Businessman Ahmad Al Khatib Aiesh, one of our most valued clients, is the sole administrator and owner of the Olivenza slaughterhouse, through his company Golden Worldwide Trade, headquartered in Olivenza (Badajoz). This Jordanian entrepreneur, based between Olivenza and Barcelona, has become a major investor in Extremadura. At the same time, as a true admirer of this land, he is now the main driving force behind the interest of wealthy individuals from the Arab Emirates in investing significantly in the region.
What led you to invest in Extremadura?
After a long period seeking institutional and business support across Spain, unfortunately, it was not successful. Then, on a friend’s recommendation, I came to Extremadura. I discovered a region rich in everything, especially in the agri-food industry, which is my primary interest, with lands and food qualities that are hard to find elsewhere. My goal, as I’ve always said since I arrived, is to make Extremadura the pantry of the Arab world — exporting meat, oil, olives, canned goods... everything that the Arab world needs and that I have found in this land.
All of this has been made possible thanks to the determined support of the regional administration, producers, and surrounding myself with the most expert and professional people and companies in the sector — among them, Arram Consultores, who have provided the necessary guidance to help expand the potential of my company.
When did you realize Arram was the right engineering partner for this agri-food project in Extremadura?
We were looking for a company with in-depth knowledge of the sector, capable of advising us and being the executing arm of our short- and long-term investments. From our first meeting, I realized we could achieve great things together in this sector. Honestly, from the very beginning, the company’s leadership believed in me and in what we were proposing. They invested in us, not only for the professional potential we represented but also for what it could mean for all of Extremadura.
Of course, we also explored and met with other engineering firms — it was crucial to make sure we surrounded ourselves with trustworthy, resourceful, and professional people who truly understood the importance and potential of our investments. Keep in mind that our main clients, in addition to the Gulf countries and Africa, are in the United Arab Emirates, where the highest quality is required, along with strict compliance with Muslim rites. That’s why we seek not only the best raw material producers but also the best professionals along the entire value chain to make it happen.
What do you think Arram has contributed to your company so far?
Since we began our journey in the agri-food sector of Extremadura, Arram Consultores has always been by our side as consultants and engineers in various projects. At the Olivenza slaughterhouse, we have become one of the few in Europe with the capacity to slaughter 150 lambs or 45 cattle per hour following halal ritual. Their experience in management, implementation, and industrial expansion has been crucial. In addition, thanks to their advice and sector knowledge, we have established a network of contacts that helped us grow, specialize, and export all kinds of products from Extremadura to Muslim and other markets.
For me, Arram is an engineering firm with a highly efficient approach to everything they do, always focused on client success and differentiation. They have become a strategic ally for me both nationally and internationally — and not just for me, but also for many other entrepreneurs across different industries with whom I’ve shared ideas.
How has it been working with them?
As I mentioned before, they work in a very organized and efficient way, which is reflected in the results we’ve achieved. They have a great team, highly professional and experienced — something extremely valuable to us, as we have consolidated our industry knowledge thanks to them. They give us great peace of mind: things are always done well, and when unforeseen issues arise, they always find the best solutions — as it should be.
Currently, we are expanding the slaughterhouse to include meat processing, and we are also working with them on various agricultural projects in the region, as well as facilities for horse breeding.
