In a milestone for accessibility and inclusion, Starbucks at Alshaya Group is proud to announce their first signal language shops in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with LiajLehum Affiliation. The initiative creates areas the place deaf and hard-of-hearing prospects can join and supply Saudi companions with specialised coaching in Saudi Signal Language – laying the muse for future employment pathways for folks with disabilities.The primary retailer, situated at Al Takhassousi – Awal Plaza, was inaugurated within the presence of Prince Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Farhan Al Saud, CEO of LiajLehum Affiliation for Individuals with Disabilities, alongside Abdullah Faisal, Regional Folks Director at Alshaya Group, and Robert Hardie, Vice President of Model & Buyer Expertise at Starbucks.Starbucks additionally highlighted its second signal language retailer at Riyadh Boulevard Reserve, which has already develop into a hub for the Deaf neighborhood by means of inclusive occasions held over the previous two months.Empowering folks with disabilitiesThis initiative displays a shared dedication to inclusion and alternative. By way of collaboration with LiajLehum – a number one group supporting folks with disabilities – Starbucks companions accomplished over 36 hours of Saudi Signal Language coaching, making certain that prospects can get pleasure from a seamless and welcoming expertise. Future plans embrace increasing employment alternatives for people with dedication throughout Starbucks shops within the Kingdom.The opening of those shops helps Saudi Arabia’s Imaginative and prescient 2030 aims for social inclusion and financial empowerment, in addition to the High quality of Life Program’s dedication to creating accessible environments for all. By offering employment pathways and specialised coaching for folks with disabilities, Starbucks reinforces its position as a accomplice in attaining nationwide objectives for range, inclusion, and sustainable improvement.Talking on the occasion, Prince Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Farhan Al Saud, CEO of LiajLehum Affiliation for Individuals with Disabilities, mentioned: “We’re honored to collaborate with Starbucks and Alshaya Group in opening Saudi Arabia’s first signal language shops. This step reaffirms our dedication to empowering the deaf and hard-of-hearing neighborhood by facilitating communication in Saudi Signal Language and enhancing their inclusion in society.”LiajLehum has supported over 70,000 households throughout Saudi Arabia, providing steering and bettering high quality of life by means of packages equivalent to rehabilitation, job placements, and inventive arts. Their experience ensures that Starbucks companions obtain the coaching and instruments wanted to ship distinctive experiences in an inclusive setting.Robert Hardie, Vice President of Model & Buyer Expertise at Starbucks, added: “Opening our first signal language shops in Saudi Arabia demonstrates our dedication to inclusion and empowering folks with dedication. These shops supply greater than only a espresso expertise; they’re very important areas for connection and alternatives. Partnering with LiajLehum makes this imaginative and prescient a actuality, and we’re proud to help our workforce as they acquire new abilities that improve communication and create significant experiences.”The Riyadh launch joins a rising world community of Starbucks Signing Shops designed to create inclusive areas for the deaf and hard-of-hearing neighborhood. The primary retailer opened in Malaysia in 2016, adopted by areas in the US, China, Japan, and Kuwait, which launched its first Signing Retailer in Might 2025. Every retailer displays Starbucks’ dedication to accessibility and alternative, providing tailor-made coaching and employment pathways for folks with disabilities. Starbucks at Alshaya GroupStarbucks Espresso Firm, the worldwide coffeehouse and roastery chain, operates within the Center East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia areas as a licensed franchise beneath the umbrella of Alshaya Group, one of many world’s main model franchise operators. Because the premier roaster and retailer of specialty espresso within the area, Starbucks at Alshaya Group seamlessly integrates world espresso experience and native knowhow. Starbucks at Alshaya Group is all about nurturing the human connection, bringing collectively native communities and delivering memorable buyer experiences. We work to make sure the best requirements of high quality and excellence in bringing you an ethically sourced, high-quality cup of Arabica espresso. Serving up espresso and connections to attract our world nearer, Starbucks at Alshaya Group at present operates greater than 2,000 shops in 13 international locations within the area.Study extra about your good cup of Starbucks espresso: https://www.alshaya.com/en/manufacturers/meals/starbucks/




