KSA-Based Shrimp Nation Sells 30 Percent Stake To Olive Rock

Shrimp Nation, a KSA-born seafood chain, has sold a 30 percent stake to the Abu Dhabi-based private equity firm Olive Rock Partners to support its expansion across the Kingdom and into international markets. 

Founded by Saudi entrepreneur Mohammed Abualizz in 2018, Shrimp Nation has grown from a single concept in Saudi Arabia into a regional player with 35 branches (as of this year) across the Kingdom, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Egypt. 

With the enterprise now set to expand into new markets, Abualizz, founder and CEO, Shrimp Nation, told Inc. Arabia that balancing brand consistency with local relevance is a key part of its growth strategy. “We’ve focused on staying true to our core brand identity, while remaining flexible in our approach,” Abualizz said. “We listen closely to local customer feedback, adapt where needed without compromising the essence of our concept, and leverage strong marketing strategies tailored to each market. Our brand’s success lies in its universal appeal—offering an innovative dining experience rooted in Gulf culture that resonates across borders.” 

According to Abualizz, the deal with Olive Rock is a strategic step forward for the enterprise. The private equity firm—co-founded by Muhannad Qubbaj and Abdullah Shahin—was one of the first independent players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and it is known for backing growth-stage businesses with both capital and operational guidance. Through its partnership with Olive Rock, Shrimp Nation aims to deepen its domestic footprint and chart its way into new international markets; however, Abualizz says the goal is not just scale, but sustainability.  

“We chose to partner with a private equity firm at this stage because we saw the value in having a strategic partner who could support our long-term vision—not just financially, but also in terms of governance, operational rigor, and sustainable growth,” Abualizz explained. “As we moved into a phase of accelerated expansion, it became clear that aligning with the right investment partner would be key to scaling effectively without compromising our core values. Olive Rock stood out for their deep understanding of regional growth dynamics, and their ability to bring both capital and strategic guidance to the table.” 

A Shrimp Nation outlet. Image courtesy Shrimp Nation.

Growth rarely comes without obstacles; however, Abualizz refers to his company’s navigation of the COVID-19 crisis as having been a defining test of Shrimp Nation’s strategy in this regard. "One of the most unexpected and important challenges we faced during our rapid expansion was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic,” Abualizz recalled. “Despite the uncertainty, we remained committed to our growth strategy and took proactive steps to ensure that momentum wasn't lost. Our management team stayed closely connected with frontline staff, reinforcing a culture of operational resilience and consistency across all locations.” 

While such values continue to be at the core of Shrimp Nation, Abualizz said that he is also keeping tabs on shifting consumer behaviors in the region. “We’re closely watching the rise of experiential dining—concepts that blend food with design, storytelling, and social relevance,” Abualizz noted. “There’s also a strong interest in homegrown brands that offer authenticity while maintaining global standards. Consumers today are looking for more than just a good meal—they want an emotional connection, a memorable experience, and a brand they can relate to. We believe these shifts will define the next five years, and we’re building Shrimp Nation with that future in mind.” 

For entrepreneurs just entering the food and beverage (F&B) space, Abualizz stresses the importance of building a brand with purpose, and staying grounded in a clear identity from day one. “Start with absolute clarity on your brand identity—what it stands for, what makes it different, and why it matters to your target audience,” he said. “In a crowded and fast-moving market, having a concept that is both authentic and emotionally resonant is key. That clarity becomes your north star, guiding decisions across product development, marketing, and customer experience.” 

But vision alone isn’t enough, Abualizz noted. “The one thing founders must get right from day one is operational excellence,” he explained. “A compelling brand will get people through the door, but it’s consistent quality, attention to detail, and seamless execution that keep them coming back. From kitchen workflows to customer service, building a solid operational foundation is what ultimately drives sustainable growth.” 

But while growth needs to be a priority, Abualizz is clear-eyed about the risks of expanding too quickly without the right foundation in place. "Don’t chase scale for the sake of it,” he said. “Growing too fast without the right infrastructure, talent, or systems in place can quickly unravel even the strongest concepts. Scale should be earned through discipline and readiness—not rushed. Stay true to your values, grow with intention, and always build from a place of strength.” 

Pictured in the lead image are the leadership from Shrimp Nation and Olive Rock Partners. Image courtesy Shrimp Nation.