From ‘boss’s wife’ to building a grocery empire: How Kibsons CEO Halima Jumani reinvented UAE’s grocery game

Dubai: Halima Jumani, CEO of Kibsons, oversees a team of 1,000 professionals and processes over 5,000 daily orders. Yet, her philosophy is simple: “I need to like me. Others do not need to like me.” Known for her role as the “bad cop” at work and home, she believes that rules create the discipline necessary for success.

“I've always been clear about the idea that I am not here to win any popularity contest," Halima told the hosts of Gulf News' brand-new podcast, ‘The Hustle – Powered by Jetex'.

"They know that they cannot mess around with me, and that’s okay. I hope they also understand that if they are committed to their work and show results, no one will be more appreciative of that than me,” she said.

Halima’s path to the top of the e-commerce grocery empire was not a given. She shared a personal story about coming from a middle-class family where her father had to choose between her higher education and her brother’s. “What you see here today is not how I spent my entire life,” she said.

As part of the founding family of Kibsons' online home delivery service, she has played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion. Today, she manages all finance and operations, and is committed to sourcing and supporting local businesses, with over 75 local brands now on the Kibsons website.

Her leadership extends beyond the bottom line. She is known for creating a brand synonymous with quality, transparency, and a strong sense of community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created 400 new jobs, increased employee pay and provided a 40 per cent bonus for overtime hours.

When not leading Kibsons, Halima prioritises time with her family, including her three children, aged 13, 19, and 20.

The Hustle returns following a highly successful season premiere last month. In episode two, we sit down with Halima to explore her journey—from the challenges of being overlooked in higher education to leading a company in a male-dominated industry. She opens up about building a business alongside her husband, her passion for motorsports, and the highs and lows that have shaped her path. It's an inspiring conversation packed with resilience, ambition, and drive.

Subscribe to ‘The Hustle’ wherever you get your podcasts and become part of a community dedicated to pushing boundaries and building a brighter future.

Want to be on The Hustle? Write to us at Thehustle@gulfnews.com