Early Life
Abdullah Al Othaim was born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1957. He was exposed to the retail business from a young age through his father, Sheikh Saleh bin Ali Al-Othaim, who founded the Saleh Al Othaim Trading Establishment in 1956. Abdullah assisted in the family business, learning the principles of trade.
Rise to Success
After his father's death in 1979, Abdullah and his brothers inherited the business. Abdullah chose to continue the retail venture, establishing Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets in 1980. He focused on expanding the business through the opening of multiple wholesale and retail centers. The company went public in 2008, and Abdullah Al Othaim owns a significant stake.
Key Business Strategies
Key to Al Othaim's success has been expanding the retail chain. In 2024, the company operated 465 stores, including 408 in Saudi Arabia and 57 in Egypt. The company’s revenue for 2024 was nearly $2.9 Billion. The company has also focused on offering competitive prices and promotions to maintain and grow its market share. Al Othaim is also the chairman of Al Othaim Holding Company which runs shopping malls and restaurants.
Philanthropy
Abdullah Al Othaim established the Abdullah Saleh Al-Othaim and Sons Charitable Foundation in 2008, which focuses on sustainable charitable work. The foundation supports various initiatives in education, healthcare, housing, and support for vulnerable populations. Al Othaim's companies have also been involved in campaigns such as the "No Hajj Without Vaccination Campaign" and the "Spare Change Donation Program."