In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s ever-evolving cultural and economic renaissance, one name stands out as a force of transformation in the world of food and entrepreneurship—Mona Mosly. Known to the public as a celebrity chef and judge on MBC’s “Top Chef Middle East,” Mosly has proven herself to be more than just a talented cook. She is a visionary entrepreneur, a passionate advocate for women in business, and a brand-builder who has carved out a pioneering space for Saudi culinary arts on the global stage.
As Saudi Arabia opens new frontiers through Vision 2030, Mona Mosly’s trajectory mirrors the country’s ambitions. She has not only redefined what it means to be a chef in the Kingdom but has also built a multi-faceted entrepreneurial empire—spanning restaurants, media, partnerships, mentorship programs, and culinary innovation.
A Heritage Rooted in Flavor: The Foundation of an Entrepreneur
Born and raised in Jeddah to a Syrian mother and Saudi father, Mona Mosly’s love for food began in her family kitchen, where she grew up learning the secrets of Levantine and Arabian cuisine. Her upbringing immersed her in traditions that would later influence her brand identity as a chef. However, Mosly never settled for domestic mastery alone. She had a dream: to turn her passion into an international business.
To lay the foundation for a serious culinary career, she studied at the Institute Villa Pierrefeu in Switzerland, an elite finishing school, and later attended the Le Cordon Bleu in London, one of the most prestigious culinary institutions in the world. These experiences gave her a global perspective, technical skill, and an understanding of culinary business operations that would be instrumental in shaping her future ventures.
From Chef to Brand: Building the Mona Mosly Enterprise
Mona Mosly’s entrepreneurial journey began in earnest after her return to Saudi Arabia. Initially joining Leylaty Group, one of the country’s most luxurious event and hospitality firms, she immersed herself in the operations side of culinary business. From staffing and logistics to high-end menu development, Mosly was gaining more than kitchen experience—she was learning how to manage and scale.
Her time with Al-Multaqa, one of Jeddah’s high-profile restaurants, further propelled her into the public eye. Notably, she was one of the first Saudi women to work in a professional kitchen in a leadership role. What might have been a personal achievement became a symbol of possibility for Saudi women across sectors.
As her name grew, Mosly transitioned into entrepreneurship, using her visibility and knowledge to craft a personal brand that now extends well beyond her television presence. She strategically positioned herself not only as a chef but as a culinary entrepreneur and media personality.
Strategic Collaborations: A Businesswoman’s Instinct
One of the key elements of Mosly’s success as an entrepreneur lies in her ability to forge strategic partnerships that serve business and culture simultaneously. In 2023, she was chosen as the face and culinary mastermind behind VOX Cinemas’ revamped menu in Saudi Arabia. It was a groundbreaking initiative—Mosly brought gourmet Saudi-fusion cuisine into cinema spaces, blending entertainment with fine dining in a way that had not been attempted in the region before.
Her VOX menu, featuring dishes like kibbeh nachos with mohamara sauce and Thai curry salmon, was more than just inventive food. It was a business model—scalable, brandable, and culturally resonant. The collaboration demonstrated her understanding of market positioning and customer experience, merging local flavors with international appeal.
Furthermore, she has also served as a culinary ambassador for global food brands, including European dairy producers, and participated in food festivals, such as the Singapore “Cream of Europe” campaign. These collaborations enhance her profile not only as a chef but as a businesswoman operating across borders.
Mona Mosly as a Media Entrepreneur
A major pillar of Mona Mosly’s entrepreneurial empire is her media presence. As a judge on “Top Chef Middle East,” she brings a wealth of credibility and experience, but beyond that, she serves as a business-savvy communicator. Television provides her a high-reach platform to showcase her brand identity, culinary ethos, and role as a mentor to rising talent.
Her media impact extends into digital entrepreneurship. With hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram, Mosly has built a social media presence that functions not only as a personal diary but as a business channel. She uses her platforms to:
- Launch new collaborations
- Promote culinary content and products
- Host giveaways and cooking sessions
- Announce pop-ups and private dining experiences
In this way, Mona Mosly effectively monetizes her visibility and leverages content into capital.
Culinary Education as a Business Stream
Another aspect of her entrepreneurial journey is mentorship and education. Through masterclasses, private workshops, and appearances at food festivals, Mosly is building a knowledge economy around her brand. These sessions provide value to aspiring chefs, food entrepreneurs, and even corporate clients looking to enhance hospitality operations.
Her goal is not just to inspire but to enable the next generation of chefs to build careers and businesses, particularly women. In a country where the professional culinary path was once seen as inaccessible or inappropriate for women, Mosly has opened doors and offered blueprints for financial independence through food.
The Restaurant Vision: Planting the Seeds for a Saudi Culinary Legacy
Though she’s known for her media and consulting work, Mosly is also laying the groundwork for a future chain of restaurants and boutique culinary ventures. While details remain under wraps, she has alluded to opening a flagship concept restaurant in Riyadh or Jeddah—one that reflects her signature blend of contemporary Saudi cuisine with global accents.
This isn’t just about opening another eatery—it’s about establishing a new Saudi culinary identity that can be franchised, exported, and globally recognized. Mona Mosly understands the power of restaurants not only as food experiences but as cultural export businesses.
Breaking Cultural Barriers: The Female Entrepreneurial Edge
Mona Mosly’s rise cannot be separated from her status as a female pioneer in the Saudi business ecosystem. Long before Vision 2030 encouraged greater female participation in the workforce, Mosly was redefining gender norms in professional kitchens.
Her success story has provided tangible proof that Saudi women can lead, create, and innovate in competitive industries. Today, she serves as a mentor and advocate, encouraging aspiring female entrepreneurs to embrace the challenges and turn obstacles into enterprises.
Awards and Recognition: Cementing Her Influence
Over the years, Mosly has received multiple accolades for her role in elevating Saudi cuisine and for her leadership in the business of food. She has been featured in Forbes Middle East, Arab News, and Gulf Business, and is frequently invited to speak at regional and international business forums related to food, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
She is also frequently spotlighted by government initiatives that showcase female-led startups in the Kingdom, further solidifying her role as a leader and changemaker in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial narrative.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Mona Mosly?
With the culinary empire she’s built, Mona Mosly is showing no signs of slowing down. Her future roadmap includes:
- Launching her own restaurant chain or flagship boutique brand
- Expanding culinary consulting services across the GCC
- Producing a TV show under her own production company
- Publishing a cookbook with entrepreneurial and cultural insights
- Continuing her mission to empower women in food and business
These plans point to a trajectory that is as strategic as it is creative. In a rapidly diversifying economy like Saudi Arabia’s, Mona Mosly is not just keeping up—she is leading.
Conclusion
Mona Mosly embodies the new face of Saudi entrepreneurship—rooted in heritage, empowered by education, and driven by innovation. From television screens to five-star kitchens, from Instagram to cinema menus, she has built a brand that is diverse, impactful, and scalable.
Her story reflects the spirit of a nation in transformation. As Saudi Arabia continues to champion entrepreneurship, female leadership, and cultural revitalization, Mona Mosly’s work offers not just recipes, but a roadmap for building empires with flavor, flair, and foresight.
