The historic opening of the first Uzbek restaurant at the Haram in Medina

Creating moments of joy and satisfaction

The mission at Mahmood Kebab is to create moments of joy and satisfaction for the guests of the restaurant while also creating a nurturing environment for the restaurant’s staff.

“We aim to elevate people’s quality of life and make it more flavorful,” Makhmudov says. “Mahmood Kebab is an Uzbek restaurant that blends traditional cuisine with modern hospitality standards. We offer dishes like shashlik (grilled skewers), samsa, pilaf, and more–all embodying the rich flavours of Central Asia.” The restaurant exclusively uses fresh, locally sourced meat from Saudi Arabia, ensuring quality and compliance with the highest halal standards.

Expanding to Saudi Arabia

“When we learned about the construction of the As Safiyyah Museum & Park in Medina, the location immediately caught our attention. For me, as both an entrepreneur and a Muslim, opening an Uzbek restaurant in this sacred city was a personal dream,” Makhmudov says.

Makhmudov flew to Medina and opened discussions with the museum’s administration. They emphasized the uniqueness of the Uzbek cuisine and its adherence to halal standards. The administration’s response was to offer the restaurant the space to bring Makhmudov’s vision to life.

Registering a branch of the Uzbek company in Saudi Arabia did pose some problems and took time. Makhmudov attributes several Saudi government entities with helping the group maneuver through the complex process.

“We are especially grateful to the Saudi Arabian government for facilitating this opportunity,” Makhmudov says.

Plans to create an international brand

With a team of highly skilled professionals, Makhmudov hopes to set an example as a “transparent, halal, and nationally rooted brand.” His ultimate goal is to establish the largest international halal restaurant chain.

“Looking ahead, the company has ambitious plans: opening new branches, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding its network worldwide under the Mahmood Kebab brand,” Makhmudov says.

There are already three restaurants in Tashkent, Uzbekistan with plans to expand internationally. With the fourth restaurant now open in the Haram of Medina, Mahmood Kebab employs 150 employees that serve over 100,000 guests a month across all the locations. Makhmudov already has plans to open two additional restaurants in Saudi Arabia, including one in Mecca.

“Expanding our presence in key cities in Saudi Arabia and other countries is a top priority,” Makhmudov explains. “We are also actively developing our franchise program. This initiative allows us to collaborate with partners who share our values, enabling faster growth while maintaining our commitment to quality.”

Mahmood Kebab in the Haram of Medina is more than a restaurant. To Makhmudov it’s a dream realised. The opening of the restaurant is a historic milestone, bridging cultures while enhancing the halal dining market. Makhmudov is proud and thrilled to bring Uzbek cuisine to a global audience.