"Our customers are pilgrims from all over the world" - a compatriot who opened an Uzbek restaurant in Medina

Until recently, when we heard about our compatriots starting a business abroad, this was perceived as a unique phenomenon and caused surprise. With the opening of Uzbekistan to the world, the number of both those traveling abroad and our compatriots permanently living and starting business activities in foreign countries is increasing.

When we think of Saudi Arabia, we first think of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, millions of Muslims who come to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. In recent years, the number of our compatriots going on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages has increased dramatically. Naturally, for them, daily needs such as service, catering and food in these cities are also becoming important.

In order to ensure that our compatriots can eat like at home even far from their homeland, as well as to introduce Uzbek cuisine and hospitality to tourists from abroad, we met with Nodir Mahmud, who opened the first Uzbek restaurant in the holy Haram area - "Mahmood Kebab". There is a good reason why we call it the first Uzbek restaurant: as our compatriot claims, this is the first Uzbek restaurant opened in the Haram area with 100% Uzbek investment.

**"We wanted to open it in the USA, but our livelihood is in Medina"**

– The history of my entry into the restaurant business dates back to childhood. Like most parents, our father, with the aim of "not letting my child go to waste, let him learn a trade," sent him to a catering establishment near our house as an apprentice - a cook. Gradually, we followed this path, learning the secrets of this trade, and grew up. Our livelihood came from this field, so we were blessed.

We have been planning to go out into the world since we were young. I envied the big brands that are known around the world, and I intended to create such a brand and open a chain of restaurants in many foreign cities ourselves.

We wanted to open our first outlet in the US. While we were going there and learning the ins and outs, a close friend of ours suggested the Medina option. We came. We saw it. We learned it. And since our livelihood was increased, we opened a restaurant there. Yes, it was a big risk. But you can't do without taking risks in business.

**"The main thing in doing business in Saudi Arabia is patience..."**

- Thank God, so far everything is going well. It wasn't easy to start a business. The paperwork, legal concerns, and running around took a long time.

Since Medina is not a capital, it's quieter, and it's mostly a city of people coming for worship and pilgrimage, things are completed more slowly here. The paperwork took 6-7 months. Every business has its difficulties, but a businessman who can't overcome them is not a businessman. Starting a business in Saudi Arabia takes time, knowledge, and most importantly, patience.

**"Our restaurant is always busy"**

– Thousands of diners from all over the world come to our restaurant. They are impressed by our food and hospitality and recommend it to others. It is always busy.

Sometimes, while eating, some foreigners learn about Uzbekistan on the Internet, sit down right there, and buy tickets to our country online. Seeing this inspires us, makes us proud, and gives us strength and energy.

Our goal is to serve the pilgrims and visitors who come to the holy city, to satisfy their needs. In addition, to spread the name of Uzbekistan to the world more widely through our route, to introduce our country.