Alshaya Launches First Global Talent Centre in Egypt, Boosting Digital Expansion

Alshaya Group has officially opened its first offshoring Global Talent Centre in Egypt, marking a new chapter for the retailer as it doubles down on digital services and shared operations. The launch took place at the company’s new head office in Citystars, Cairo, under the patronage of Eng. Ahmed El Zaher, CEO of the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), and in the presence of Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden. The timing also coincides with 20 years since Alshaya began operating in Egypt.

The new centre is more than just another office space. It sits at the heart of Alshaya’s plan to strengthen its technology and operations backbone, while tapping into what many in the industry see as Egypt’s biggest asset: its young, skilled workforce. If you’ve been following the offshoring story in the region, you’ll know Egypt has become a bit of a magnet for shared services and IT functions. And this move feels spot on.

Back in November 2025, Alshaya took part in a Presidential Roundtable chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi after attending the Global Offshoring Summit. During that visit, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ITIDA, witnessed by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly. The agreement focuses on cooperation across operations management, IT services, engineering and research, as well as building digital capabilities locally. A key element is leveraging ITIDA’s IT Skills portal to support recruitment, training and career development for Egyptian professionals who will contribute to Alshaya’s regional and international operations.

Commenting on the opening, John Hadden said the Group is proud to celebrate 20 years in Egypt, describing the country as a strategic partner in its regional expansion. He noted that since launching in 2006, Alshaya has steadily increased its footprint, bringing international brands and new customer experiences to the market. Hadden also highlighted the importance of the new Global Talent Centre in strengthening shared services and developing Egyptian expertise in technology and operations, adding that the energy and ambition of the country’s young workforce remains central to the company’s long-term plans.

Eng. Ahmed El Zaher welcomed the step, saying the launch reinforces Egypt’s position as a leading destination for IT and business services. He pointed to the country’s broad talent pool and the rising demand from global firms to scale shared services and operational functions from Egypt, positioning it as a hub for digital services and Gulf investment.

I’ve lost count of the number of founders across MENA who tell me that hiring skilled tech teams at scale can be a real headache. So when a group of Alshaya’s size commits to building a structured talent pipeline in Cairo, it sends a signal. And believe it or not, these large corporate moves often create ripple effects for startups too, from supplier networks to experienced professionals who later join or launch new ventures. At Arageek, we’ve seen how exposure to global operations can quietly shape the next wave of entrepreneurs… well, that cross-pollination matters.

Alshaya had already laid some groundwork. At the end of 2024, it established Alshaya Contact and Technology Services in Cairo. Today, the new Global Talent Centre supports operations across 16 markets in the MENA region, as well as Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Central and Eastern Europe, Greece and Cyprus. Services provided from Cairo range from customer care and contact centres to loyalty programmes, marketing and communications, IT and technical support, and even real estate project management.

The company plans to expand the centre over the next two years, creating more than 400 new jobs for Egyptian nationals. These roles are designed to offer longer-term career paths and skills development, not just short-term contracts. I reckon that’s where the real value sits, building capabilities that stay in the market.

Alshaya has been operating in Egypt since 2006, across Cairo, Giza and Alexandria, managing well-known brands including H&M, Starbucks, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret and American Eagle. Globally, the Kuwait-founded family business, established in 1890, runs more than 3,500 stores, cafés and leisure destinations, alongside logistics, food production and over 125 digital businesses, including its Aura loyalty programme.

For Egypt’s digital economy ambitions, this is definately a notable vote of confidence. On the flip side, the real test will be execution, retaining talent, scaling efficiently, and ensuring the centre remains more than just a back-office function. Still, as regional competition for tech talent heats up, Cairo is clearly throwing its hat into the ring. And this latest move suggests it intends to stay there.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!

✉️ Send Us Your Story 👇

https://en.arageek.com/send-us-your-story-or-a-news-tip