A Pre-Vision 2030 Architect of Change
Most success stories in Saudi today are being written during a time of rapid reform. Basma’s story is different — she wrote hers before the system changed.
She built her brand, her voice, and her business at a time when entrepreneurship was difficult, and female leadership in hospitality was nearly nonexistent.
“I didn’t wait for an opening. I created one.”
The Elevator That Defined a Career
Basma grew up in Saudi Arabia during a time when opportunities for women were extremely limited. She was one of four sisters in a society where the birth of a boy was highly anticipated. This early experience of gender-based expectations shaped her drive to prove her worth, not just as a woman but as an individual capable of achieving greatness.
Her childhood lacked visible female role models in leadership or public spaces. This void compelled her to "invent the role" she wanted to play in society. The traditional environment often restricted women's presence in the workplace and public life, making Basma’s aspirations seem like a distant dream.
In a company of 10,000 employees, she was the only woman. When HR banned her from using the elevator, she took the stairs. Not for one day, but every day.
Those stairs weren’t just steps — they were a silent protest, a mindset, and a daily reminder:
No one can limit how high you go, unless you let them.
From Chef to Strategic Consultant
Basma isn’t a typical chef. Her company, Arabian Culinary Logistics (ACL), designs and scales food ventures with the rigor of a consulting firm.
Her projects include:
- Alieía – Greek seafood elegance on the Red Sea, offering a serene, Mediterranean-inspired dining experience grounded in freshness and authenticity.
- Khalila – A Middle Eastern membership lounge for modern culture, blending heritage flavors with a luxurious social experience.
- The Good Butcher – A sustainable, meat-first concept that emphasizes quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing, launched at the prestigious location that once housed Nobu in Jeddah.
- The Social Kitchen – Her flagship concept, celebrating Saudi hospitality with modern culinary creativity in a space designed to foster community and conversation.
- The Social Bakery – A refined dessert destination that reimagines classic pastries with a local twist, known for its artisanal quality and seasonal menu.
These aren’t side projects — they’re case studies in brand building, system design, and cultural relevance.
Emotional Intelligence as Strategy
What truly sets Basma apart is not just execution — it’s her emotional fluency.
She leads with empathy. She speaks about therapy. She treats emotional honesty as a business asset.
“Sensitivity isn’t a weakness. It’s insight. It helps you lead better, build stronger, and create deeper connections.”
In a world of hard metrics, Basma’s leadership proves that the soft stuff is actually the hard stuff — and the most powerful.
The Social Kitchen: Hospitality with a Mission
Founded in 2013, The Social Kitchen became a movement in Jeddah. It wasn’t just about food — it was about belonging, beauty, and bold femininity in a space traditionally dominated by men.
Her goal wasn’t just to feed people. It was to remind them what it feels like to be home — even in a restaurant. The restaurant is a blend of elevated dining and comforting hospitality, where Saudi culture meets cosmopolitan execution.
It has since expanded in influence, spawning sister concepts like The Social Bakery, which captures the same ethos in the form of refined desserts and curated sweets.
Recognitions and Impact
Basma has been featured as a keynote speaker at regional forums and international food summits, where she represents Saudi Arabia’s evolving culinary voice. She has been honored as one of the most influential women in hospitality in the region by various media outlets.
She also serves as a cultural ambassador, using food to bridge communities and contribute to the global perception of Saudi culture as dynamic, innovative, and inclusive.
Her work has been highlighted in top publications, including Arab News, SceneNow, and Fact Magazine, and she continues to mentor young Saudi women looking to enter the business and F&B landscape.
Additionally, Basma played a major advisory role in hospitality experience development during large national events such as Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season.
What Young Consultants Should Learn
- Don’t wait for change — initiate it.
- Think like a builder, act like a brand.
- Systems win, not solo genius.
- Soft power > loud presence.
- Build businesses that feel.
A Saudi Pioneer for the Next Era
To Basma, the Saudi of today is full of opportunity. But she didn’t wait for that. She paved the path when the soil was dry — and that’s what makes her journey timeless.
“As much as you give to your country, your country will give back to you.”
Her success isn’t loud. It’s lasting.
Basma El-Khereiji didn’t just break glass ceilings.She laid floors for others to rise.
For every consultant rising today — her journey is more than a story.
It’s a strategy worth modeling.
