Shrimp Nation, a Saudi homegrown food and beverage brand and one of the fastest-growing seafood restaurant concepts in the Middle East, has announced that the country’s leading private equity firm, Olive Rock Partners, has acquired a 30% stake in the business, setting the stage for significant regional and global expansion.
This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Shrimp Nation,” said Mohammed Abualizz, Founder and CEO of Shrimp Nation. “Olive Rock’s investment in our brand is a strategic alliance that will enable us to scale with purpose. Saudi Arabia is a high-growth market with immense potential that aligns with our mission to become the region’s leading seafood dining destination. With Olive Rock’s expertise and support, we are confident to accelerate our expansion across the region and beyond, while redefining what modern seafood dining looks like in new markets. Our shared vision is to build a globally recognized, culturally rooted brand that resonates across borders.”
Founded in late 2018, Shrimp Nation has rapidly grown into one of the widest-reaching and fastest-growing Saudi F&B concepts. As of 2025, the brand operates 35 branches across the Middle East, with a presence in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Egypt.
Muhannad Qubbaj, Founding Partner at Olive Rock Partners, stated: “Saudi founders are building businesses of real substance — and Shrimp Nation is exactly that. Rooted in Saudi culture and led by a driven team, it has grown from a bold dining concept into a cultural force. As the Kingdom’s investment and SME landscape rapidly evolves, Olive Rock backs exceptional people who know their market, stay true to their identity, and scale with purpose. This is more than capital — it’s a long-term partnership grounded in shared values and belief in the power of Saudi entrepreneurship.
“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for local champions to scale, innovate, and drive economic diversification,” said Abdullah Shahin, Founding Partner at Olive Rock Partners. “Shrimp Nation is uniquely positioned to contribute to this transformation—not only by growing its footprint, but by creating quality jobs, nurturing local talent, and building robust businesses. We’re proud to support the team in institutionalizing the business and elevating it into a regional F&B leader.”
