, or review design mockups without compromise. The Live-Multitask feature lets you juggle multiple apps seamlessly and resize app windows or switch between them with just a tap.
Portability being yet another major factor that aids productivity, Huawei has worked hard to trim the weight and size of the new tablet with some meticulous design choices. The keyboard is crafted with aerospace-grade materials, and at just 420 grams and 5.15 mm thick, it is the lightest keyboard of its kind.
Perhaps one area where tablets can trump laptops is how they can replace multiple devices and stationery professionals otherwise have to carry around. A tablet can be a replacement for not just laptops but it is also useful for note taking, sketching, and even documentation using the camera. Not having to switch between tools to perform tasks can dramatically streamline productivity.
The MatePad Pro 12.2-inch is available now for pre-order in Saudi Arabia at a starting price SR2,499 ($666), after applying the cashback, with valuable gifts through Huawei’s online store and other authorized retailers.
