In 2017, a young man from Kerala, India, stepped into the professional world with a head full of dreams and an MBA in hand. His name was Abdul Hakeem. Like many fresh graduates, he began his career in the corporate sector in his case, within the automobile industry as a human resources professional. Over the next eight years, Hakeem navigated through various senior roles, sharpening his skills and understanding the complexities of different business environments.
But he always felt a deeper calling. It wasn’t just about building a career; it was about building something meaningful something that would touch people’s lives in a real and lasting way. In 2021, he decided to take a leap of faith and moved to the Gulf region in search of new opportunities. This bold move would become the turning point in his journey.
Living in the Gulf gave Hakeem a broader perspective on market gaps and consumer needs. He observed that while many brands offered essential products, there was a lack of balance between quality and affordability. This observation sparked an idea: what if he could create a brand that offered premium everyday essentials without the premium price tag?
The concept began to take shape, and in December 2024, his vision was born—Gulf Foods International. Based in Oman, the company would operate under the brand name Noor Arabian, reflecting the values of light, purity, and trust. Unlike large corporations focused purely on margins, Hakeem’s mission was different: to deliver quality products that families could rely on, day in and day out.
By April 2025, Noor Arabian launched its first two products: tea powder and sugar. Simple, everyday items—but with a difference. These products were carefully sourced, refined under strict quality controls, and priced fairly. The goal was not just to sell products, but to build trust and deliver value to households across the region.
But this is only the beginning.
Abdul Hakeem and his team at Gulf Foods International are already working on expanding the product line to include other staples such as coffee and rice. Their dream is big to turn Noor Arabian into a globally recognized FMCG brand, known for quality, affordability, and integrity.
Every product that bears the Noor Arabian label represents more than just an item on a grocery list. It represents care, consistency, and commitment to excellence. Hakeem believes that food is more than sustenance, it’s about comfort, connection, and culture. And through Gulf Foods International, he aims to serve communities across the world with products that uplift everyday life.
Today, what started as a dream in Kerala has become a growing brand in the Gulf. Abdul Hakeem’s story is not just about entrepreneurship; it’s about purpose, perseverance, and the belief that even the simplest ideas like tea and sugar, can create meaningful change when guided by passion.
For more information, visit: www.thegulffoods.com