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As part of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol’s recent visit to the Middle East, the global coffee chain celebrated key regional milestones and announced its new EmpowerME initiative.
The new initiative in the Middle East will see the coffee chain provide US$6 million in grants to support mentorship, skills development, and career readiness for an estimated 250,000 youth in the region.
“This builds upon our legacy of supporting communities and ensuring young people have the tools and training they need to succeed,” Starbucks said in a statement.
It is part of a broader collaboration between The Starbucks Foundation, the company’s Middle East franchise partner Alshaya Group, INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA, and Habitat Association.
“For more than 25 years, the Middle East market has played an important role in Starbucks’ global journey,” Starbucks said.
“Spending time in stores, meeting with green apron partners, and engaging with business partners at Alshaya Group reinforced for visiting leaders the company’s deep commitment to the communities, partners and customers in the region.”
Additionally, Starbucks celebrated the reopening of the newly refurbished Starbucks Reserve store at The Avenues in Kuwait. The two-storey, 5000-square foot venue is said to be the world’s largest Starbucks store.
Starbucks currently has more than 1300 stores in the Middle East where it operates through a licensing agreement with Alshaya Group. Over the next five years, the company plans to open 500 new stores and create 5000 jobs in the region.
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